This article explores the wrestling careers of two distinct individuals: Alex Adams, a rising high school wrestler, and Matthew Adams, known professionally as Buddy Matthews, an accomplished wrestler with a significant presence in WWE and AEW.
Alex Adams: A Freshman's Promising Start
The Caribou wrestling team is experiencing a resurgence, boasting 28 wrestlers on their roster. This is a significant improvement from three years ago when the team's viability was threatened by various circumstances, including the pandemic. Coach Casey Ryan, in his third year, is thrilled with the sport's renewed popularity.
Ryan believes that wrestling helps build resilient individuals capable of overcoming challenges. He actively recruits new wrestlers from Caribou High School. Being the study hall advisor, he interacts with over 200 students daily, allowing him to promote the wrestling program effectively.
Freshman Alex Adams is wrestling for the first time and won his weight division at the Bucksport tournament. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and hard work.
To accommodate the large number of wrestlers, the team holds two practices a day: one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The Athletic Department's support is crucial in providing the necessary time and space for these practices, ensuring that each wrestler receives adequate attention.
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The team also has a significant number of female wrestlers. Nationwide, women’s wrestling is the fastest-growing NCAA sport, gaining more coverage and recognition. Colleges are increasingly recruiting female wrestlers, even from places like Maine. The presence of two state champions in the school inspires other girls to join the sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Women in the Wrestling Business
Grace Jean, the girls' state champion in her weight division, was inspired to take up the sport by her friend Jocelyn Parlin, who also captured a state title. Freshman Elizabeth Robbins, who had dreamed of joining the team since elementary school, believes the team will perform well due to their strong bond.
Ryan emphasizes that wrestling teaches student-athletes valuable life skills beyond wrestling moves, focusing on building great people with hope for the future.
Matthew Adams (Buddy Matthews): From Australia to Global Wrestling Stages
Matthew Adams, born on September 26, 1988, is an Australian professional wrestler known as Buddy Matthews in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is a former AEW World Trios Champion.
Before joining WWE, Adams wrestled in Australia under the name Matt Silva, competing in promotions like Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW) and Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW). In 2013, he moved to the United States to join WWE's developmental territory, NXT.
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Early Career and NXT Success
On March 17, 2013, Adams signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to NXT. He debuted as Buddy Murphy at an NXT house show on November 23, teaming with Sawyer Fulton and Troy McClain.
In August 2014, Murphy formed a tag team with Wesley Blake. On January 21, 2015, Blake and Murphy defeated The Vaudevillains and challenged The Lucha Dragons to a title match, marking a significant moment in their NXT careers.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion
In early 2018, Murphy transitioned to the 205 Live brand. He debuted on February 20, participating in the Cruiserweight Championship tournament, defeating Ariya Daivari in the first round but losing to Mustafa Ali in the quarterfinals. On March 27, he won a fatal four-way match for a future title shot.
On the October 6, 2018, episode of 205 Live, Buddy Murphy defeated Cedric Alexander to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Murphy successfully defended his title against Mustafa Ali at Survivor Series and Alexander at TLC. On January 27, 2019, Murphy retained his title in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show. On February 17, Murphy retained his title against Tozawa at Elimination Chamber. At WrestleMania 35 Kickoff Show, he lost his title to Tony Nese, ending his reign at 183 days.
Move to SmackDown and Raw
On April 16, Murphy was drafted to the SmackDown brand as part of the Superstar Shake-up. On October 14, Murphy was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2019 draft. Over the following weeks, Murphy developed a winning streak, defeating various opponents. He entered a 20-man battle royal at Crown Jewel on October 31 to determine who would face AJ Styles for the United States Championship, but he failed to win.
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Alliance with Seth Rollins
Starting 2020, Murphy began working with Seth Rollins, eventually winning the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship. On February 7, his ring name was shortened to Murphy. Murphy and Rollins successfully defended their titles against The Street Profits at Super ShowDown on February 27 but lost the titles in a rematch on March 2.
In May, Murphy and Rollins started a feud with Rey Mysterio and his family, as well as Aleister Black. At Payback, Murphy and Rollins lost to Mysterio and his son Dominik Mysterio, after Murphy accidentally kicked Rollins. On September 15, Rollins attacked Murphy after Murphy cost Rollins in a steel cage match against Dominik, leading to Murphy getting closer with Rey Mysterio's daughter, Aalyah.
Departure from WWE
As part of the 2020 Draft in October, Murphy was drafted to the SmackDown brand. The storyline continued when Aalyah kissed Murphy. On November 13, Murphy turned on Rollins, thus turning him face. Murphy defeated Rollins the following week on SmackDown to end the feud. The love storyline between Murphy and Aalyah was dropped shortly after, and Murphy was taken off television.
Murphy's last WWE appearance took place on April 9, 2021, at WrestleMania Edition of SmackDown in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He was released from WWE in June 2021.
Career in AEW
In 2022, Matthews returned to Melbourne City Wrestling. Matthews made his debut for All Elite Wrestling on February 23, 2022, aligning himself with Malakai Black and Brody King of the House of Black. On May 1, 2024, Matthews unsuccessfully challenged Adam Copeland for the AEW TNT Championship. On June 15, the House of Black won a #1 contenders' match for The Patriarchy's AEW World Trios Championships.
Achievements
- WWE Cruiserweight Championship: 1 time
- WWE Raw Tag Team Championship: 1 time
- AEW World Trios Championship: 1 time
Matthew Adams, as Buddy Matthews, has had a successful career, marked by championships and memorable storylines in both WWE and AEW. From his early days in Australia to his current presence in AEW, his journey showcases his dedication and talent in professional wrestling.
| Wrestler | Promotion | Championships/Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Adams (Buddy Matthews) | WWE | Cruiserweight Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship |
| Matthew Adams (Buddy Matthews) | AEW | World Trios Championship |
| Alex Adams | Caribou High School | Bucksport Tournament Weight Division Winner |