Buddy Matthews Tried to Leave AEW Before Securing New Lucrative Deal

AEW star Buddy Matthews, a long-time member of the House of Black, took some time off after the June 15th edition of AEW Collision. He has signed a new deal with AEW and it appears the deal was a lucrative one, to say the least.

AEW’s internal stance was that Buddy Matthews’ contract would have needed to be extended some time ago, though it was unclear whether this involved a new deal or the exercise of option years. There had been speculation about whether AEW had option years on Matthews, with sources suggesting that any decision regarding his contract would have been made well in advance.

It was then clarified that Buddy Matthews signed new contract with AEW in February of this year, although the exact length of the deal has not been disclosed. Matthews has also recently hinted at a return to television.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Buddy Matthews previously attempted to give notice to leave AEW but was not released. Since then, AEW offered him a “very lucrative” new deal, which he accepted. The new deal, which Matthews agreed to months ago, came after AEW decided not to release him to join WWE.

”Regarding stories this week about Buddy Matthews signing a new deal, we’ve been told this was agreed to months ago. He had tried to give notice at one point but AEW wasn’t going to release anyone to go to WWE. Tony Khan since then offered him a new very lucrative deal and he agreed to it.”

During his hiatus, Buddy Matthews tied the knot with Rhea Ripley. Regardless, we will have to wait and see when Buddy Matthews will make his return to AEW television, as he will be sticking with AEW for the foreseeable future.

What do you think of this story regarding Buddy Matthews trying to leave AEW? Do you feel his staying with AEW was the right call? Let us know in the comments section below!