Why Malakai Black Thinks AEW Fans Are Sleeping On Buddy Matthews

Black praised Matthews’ clash with Andrade El Idolo on the premiere episode of “AEW Collision” on June 17. The former “NXT” Champion thought there was consistency in the bout and spoke highly about the selling from both wrestlers. Black said Matthews’ battle with El Idolo was one of his favorite matches this year. The 38-year-old discussed Matthews’ development on the AEW roster. 

“When it comes to Buddy, I think it’s — and I have to say this delicately without — this is a form of criticism that I think is usable and also understood by him,” Black said. “I think it’s the ability to take a step forward and separate himself in terms of being an elite character. Where I feel like people automatically come [and] flock to me because there’s a level of confidence. And don’t get me wrong, Buddy has all the confidence in the world. 

“But I think that Buddy sometimes is in a step where he’s like, ‘Well, Tom’s [Black’s real name] that guy. I don’t have to be that guy.’ I just think that Buddy has accepted the part of that for himself … Maybe it’s pressure? Maybe he just doesn’t want to? Maybe he’s very content with how he is because, at the same time, he does phenomenal stuff … Maybe it’s just something he’s still figuring out for himself.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “The Undisputed Podcast” with a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.