Backstage Update on In-Ring Return of Buddy Matthews, Kyle Fletcher’s Injury Status

In the latest edition of Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp answered a fan question on the pending AEW in-ring returns of former AEW World Trios Champion Buddy Matthews and former TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher. The update appears to be a positive one for Matthews, who, as noted, recently made a shocking surprise appearance at World Series Wrestling’s Rise Against event last week.

Sapp noted that Buddy Matthews is working toward clearance for an in-ring return. Matthews has been sidelined since February 2025 after suffering an ankle injury that required surgery. Last December, Matthews said that he was still dealing with nerve issues and numbness, delaying his eventual return.

With regards to Kyle Fletcher, Sapp stated that Fletcher is expected to still “be out for a while.” Sapp also noted that he was told that Fletcher’s knee injuries, which put him on the shelf, are “pretty significant.”

Fletcher was reportedly in attendance at AEW Collision in Peoria, Illinois earlier this month, but it’s said he was just backstage visiting. He also lives in Illinois.