Updated on February 5, 2026
Rhea Ripley has taken the wrestling world by storm with her fierce in-ring presence, gothic style, and undeniable charisma. As one of WWE’s top female stars and a current force on Raw, fans are just as curious about her personal life—especially Rhea Ripley husband. The answer? She’s happily married to fellow pro wrestler Buddy Matthews (real name Matthew Adams), an AEW standout. Their relationship is a perfect blend of mutual respect, shared passion for wrestling, and real-life support that keeps them going strong despite busy schedules.
This power couple’s story captivates fans worldwide. Let’s break down everything you need to know about Rhea Ripley’s husband, their journey together, and why they’re one of wrestling’s most admired pairs.
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Who Is Rhea Ripley’s Husband? Meet Buddy Matthews
Buddy Matthews, born Matthew Adams on September 26, 1988, in Melbourne, Australia, is a talented professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He previously made waves in WWE under the name Buddy Murphy, where he showcased his high-flying skills and technical prowess.
- Career highlights: Former NXT Champion, multi-time tag team champion, and a standout in AEW’s trios division.
- Style: Known for intense matches, strong athleticism, and a no-nonsense attitude.
- Net worth estimate (2025-2026): Around $2-5 million, thanks to wrestling contracts, merchandise, and endorsements.
Buddy and Rhea share an Australian background, which helped spark their connection. While Rhea dominates WWE’s women’s division, Buddy carves his path in AEW—proving love can thrive across rival promotions.
How Did Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews Meet?
Their love story didn’t start with fireworks. Interestingly, Rhea admits she hated Buddy when she first saw him wrestling back in Australia! She was in the crowd during his early indie days, and let’s just say he didn’t make the best first impression.
Things changed when they crossed paths in WWE. They officially started dating in 2022, after Buddy’s WWE release in 2021. What began as professional respect grew into something deeper. They bonded over shared experiences in the industry, intense gym sessions, and a love for horror movies and simple downtime.
- Engagement: August 2023 — Buddy proposed, and Rhea said yes in true dramatic fashion.
- Wedding: June 23, 2024 — A gothic-inspired ceremony with both wearing all-black outfits. They announced it on Instagram with the caption vibe: “Till Death.”
Fans loved the authenticity—the Nightmare and the high-flyer make a killer team.
Their Relationship: Support, Challenges, and Cute Moments
Rhea and Buddy keep things real. They openly share how tough it is being in different promotions with opposite schedules. Long stretches apart mean missing each other, their dogs, and home comforts. Yet they make it work through constant communication, mutual hype, and quality time when possible.
Buddy has called Rhea his best friend, saying things like: “I’ve married my best friend. There isn’t anyone I’d want to spend more time with. Give me a pizza, my wife, a horror movie, and we’re good.”
Rhea echoes that sentiment, praising his support during her injuries and big matches. They often post gym workouts together, travel snippets, and sweet shoutouts—showing a healthy, balanced partnership.
Here’s a quick overview of key relationship milestones:
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Met (as fans) | Early 2010s | Rhea watched Buddy wrestle in Australia |
| Started Dating | 2022 | Sparked after WWE release |
| Engagement | August 2023 | Romantic proposal |
| Wedding Date | June 23, 2024 | Gothic-themed ceremony |
| Current Status (2026) | Married | Strong, supportive, balancing WWE/AEW careers |
Their story proves that even in the chaotic wrestling world, true partnership can flourish.
Why Fans Love This Wrestling Power Couple
In an industry full of storylines and drama, Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews stand out for their genuine bond. They cheer each other’s wins, handle the distance like pros, and keep their personal life private yet relatable.
Whether it’s Rhea dominating WWE championships or Buddy shining in AEW, they celebrate without competition. It’s refreshing to see two stars thrive individually while building a life together.
Conclusion: A Match Made in Wrestling Heaven
Rhea Ripley’s husband, Buddy Matthews, isn’t just a name fans search for—he’s her biggest supporter, best friend, and partner in crime. From awkward first impressions to a beautiful 2024 wedding and a solid 2026 marriage, their journey shows that love and wrestling can coexist beautifully.
As Rhea continues to evolve as a top WWE star and Buddy builds his legacy in AEW, one thing remains clear: this couple has each other’s backs. In a world of scripted rivalries, their real-life teamwork is the real victory.
What do you think of Rhea and Buddy’s story? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow fans!