Buddy Matthews fka Buddy Murphy set to make his NJPW debut months after WWE release

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Buddy Murphy is headed to NJPW

Buddy Matthews, formerly known as Buddy Murphy in WWE, is on his way to New Japan Pro Wrestling.

During the recent New Japan Showdown taping in Philadelphia, fans noted the arrival of the former WWE star. The announcement was made via a video in the arena, hyping up the upcoming debut of the former Buddy Murphy.

The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion will be making his promotional debut at the Battle In The Valley event, which is scheduled to take place in San Jose, California on November 13.

NJPW has confirmed the upcoming debut of Buddy Matthews via social media. The promotion posted the following video:

NJPW Global

@njpwglobal

'They say as one door closes, another opens... Maybe it was staring at me the entire time.'

Buddy Matthews is coming.

#njpw #njBitV @SNM_Buddy

7:29 AM · Oct 17, 2021

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335

'They say as one door closes, another opens... Maybe it was staring at me the entire time.'

Buddy Matthews is coming.

#njpw #njBitV @SNM_Buddy https://t.co/Wqzk62CTFX

The announcement was further confirmed by fans in attendance:

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com

@SeanRossSapp

Buddy Murphy/Matthews announced for NJPW! twitter.com/heykarensensei…

🗺 Karen 🦹🏼‍♀️ かれん🎃

@heykarensensei

SECRET NO MORE @SNM_Buddy #NJPWSTRONG

5:44 AM · Oct 17, 2021

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147

SECRET NO MORE @SNM_Buddy #NJPWSTRONG https://t.co/ikNAxiaMqP

Buddy Murphy/Matthews announced for NJPW! twitter.com/heykarensensei…

When and why did Buddy Matthews fka Buddy Murphy leave WWE?

Buddy Murphy was one of the most established superstars of WWE. However, on June 2, 2021, Murphy was released by WWE due to budget cuts.

He first started in WWE back in 2013 when he signed a developmental contract with the company. Initially, Buddy Murphy was tagging along with Wesley Blake but transitioned as a singles star when he moved up to the main roster.

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Daily DDT

@FanSidedDDT

Happy Birthday to former Cruiserweight and NXT Tag Team Champion, @WWE_Murphy, who turns 31-years old today.

Following two star making performances vs. Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, Buddy Murphy has potential to be WWE's next breakout Superstar.

9:47 AM · Sep 26, 2019

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18

Happy Birthday to former Cruiserweight and NXT Tag Team Champion, @WWE_Murphy, who turns 31-years old today.

Following two star making performances vs. Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, Buddy Murphy has potential to be WWE's next breakout Superstar. https://t.co/KCIsO799rO

During his initial run, Buddy was in the Cruiserweight Division of 205 Live. He is a former NXT Tag Team Champion and a one-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion.

However, it was on the main roster with Seth Rollins, when Murphy found the most success. While he was part of Rollins' faction The Authors of Pain, Buddy established himself as a top attraction on WWE RAW. He even won the RAW Tag Team Championships with Rollins.

Now that Murphy is set to debut on NJPW, it remains to be seen what's in store for him in the new promotion.

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