On Saturday night, Buddy Matthews, formerly known as Murphy, will compete in the biggest match since his WWE release when he faces Kazuchika Okada. The five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion personally challenged the former WWE star to face him at NJPW Battle in the Valley.
In an interview with Alfred Konuwa of Forbes, Murphy previewed this match and stated that it ranks among the most important bouts of his career. He compared it to his memorable match with Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown in 2019 by explaining that facing Okada will be his “coming-out party” in the aftermath of his release.
“It’s definitely up there,” said Matthews.”I feel like it’s kind of in the same ballpark as when I wrestled Roman [Reigns],” said Matthews. “That match that I had with Roman was the coming-out party of the introduction of me to the WWE Universe, so this is going to be the coming-out party outside of that to introduce me to the people who don’t know or haven’t followed my career in WWE.”
This NJPW debut will come without much buildup; Okada simply told Matthews to “bring it on” and called him a “bastard” to set the stage for their clash. In the interview, Murphy made it clear that he’s content with this situation because he prefers to compete with less pressure, to the extent its possible. He described his intent to step into the ring and showcase his skills against the biggest challenge NJPW could offer.
“I feel like I’m a better performer when there’s less buildup to it, less pressure and what not,” said Matthews. “I’m just going to go out there, do what I do best and tear it up. I don’t think there’s any bigger match that you could have in a debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling. I wanted to swim with the whales and they gave me the biggest whale they could find.”
During his WWE days, Matthews was called “The Best Kept Secret” because he constantly flew under the radar. This pattern of being overlooked gave him a chip on his shoulder, and Matthews stated that the chip has grown since he got released. Moving forward, he told everyone to expect a “more intense” version of himself.
“Back in WWE, in 205 [Live], I had a chip on my shoulder to prove myself, and that chip has only gotten bigger,” said Matthews. “Expect a bigger, more intense and more driven Buddy Matthews going forward.”
Wherever his path forward takes him, fans can surely expect to see Matthews show the world that the secret is out at NJPW Battle in the Valley and beyond.
