Ridge Holland, real name Luke Menzies, faces a challenging and uncertain road ahead after WWE made the decision to terminate his contract early amid injury and financial struggles. The former WWE star, sidelined with a serious lisfranc foot injury and additional potential neck issues, is now cut loose from the company earlier than anticipated, leaving him without the financial safety net originally expected during his recovery.
Early Contract Termination Amid Injury and Social Media Fallout
Initially, Holland’s WWE contract was set to expire on November 14, 2025. However, sources close to the situation revealed that WWE ended his deal ahead of schedule in early November due to the star’s recent critical comments on social media about his treatment and contract status. According to Fightful Select and other outlets, company officials viewed his public statements—where he expressed frustration over his unpaid status and contract non-renewal—as a breach of contract, justifying the early release.
A WWE insider shared, “The company has strict guidelines about public commentary, especially for injured talent still under contract. Ridge’s posts crossed a line that WWE could not ignore, particularly given the financial and medical complexities involved.” This move signals a hardening stance in WWE’s management of talent relations, especially concerning injured wrestlers vocal on social platforms.
Financial Hardship and Lack of Support
Holland’s plight has been made more public through his emotionally raw posts on X (formerly Twitter), where he candidly admitted to feeling “hung out to dry” and unable to meet personal financial obligations such as his mortgage. Despite WWE covering his surgery and physical therapy for the lisfranc injury—suffered in late September during a taping for Impact Wrestling (then branded TNA)—he stressed that this barely scratches the surface of what he sacrificed for the company.
In one of his statements, Holland lamented:
“I never thought I’d not be able to pay my mortgage. I feel like I’ve just been hung out to dry after getting injured working for another company on behalf of WWE. Add to that my contract not being renewed knowing that I wouldn’t be able to wrestle for 7 months. This is brutal.”[1]
The injury, including a possible neck fusion surgery mentioned by Holland, has significantly impacted his career prospects. Recovery timelines indicate he could be out of action well into 2026, making the early termination particularly financially precarious.
The Injury That Led to This Crisis
Holland’s injury occurred during a non-WWE wrestling event the Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory weekend—where he apparently sustained a lisfranc injury, a serious foot injury that requires lengthy rehabilitation. This detail adds nuance to his grievances because WWE reportedly did not compensate him for that appearance, even though it was done “on behalf of WWE.” The foot injury is compounded by the risk of neck surgery, which Holland revealed he might require, worsening his health and career outlook.
Historical Context: WWE’s Approach to Injured Talent
Historically, WWE has tended to support injured wrestlers until they recovered, often refraining from releasing talent mid-injury. However, insiders note that recent changes have shifted this approach, with the company increasingly willing to cut ties with injured wrestlers before full recovery if circumstances demand it, especially if contract breaches occur[2][4].
A backstage source noted, “In the past year, WWE has grown more cautious about long-term payouts and liability for injured talent. If they sense contractual breaches or complicated situations, they’re quicker to pull the trigger on releases—even if it catches fans off guard.”
What This Means for Ridge Holland
The early contract termination combined with a lengthy recovery timeline leaves Holland in a vulnerable position both financially and professionally. While WWE remains responsible for his ongoing medical care related to the injury, the lack of contract renewal and early termination preclude guaranteed income from WWE, which has caused considerable distress for the 37-year-old family man[1][2].
Holland is currently focused on rehabilitation and the possibility of neck surgery, but the abrupt end of his WWE tenure marks a major setback. For fans and industry observers, the situation also shines a spotlight on the precariousness of wrestling careers and the stakes involved in corporate talent relations.
Industry Reactions and Broader Implications
This decision has sparked discussion about the protections and support injured wrestlers should have, sparking debate on whether WWE and the broader wrestling industry need to improve safeguards for talent facing long-term injuries. Supporters argue that early releases during injury not only jeopardize health but also risk exposing performers to financial ruin.
A veteran wrestling analyst commented, “Ridge Holland’s case may well become a catalyst for deeper conversations on wrestler healthcare, contractual protections, and how companies balance their business interests with athlete welfare.”
Looking Ahead
Ridge Holland’s path forward is uncertain. While WWE covers his medical rehab expenses, the lack of contract and income leaves the door open for him needing to find other avenues to sustain himself during recovery, including potential independent work or recovery-focused sponsorships.
The wrestling world will be watching closely to see how Holland bounces back from this setback and whether WWE, or any other promotions, extend opportunities to a wrestler clearly still capable but dealing with serious health challenges.