Tony Khan rejected Rhea Ripley’s husband Buddy Matthews’ notice to leave AEW, offered him lucarative offer to stay: Reports

Buddy Matthews recently signed a new contract with AEW.

Tony Khan rejected Rhea Ripley’s husband Buddy Matthews’ notice to leave AEW, offered him lucarative offer to stay: Reports

Buddy Matthews, Tony Khan, and Rhea Ripley (via Wrestling News)

AEW wrestler, Buddy Matthews recently signed a new deal with the Jacksonville-based company. There was significant speculation surrounding his potential move to a rival company, largely fueled by his wife Rhea Ripley‘s prominent status there. It was reported that the 35-year-old wrestler had given notice to leave the company, but Tony Khan rejected it.

According to Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Buddy Matthews wanted to leave AEW. However, AEW co-owner Tony Khan didn’t want anyone to leave his company, so he offered Matthews a new lucrative deal, which he accepted. There was a time in 2022 when many wrestlers demanded their release from the company.

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Tony decided to deny their release requests despite increasing pressure and offered them better deals. Matthews last wrestled in June in a six-man tag team match with his fellow House of Black members, Malakai Black and Brody King, which they won. The 35-year-old wrestler last earned a title shot against Adam Copeland on the May 1st episode of Dynamite for the TNT Championship but unfortunately failed to win.

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Many fans thought he would soon join WWE, given that his wife, Rhea Ripley, is a prominent star in the company. Especially with the storyline Mami is currently involved in, Matthews would have been a great addition. He even reacted to Mami licking Dominik Mysterio with a hilarious meme on social media. However, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 35-year-old wrestler.

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Fans reacted to the reports of Tony Khan giving a lucrative offer to Buddy Matthews to stay at AEW

The reports of Tony Khan offering Buddy Matthews a new lucrative deal certainly got fans’ attention. Some fans sided with the 35-year-old star and felt that at least it was a good deal for him. Other fans reprimanded Khan’s business tactics for keeping talent against their will.

Buddy Matthews
Buddy Matthews (via Wrestling Inc.)

One fan stated that the AEW co-owner denied him the release because of his connection to Rhea Ripley. Another fan understood Khan’s decision, as Matthews could directly get involved in the Judgment Day storyline in WWE. Here are some of the top reactions from fans:

One user joked about how the AEW wrestler felt jealous and wanted to go to WWE to teach Dominik a lesson. Another user saw the immense potential in the House of Black faction. Overall, the majority of fans mocked Tony Khan for keeping his talent and then not having him wrestle.

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