Ridge Holland’s tenure with WWE is reaching its conclusion this month after seven years, with circumstances surrounding his departure appearing less than favorable. The 37-year-old wrestler announced last month that WWE would not renew his contract, which is set to expire on November 14. This announcement came shortly after he suffered a Lisfranc injury while participating in a TNA taping, an injury that will require surgery.
In his previous statement, Holland expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’ve been informed that WWE will not be renewing my contract when it ends on November 14. WWE is still going to cover my rehab from injury, but my guaranteed pay will end, quite frustrating to say the least, as I cannot work for another six months due to the aforementioned injury, with a family of five to support.”
Recently, Holland shared more details about the challenges he is currently facing following his release. In a heartfelt social media post, he revealed that he is struggling to manage his mortgage payments and feels abandoned after sustaining injuries while working for another company on behalf of WWE. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of needing neck fusion surgery due to his wrestling career.
Holland joined WWE in 2018 following a successful career in professional rugby. He initially performed in NXT before being promoted to SmackDown in 2021, where he became part of the popular Brawling Brutes faction alongside Sheamus and Butch (Pete Dunne). However, his journey has not been without controversy; he was involved in a significant incident that resulted in former WWE Champion Big E suffering a career-ending neck injury during a match.
After the Brawling Brutes disbanded in 2023, Holland returned to NXT, but reports indicate that his status was downgraded to a deal that offered less money than his previous main roster contract. As he embarks on his recovery journey, the future of Holland’s wrestling career remains uncertain, with reports indicating that rehabilitation could take several months. His injury occurred during a TNA dark match against Moose on September 27.
The wrestling world continues to watch developments within WWE and other promotions, as various storylines unfold and former stars navigate the shifting landscape of professional wrestling. Despite the challenges ahead, Ridge Holland’s dedication to the sport and resilience may open new opportunities in the future.