AEW Star Buddy Matthews Spotlighted on WWE Raw

An Unexpected Appearance During UFC 299 Discussion

Summary

– During WWE Raw’s discussion of UFC 299, a photo of WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley and her fiancé Buddy Matthews, an AEW star, was shown.

– Commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee highlighted Ripley’s presence but deliberately avoided naming Matthews despite his visible appearance.

– This rare instance of an AEW wrestler appearing on WWE programming sparks curiosity about potential crossovers between the wrestling promotions.

On the March 11, 2024, episode of WWE Raw, viewers were treated to an unexpected crossover moment when a photo of Rhea Ripley, the current WWE Women’s World Champion, and her real-life fiancé Buddy Matthews, prominently known for his role in AEW’s House of Black faction, was broadcast. The segment, focusing on the couple’s attendance at UFC 299, intriguingly showcased Matthews without direct acknowledgment from the commentators, underscoring the delicate balance WWE maintains with its acknowledgment of competitors.

This incident highlights the interconnected personal lives of wrestlers across promotions and teases fans with the tantalizing possibility of future collaborations or mentions between WWE and AEW, especially given WWE’s recent acknowledgment of Sting’s retirement from AEW. Such moments, while subtle, contribute to the ongoing narrative of wrestling’s expansive universe, where personal and professional lines often blur, creating a rich tapestry for fans to engage with.