Meet ‘Bachelorette’ Jenn’s Ex, Matt Rossi – The Heartbreaker ‘Wiener Boy’

Jenn Tran is grappling with the sudden return of her ex-boyfriend, Matt Rossi, on The Bachelorette.

Matt made a surprise appearance in New Zealand in episode 4 of ABC’s hit reality show’s 21st season. The episode left viewers in suspense, as Jenn contemplated whether to let Matt enter the competition for her heart alongside the other suitors.

A sneak peek into the upcoming week 5 episode showed Matt sticking around, causing tension among the other contestants.

But who exactly is Matt, and why does Jenn affectionately call him “wiener boy”? Here’s a closer look at their relationship and Matt’s background.

In the final moments of the July 29 episode, as Jenn’s 11 remaining suitors prepared for the rose ceremony, host Jesse Palmer announced that someone from Jenn’s past had flown to New Zealand. Matt confessed to Jesse, “I’m here to tell Jenn, ‘I still love you.’”

Jenn was visibly shocked upon seeing Matt and exclaimed, “What are you doing here?!”

Matt revealed that he had left a wedding in Colombia early because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. “I’m not ready to let you go…give me the chance to show you,” he pleaded.

Jenn, 26, and Matt, 28, reconnected as friends three years after their initial romance, which Jenn clarified was not one of the “toxic” past relationships she had mentioned on the show.

Matt hails from Boston, Massachusetts, and shares a common bond with Jenn as both of their parents are immigrants. Matt’s parents are originally from Italy, with his father running an Italian restaurant in New Hampshire and his mother working as a salon owner and hair stylist.

Although Matt was introduced on The Bachelorette as an “insurance executive,” he has worn many hats in his professional life. He is a growing social media influencer and has held various roles, including his current position as a brand manager for Truly Hard Seltzer at the Boston Beer Company.

Before Jenn rose to fame on Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor, she shared on TikTok in December 2023 that her breakup with an ex, later identified as Matt, motivated her to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

Jenn didn’t directly call out Matt in her TikTok but referred to him as “wiener boy” because of his miniature dachshund, Kirkland. On his social platforms, Matt often features Kirkland, humorously branding himself as “the guy with the wiener (dog).”

In her TikTok, Jenn revealed that they started dating after meeting on the Hinge dating app. She fell head over heels in love with him, looking forward to marriage. However, the relationship ended abruptly three months later, leaving Jenn heartbroken and struggling to cope.

To move past her heartbreak, Jenn went to Miami with a friend and eventually applied to a physician assistant school there. She noted in her video that if not for Matt, she might never have embarked on this career path, highlighting the idea that “everything happens for a reason.”

Matt, in a lighthearted TikTok video from February 2024, confirmed he was Jenn’s ex and humorously narrated their story through his dog, Kirkland. He admitted that being only 24 at the time, he wasn’t ready for a serious relationship but hoped for a second chance with Jenn.

Despite their past, Matt now leads a content life, as shown through his Instagram videos featuring his daily activities with Kirkland. The posts often highlight their playful interactions, exercises, and day-to-day routines.

He even posted videos pampering Kirkland at a grooming salon and enjoying a Boston Red Sox game while donning a hot dog costume, all sticking to the ‘wiener’ theme.

As for Jenn, she faced a critical decision during week 4 of The Bachelorette. When asked by Jenn if he was ready to get engaged, Matt affirmed his love and eagerness to be with her, even if it meant competing against her other suitors.

The episode concluded with Jenn taking time to ponder her options. Spoiler expert Reality Steve suggested that the other contestants might express their frustration in episode 5, potentially causing Jenn to dismiss Matt from the competition.

Steve has also claimed that Jenn ultimately gets engaged to Devin Strader by the end of the season.