Buddy Matthews is officially on the road back to AEW competition after revealing he has been medically cleared to return following a lengthy injury absence.

The former AEW Trios Champion has not competed since AEW Grand Slam: Australia in 2025, where he successfully challenged Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Continental Championship. During his entrance for the match, Matthews appeared to suffer a significant ankle injury, an issue that ultimately kept him sidelined for well over a year.

On August 6, 2026, Matthews shared a new video on Instagram documenting the final chapter of his recovery, confirming he has now been given the green light to wrestle again.

The video's description read:

"Before stepping back into the ring, there was one final hurdle.

After suffering a serious ankle injury at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, Buddy Matthews begins the final stage of his comeback, getting medically cleared to compete again.

This video follows the process behind the scenes, from medical evaluations and rehabilitation to the moment he receives the news every athlete waits to hear. It’s a look at the physical and mental challenges of returning from injury, and what it takes to get back to doing what you love.

If you’ve ever faced setbacks, injuries, or doubted whether you’d make it back, this one’s for you.”

While Matthews has yet to announce when or where he will make his in ring return, receiving medical clearance marks a major milestone after months of rehabilitation and brings him one step closer to competing in AEW once again.