Global Wrestling Injury Report: Buddy Matthews Cleared for Return as Rhea Ripley Begins Comeback Journey

In a major boost for the professional wrestling world, several top-tier athletes have reached critical milestones in their injury rehabilitation journeys this week. Leading the positive news is All Elite Wrestling's Buddy Matthews, who announced on Thursday that he has been officially medically cleared to return to the ring.[1][2]

Matthews has been sidelined for over a year following a severe ankle injury sustained during his Continental Championship match against Kazuchika Okada at AEW Grand Slam: Australia in February 2025. The 37-year-old Australian star shared the news via an emotional behind-the-scenes video on Instagram, documenting his grueling path back to active competition.[2][7]

"Before stepping back into the ring, there was one final hurdle," Matthews wrote to his supporters. He described the video as an unfiltered look at the physical and mental challenges of returning from injury, offering it as motivation for anyone facing their own setbacks.[1][7]

While his exact return date to AEW television remains unannounced, his clearance marks the end of a grueling 18-month rehabilitation process. The recovery involved extensive physical therapy to rebuild the structural integrity of his ankle, ensuring he can perform his signature high-impact offense safely.[2][7]

Across the promotional divide, WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley shared a similarly uplifting update following her recent absence. Ripley has been sidelined since June after suffering what was later confirmed to be a slight meniscus tear following her title defense against Jade Cargill at WWE Clash in Italy.[3]

On Thursday, Ripley confirmed she had successfully undergone surgery to repair the knee. Remarkably, despite a 14-year career in professional wrestling and lifelong participation in sports, this marked her first surgical procedure. While surgery was not her initial preference, it became necessary to ensure long-term joint health and prevent further degradation.[3]

Ripley maintained a fiercely positive outlook in her statement to fans. "First one down... Hopefully no more," she wrote. "I've survived, now it's time to start thriving again so I can get back to what I love to do!" During her recovery, WWE has crowned Chelsea Green as the Interim WWE Women's Champion, allowing Ripley the necessary time to rehabilitate without rushing her return.[3]

Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella provided an update on her own status after suffering a broken scapula at SummerSlam 2026. Competing in a six-woman tag-team match alongside her sister Nikki and Paige against Fatal Influence, Brie took a heavy impact on the ring steps that fractured her shoulder blade.[4][5]

Despite the severe pain and ringside medical staff advising her to stay down, Brie showcased immense toughness by finishing the match. She explained on her podcast that she pushed through the injury solely to ensure her sister could receive the planned "hot tag" and execute the match's narrative climax.[4]

Brie is expected to be sidelined for three to six months while the bone heals naturally, as surgery on the scapula is exceptionally rare and complex. She will undergo X-rays every two weeks to monitor the bone growth before beginning physical therapy, but remains in high spirits regarding her recovery timeline.[5]

In another significant medical update, WWE's Piper Niven announced she has successfully undergone an anterior cervical discectomy in California. The procedure addresses a severe neck injury that has kept the Scottish powerhouse out of action since August 2025.[6]

Niven reported feeling immediate relief following the operation, a highly encouraging sign for spinal surgeries of this nature. While she faces a multi-month rehabilitation process and her exact target return date remains undetermined, the successful surgery marks a crucial first step toward resuming her career.[6]

The wave of positive medical updates underscores the grueling physical toll of the modern professional wrestling schedule, but also highlights the resilience of its athletes. With advancements in sports medicine and a growing emphasis on proper rehabilitation over rushed returns, the industry's top stars are increasingly able to overcome severe setbacks and resume their careers at the highest level.[1][3][5]