Ridge Holland, the WWE star sidelined with a serious foot injury, has announced that his contract with WWE will officially expire on November 14, 2025, and that the company will not be renewing it. Despite the injury occurring during a WWE-sanctioned appearance, Holland revealed he will not receive paycheck compensation during his extended recovery period, though WWE will cover his medical rehabilitation[2][8].
Injury and Contract Details: The Hard Reality
Luke Menzies, known in the ring as Ridge Holland, has been battling a Lisfranc injury to his foot sustained during a dark match against Moose at a TNA television taping, which was part of a WWE-approved booking. The injury necessitated surgery, and Holland is expected to be out of action for at least six to seven months[2][5].
Backstage reports clarify that Holland was working under an “NXT money” contract during his injury—not a main roster deal—after his main roster contract expired in November 2024. He had signed a one-year extension worth approximately $200,000 less than his prior agreement[1][5]. This recent contract expires this month, and WWE has decided not to renew it while Holland is still rehabbing.
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE’s policy means Holland will not be paid during his injury downtime despite being under contract, a decision stirring notable dissatisfaction within the locker room[1][5].
WWE’s Medical Coverage: Legal Obligation, Not Philanthropy
While WWE is covering Ridge Holland’s medical expenses and rehab, insiders reveal this is largely due to legal necessity rather than goodwill. Fightful Select reported that refusal to cover these costs would likely have exposed WWE to a lawsuit, compelling the company to handle his medical care[2].
WWE’s coverage of medical rehabilitation contrasts sharply with the cessation of Holland’s paycheck, exposing an uncomfortable reality about how WWE manages injured talent financially.
Backstage Reaction: Disappointment Among Talent
The fighting spirit and dedication Holland showed during his years with WWE have earned him respect backstage. However, sources say the treatment of his contract situation has left many wrestlers “universally disappointed.” WWE talent reportedly see Holland’s predicament as a troubling example of corporate priorities clashing with the physical sacrifices wrestlers make on behalf of the company[2].
A WWE insider commented on the situation, “Ridge gave years of hard work to the company. To see him sidelined and without pay during recovery really hits home for many in the locker room. It underscores ongoing concerns about how injured talent is valued off-camera.”
Holland’s WWE Journey and Future Plans
Ridge Holland joined WWE in 2018, initially splitting time between NXT and the main roster. His main roster highlights include a memorable appearance in the 2022 WarGames match at Survivor Series. Since late 2023, Holland had primarily been featured on the NXT brand, where he won the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Andre Chase as part of the Chase U faction, a popular storyline before his eventual heel turn and faction dissolution[1][5].
Despite setbacks, Holland remains determined about his future beyond WWE. In his Instagram announcement, he shared plans to launch an online coaching business to support his family while he focuses on recovery[8]. Balancing an injury recovery with entrepreneurial ambitions, Holland signals a shift from in-ring competition toward a sustainable post-wrestling career.
The Larger Conversation: WWE’s Treatment of Injured Talent
Ridge Holland’s case spotlights broader WWE business practices regarding injured talent. Industry observers note that while the company invests heavily in production and global expansion, protections and financial stability for wrestlers during injury remain inconsistent, particularly for those not on main roster, top-tier contracts.
Former NXT stars and midcard talents on “NXT money” deals often face the most volatile contract scenarios. As one analyst noted, “Wrestlers outside the top echelon can find themselves in precarious financial situations the moment injury sidelines them, even if the injury happened doing company business.”
Final Thoughts
Ridge Holland’s injury and contract expiration expose the harsh realities some WWE performers face behind the scenes—a stark reminder of the physical risks wrestlers undertake for entertainment and the business realities that often overshadow their sacrifices.
WWE will continue reimbursing his rehab costs until his contract’s end, but beyond that, Holland must navigate recovery without company income. This development has renewed debate across fan and locker room circles about how wrestling companies should safeguard injured talent and ensure fair treatment.
“I’ve been informed WWE will not renew my contract when it ends on November 14,” Holland said. “They’ll cover my rehab, but the guaranteed pay will end, which is frustrating since I can’t work for six months with a family of five to support.” His words framed an uncertain future, yet also a hopeful pivot toward new opportunities outside the squared circle[8].