What Happened to Ridge Holland? WWE Allegedly Blocking Contributions to His Fundraiser

Former WWE star Ridge Holland has reportedly accused the company of telling its talent to stay away from his financial-aid campaign after his contract was not renewed. Multiple wrestling outlets have claimed that WWE intervened behind the scenes following Holland’s public criticism of how the company handled his situation.

Holland’s WWE contract officially ended in early November 2025 after he sustained multiple injuries. He later launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover personal expenses, saying that WWE had “hung him out to dry” while he was still paying off his mortgage. Several wrestlers from both WWE and AEW initially offered donations, but reports suggest that some were later told to back away from publicly supporting him.

Ridge Holland’s WWE Exit and Injury Background

Ridge Holland, 37, joined WWE in 2018 and became known for his runs in NXT UK, NXT, and later on the main roster. During the summer of 2025, he appeared in EVOLVE, defeating Tate Wilder, before competing in a few more NXT house shows and a dark match for TNA. He also wrestled at Victory Road against Mike Santana, where he suffered foot and shoulder injuries that required time off.

According to reports, Holland was informed that his WWE contract would not be renewed. Although the company reportedly agreed to cover his rehabilitation costs, he would no longer receive salary payments. Holland publicly shared his disappointment, saying he was left in financial hardship while still recovering from injuries sustained during his wrestling career.

After his release, donations poured in from fellow wrestlers such as Omos, Chelsea Green, Nick Jackson, and Kyle Fletcher. However, following his critical comments about WWE, it was reported that company officials were unhappy with his statements. Some insiders suggested that WWE may have asked its roster to avoid publicly engaging with Holland’s GoFundMe campaign, leading to several deleted social media posts.

Community Reaction and Industry Implications

The controversy surrounding Ridge Holland’s situation has raised new questions about how wrestling promotions handle injured talent, particularly those classified as independent contractors. Many performers in WWE are not full-time employees, meaning they lack standard protections like paid medical leave or guaranteed income during recovery periods.

If WWE indeed discouraged its stars from donating, it could deepen concerns about company control and the limits of personal expression for talent. The move has sparked debates among fans and industry analysts about loyalty, financial responsibility, and the moral obligations of major wrestling promotions toward their athletes.

Holland, who has been recovering from both foot and shoulder injuries, has expressed gratitude toward fans and fellow wrestlers who supported him. He has also spoken publicly about his regret over the 2022 incident in which Big E suffered a career-ending neck injury after an in-ring accident involving him. Holland said he wished he could “change that moment” and that Big E “would still be wrestling today.”

Ridge Holland’s story now serves as a reminder of the physical and financial risks faced by professional wrestlers — and the growing call for better protections for talent within the industry.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Did Ridge Holland start a fundraiser after his WWE release?

Yes. Ridge Holland launched a GoFundMe campaign after his WWE contract ended to help cover his expenses while he recovers from injuries.

Q2: Did WWE really tell talent not to donate?

Reports suggest that WWE may have instructed some of its stars not to publicly contribute or share Holland’s fundraiser posts online.

Q3: Which wrestlers supported Ridge Holland?

Several wrestlers, including Omos, Chelsea Green, Nick Jackson, and Kyle Fletcher, reportedly donated to or promoted Holland’s campaign before some posts were deleted.

Q4: What injuries is Ridge Holland recovering from?

Holland is dealing with foot and shoulder injuries and has hinted at possible neck issues that may require surgery.

Q5: Why was Ridge Holland released from WWE?

His contract was not renewed while he was recovering from injuries. WWE reportedly chose not to continue his pay but agreed to cover rehab costs.