Buddy Matthews
This high-flying Australian transformed his physique and style to become a dynamic force in wrestling's global arenas.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Australian professional wrestler·Birthday: September 26·Millennials
Biography
Matthew Adams, known to fans worldwide as Buddy Matthews, carved his path far from the bright lights of his eventual home. Hailing from Melbourne, he began training in his late teens, driven by a raw passion for the sport. His early career was defined by a relentless work ethic on the Australian independent scene, where he honed a crisp, hard-hitting style. A pivotal move to WWE's developmental system saw him rebranded as Buddy Murphy, a cruiserweight who shattered expectations with his sheer power and agility, earning the moniker 'The Best Kept Secret.' His journey didn't stop there; after his release, he reinvented himself again, joining All Elite Wrestling and aligning with the enigmatic House of Black, capturing tag team gold and showcasing a darker, more layered character. Matthews' story is one of constant evolution, proving that resilience and adaptability are a wrestler's true currency.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Buddy was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Buddy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Buddy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the AEW World Trios Championship as a member of the House of Black in 2023.
- Captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in 2018, headlining the 205 Live brand.
- Held the NXT Tag Team Championship with Wesley Blake as part of the team Blake and Murphy.
Did You Know?
He is a lifelong fan of the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League.
He worked as a plumber before committing to professional wrestling full-time.
He is known for an extremely rigorous fitness regimen and detailed workout journals.
“I'm not here to make friends; I'm here to win championships.”
