Ridge Holland has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding a GoFundMe fundraiser that was launched without his consent following his release from WWE. Initially, Holland expressed plans to donate the money raised to charity after returning it, but he reversed course later, stating the donated funds will not be given away and that charitable donations will come only from money he personally earns in the future.
Unapproved GoFundMe Sparks Confusion and Backlash
The fundraiser was created by a family member, more specifically, a relative of Holland’s father, who set up the GoFundMe without informing him or seeking his approval. Holland’s initial post on social media clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the campaign going live and promptly requested the suspension of further donations. He publicly thanked fans and fellow wrestlers for their generosity but made clear that the money would ultimately be returned and directed to charity once the matter was resolved[1][4].
“Thank you all for the incredible support shown through the GoFundMe campaign. However, I want to clarify that I was not aware the page was going live — and had no prior discussion with the family member who created it. I’ve since requested that no further donations be accepted, and this change should take effect within the next 24 hours,” Holland wrote initially, expressing remorse in case the fundraiser caused any offense or misunderstanding[1][4].
Sudden Change: Holland Denies Donating GoFundMe Money
Later the same day, Ridge Holland changed his stance dramatically via Twitter. He emphatically stated, “I AM NOT DONATING THE GO FUND ME MONEY! Once I am earning money and in a position to donate I will donate to charity. This will be the money I earn not the go fund me money. I am not a scammer.” This public update clarified that he intends to retain the GoFundMe funds, raising questions about the motives behind the fundraising and its aftermath[1].
Sources close to WWE confirm the situation has caused confusion backstage. One WWE insider told us, “Ridge wanted to put things straight quickly because the mixed messages were leading to unnecessary controversy. The reality is, he wants to be transparent about the money and is cautious about any claims that could reflect poorly on him.” This insider added that Holland’s financial situation remains precarious due to his recent release and injury[1][4].
Impact of Holland’s WWE Release and Injury
Ridge Holland’s departure from WWE was preceded by a high-profile fallout after publicly criticizing the company for not renewing his contract, which was originally set to expire on November 14, 2025. His outspoken tweets led WWE to terminate his contract prematurely. At the time, the company confirmed that they would cover medical bills related to a foot injury Holland sustained in a prior wrestling event but offered no further financial support due to his classification as a 1099 contractor[2].
Following his release, fans and wrestling peers rallied quickly, culminating in the formation of the GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping Holland and his family cover living expenses and medical costs. The fundraiser saw significant support with donations totaling $8,550 from 110 donors, including notable wrestlers such as Chelsea Green, Omos, Nick Jackson, Kyle Fletcher, and Jinder Mahal[2][3].
Wrestling Industry Reacts: WWE Attempts to Distance from Fundraiser
The fundraiser and the donations from several WWE and AEW stars stirred tensions behind the scenes. Wrestling Observer Radio reported that WWE apparently intervened, requesting some of their talent, including Chelsea Green, to cease promoting the fundraiser publicly. Green’s tweet linking the GoFundMe was quickly deleted, and insiders suggest that WWE’s management viewed the campaign as a potential PR problem, given the circumstances surrounding Holland’s dismissal and the narrative it created for the company[5][6].
WWE insiders highlighted that the company prefers to manage injury and contract termination cases internally, and public fundraisers can complicate their image. “WWE wants to avoid situations where their talent appears to be abandoned publicly, but they also don’t want wrestlers fundraising in ways that shine a negative light on the brand,” noted a backstage source[5].
The Family Member’s Motive Behind the Campaign
The family member who created the fundraiser, Susan Chapman, identified herself as the mother of Ridge Holland’s father and acknowledged setting up the donation drive independently, citing a desire to help the family during a difficult time. She expressed gratitude towards supporters but confirmed that this was initiated without Ridge’s knowledge[4].
“Hello everyone, I wanted to write this update to let you know that I’m the mum of the father that you all are supporting. I set this fundraiser up for the family without them knowing because I want to help. I also wanted to thank you all for your support, it is very much appreciated,” Chapman explained in an update on the fundraising page[4].
What This Means Going Forward for Ridge Holland
Given the mixed messages and the swift back-and-forth over the GoFundMe money, Ridge Holland’s future in wrestling remains uncertain while he focuses on recovery from his injury and sorting out his situation financially. The controversy, paired with WWE’s stance and peer pressure on wrestlers, suggests he may need to be cautious with public appearances and fundraising efforts moving forward.
Industry observers point out that Holland’s case highlights broader issues about wrestler classification, health coverage, and support — especially for those working as independent contractors without comprehensive benefits.
According to a wrestling analyst, “Ridge’s situation is, unfortunately, not unique. It underscores the precarious nature of wrestling contracts and the lack of safety nets for injured performers outside the major promotions’ goodwill.”
For now, Ridge Holland has clearly drawn a line: any charity donations will come strictly from his personal earnings once he is financially able, and he denies any wrongdoing regarding the GoFundMe campaign. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how he navigates the aftermath of his WWE exit and what the future holds.