Introduction
WWE NXT star Ridge Holland has broken his silence following a devastating injury during a September 27 match at TNA’s television tapings in Edmonton, Alberta. In a heartfelt video released to fans, Holland opened up about undergoing Lisfranc surgery after breaking his foot in the bout against TNA standout Moose—an injury serious enough to halt the match and leave Holland facing a lengthy road to recovery[1][2][3].
The Injury: What Happened?
The incident occurred during a scheduled contest between Ridge Holland and Moose, himself a former TNA World Champion. Midway through the bout, Holland suffered a severe injury to his foot, rendering him unable to continue[1][3]. The referee immediately called for a stoppage, and Moose and officials helped Holland backstage, where it became clear the damage was significant[3][5]. The scene at Edmonton’s TNA tapings, captured by fans and widely shared online, showed Holland visibly in pain and unable to put weight on the injured limb as he was assisted to the locker room[5].
By Monday, September 29, Holland confirmed the diagnosis on social media: a Lisfranc injury, involving the bones and joints in the midfoot, requiring surgery as early as Friday, October 3[2][3][4]. In his public comments, Holland struck an optimistic but realistic tone:
“See ya in a bit,” he wrote, signaling both hope for his return and acceptance of the lengthy recovery ahead[3][4].
The Medical Impact of a Lisfranc Injury
A Lisfranc injury—named after Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, the French surgeon who first documented it—is notoriously difficult to recover from, especially for athletes who rely on their feet for agility and power[1]. The injury occurs when the metatarsal bones are displaced from the tarsus, often requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that even a “simple” Lisfranc injury can be a severe setback, requiring three months in a cast or a walking boot, with a full recovery sometimes taking up to a year[1][3].
Recent WWE history underscores the severity of such injuries. AJ Styles suffered a Lisfranc injury in late 2024, subsequently missing nearly four months of action before returning at the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble[1]. This precedent suggests Holland faces an arduous—and potentially career-altering—road back to the ring.
Backstage Reaction and Career Implications
According to sources within WWE, there was a sense of both frustration and admiration for Holland backstage after news of the injury broke. “Everyone knows Ridge is one of the toughest guys on the roster, but this is a tough break—literally,” said a well-placed WWE insider. “The hope was that he could make the most of this crossover with TNA, but now he’s looking at a lot of rehab.”[1][5]
Holland, 37, had been on the sidelines of NXT’s main programming for much of 2025, working mostly live events and independent dates[2][5]. His one-off surprise appearance on Impact Wrestling on September 18 seemingly set the stage for a larger role in the unfolding NXT-TNA “InVasion” storyline—a storyline now placed on hold with Holland out of action[1][2].
Holland’s Wrestling Journey and Cross-Promotional Opportunity
A former rugby player, Ridge Holland transitioned to professional wrestling in 2016 and signed a WWE contract two years later[2]. He quickly made a name for himself as a hard-hitting bruiser, teaming with Sheamus and Pete Dunne as part of The Brawling Brutes on the main roster before returning to NXT by late 2023[2]. Despite his reputation for toughness, Holland’s in-ring appearances had been sporadic leading up to the TNA tapings, prompting speculation among fans and reporters about his status with the company[2][5].
Holland’s involvement in the TNA tapings was seen as a major opportunity—both for the wrestler and for the ongoing collaboration between WWE NXT and TNA[1]. As the crossover angle between the two promotions gained momentum, Holland was seemingly poised for a featured role—until the injury in Edmonton derailed those plans[1][5].
The Recovery Timeline and What’s Next
While there is no official timetable for Holland’s return to action, medical experts indicate that recovery from a Lisfranc surgery typically ranges from three to twelve months, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s healing process[3][4]. If Holland’s recovery mirrors that of AJ Styles’, fans should expect him to be sidelined until at least early 2026[1].
In the meantime, Holland has pledged to keep fans updated on his progress. His heartfelt video following the surgery struck a chord with many, as he thanked supporters and vowed to return stronger than ever. This kind of resilience has been a hallmark of his career, from the rugby pitch to the global stage of WWE.
Wrestling Community Reacts
The wrestling world immediately rallied behind Holland, with fans, colleagues, and even rivals sending messages of support on social media. Moose, his opponent at the time of the injury, posted publicly that he was “gutted” for Holland and wished him a full recovery. The outpouring of goodwill only reinforced Holland’s reputation as a respected figure behind the scenes.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, NXT management is keen to “keep Ridge part of the conversation” while he recovers, possibly with ambassadorial roles or media appearances as he works his way back.
Conclusion
Ridge Holland’s Lisfranc injury is a major setback for both the wrestler and the current NXT-TNA storyline, but if his past is any indication, “The Steam Pig” has no intention of staying down for good. The road back will be long and grueling, but Holland’s toughness and determination have never been in question. For now, the wrestling world waits—and hopes—for his triumphant return.
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Stay tuned for further updates on Ridge Holland’s recovery and the evolving NXT-TNA collaboration.