Ridge Holland, the rugged Yorkshire-born WWE Superstar, revealed on social media today that WWE has decided not to renew his contract, which expires November 14, as he continues to recover from injury. Holland’s tenure with WWE has been a rollercoaster punctuated by bright spots, setbacks, and significant injuries but his announcement now opens a new chapter of uncertainty for both the “Brawling Brutes” stalwart and the WWE Universe.
The Announcement and Immediate Aftermath
In a candid Instagram post, Holland expressed gratitude for his time with WWE but made clear that the company informed him his contract will not be renewed. Despite the non-renewal, WWE has committed to paying for his injury rehab, though Holland noted that his guaranteed paychecks will cease, leaving him focused on both financial stability and his physical recovery. “I’ve been informed that WWE will not be renewing my contract when it ends on November 14th. WWE are still going to cover my rehab from injury but my guaranteed pay will end,” Holland wrote, describing the news as “quite frustrating” given his inability to work for at least six months due to injury.
The announcement comes at a particularly challenging time for Holland, a father of five, who now faces an uncertain future in wrestling as he prioritizes his rehabilitation. While sources close to WWE’s talent relations indicate that contract non-renewals are a routine part of the business cycle, especially for injured performers, the timing remains a blow for Holland, who was beginning to carve out a niche as a gruff, hard-hitting competitor on both NXT and SmackDown.
Ridge Holland’s WWE Journey: Promise and Misfortune
Ridge Holland’s path to WWE was unconventional. A former professional rugby player, Holland transitioned to pro wrestling and signed with WWE in 2018. He soon became a fixture in NXT and NXT UK, where his imposing presence and physicality made him an ideal fit for the company’s developmental brand. In 2022, Holland joined forces with Sheamus and Pete Dunne (now Butch) to form the Brawling Brutes on SmackDown, a faction celebrated for its bruising, old-school brawling style.
However, Holland’s WWE career has been consistently shadowed by injury. Most notably, he was involved in the in-ring accident during a March 2022 episode of SmackDown, when Big E suffered a broken neck during a routine tag team match. While the incident was a freak accident, it left a lasting impact on both performers and, as some in the industry have suggested, indirectly affected Holland’s standing within the company.
According to a WWE insider, Holland’s injury history coupled with the increased emphasis on safety and wellness across WWE’s main roster contributed to a cautious approach from management. “Ridge is a tough competitor, but the company has to weigh risk and reward, especially with so many new faces coming up,” the source said.
The Injury and the Road Ahead
Holland’s latest setback occurred during a TNA Wrestling taping last month, when he was hurt wrestling Moose and had to be assisted to the back. His last WWE match was an NXT live event on September 12, where he defeated Dante Chen. With a six-month rehab window looming and no contract extension forthcoming Holland is taking a pragmatic approach, focusing on recovery and building an online coaching business as a potential pivot.
Sources close to Holland indicate that he’s received messages of support from several WWE colleagues, both current and former. One SmackDown wrestler, speaking anonymously, described Holland as “a quiet professional, never one to complain, always willing to put others before himself. That’s respect in this business.”
What This Means for the WWE Roster and the Industry
Holland’s departure follows a wave of NXT releases in recent weeks, as WWE continues to reshape its talent pool[1]. While this is reportedly unrelated to Holland’s case, it underscores the volatile nature of the wrestling industry, where roster changes are both frequent and, at times, unceremonious.
Within WWE circles, Holland’s exit is viewed as a mix of unfortunate timing and opportunity. With the main roster now leaning into more established main event talent and fresh prospects, midcard acts like the Brawling Brutes have seen their roles reduced. Still, Holland’s toughness and resilience have earned him admirers behind the scenes.
A backstage agent, who spoke off the record, suggested that Holland’s future may yet lie outside WWE. “There’s always a place for a guy who can go and is willing to learn. Maybe a reset on the indies or New Japan could do him well. The guy’s got all the tools,” the agent said.
Holland’s Message to Fans and the Next Chapter
In his social media post, Holland was reflective but forward-looking. “My career with WWE has been blighted by misfortune but I’m still thankful and grateful for the opportunity and experience,” he wrote. “The shining light that has always kept me going is the HUGE support from a handful of special human beings. Thank you.”
Holland’s next move could set a precedent for wrestlers navigating the post-WWE landscape. With WWE covering his rehab but not his salary, Holland must balance recovery with the need to provide for his family a reality many performers face after an unexpected release.
He has already hinted at launching an online coaching business, a venture not uncommon among ex-WWE talents seeking stability after the ring lights dim. Whether or not he returns to the squared circle remains uncertain, but Holland’s reputation as a hard worker and a team player could serve him well in whatever comes next.
The Bigger Picture: Injuries, Contracts, and the Modern WWE
Holland’s story is a microcosm of the challenges facing today’s WWE Superstars. In an era of increased attention to athlete wellness and corporate budgeting, even established acts can find themselves on the outside looking in especially when injuries compound the uncertainty. WWE’s commitment to covering Holland’s rehab is a positive, but the lack of a contract extension for a loyal, if unlucky, performer is sure to spark debate among fans and industry insiders alike.
“It’s a tough business, and that’s not changing anytime soon,” said another WWE source. “At the end of the day, everyone’s replaceable. Ridge knows that as well as anyone. But you can tell he’d run through a brick wall for this company if they asked.”
Final Thoughts
Ridge Holland’s WWE tenure may be ending, but his resolve is undimmed. As he embarks on the next phase of his career one defined by recovery, reinvention, and resilience fans and peers alike will be watching. Whether in the ring or as a coach, mentor, or entrepreneur, Holland’s reputation for toughness and professionalism will likely endure far beyond November 14.
For now, the wrestling world wishes Ridge Holland a full recovery and success in his next chapter wherever that may lead.