WWE Cuts Ridge Holland Mid-Recovery After Contract Breach
Things have taken a dramatic and troubling turn for Ridge Holland real name Luke Menzies after WWE terminated his contract early, leaving the injured star in a precarious financial and professional position. According to multiple sources within WWE, Holland’s public statements about his contract status and the company’s lack of support during his recovery were seen as a breach, prompting the early departure. “WWE takes contract breaches extremely seriously, and while it’s rare, sometimes tough decisions have to be made,” a WWE insider explained to us. “But Ridge’s situation is unique he’s out with a significant injury, and now he’s without a WWE paycheck for months.”
Holland’s contract was originally set to expire in mid-November, but WWE chose to sever ties weeks earlier, reportedly forfeiting pay he would have otherwise been owed for the final stretch of his deal[3]. This move by WWE stands out, especially as the company has historically been more cautious about releasing injured talent until their recovery is complete[1]. “It’s not unprecedented, but it’s definitely a shift—a sign of a harder line in how WWE handles these situations now,” noted a veteran backstage source[3].
The Injury: What Happened to Ridge Holland?
Holland’s trouble began with a significant injury suffered on September 27 at a TNA wrestling taping, an appearance reportedly booked by WWE[1][2]. He sustained damage to his foot—specifically a Lisfranc injury—which medical experts project will keep him sidelined until well into 2026, a timeline that could stretch up to seven months[2][3]. The timing is particularly harsh: not only is Holland unable to work or collect a full paycheck from WWE, but he’s also revealed that he was not compensated for the TNA appearance that led to his injury[1].
“I never thought I’d not be able to pay my mortgage,” Holland posted on social media. “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.”[2] The emotional posts, which have since been widely shared among wrestling fans, highlight the vulnerability of talent in an industry where injuries are common yet protections are not guaranteed.
According to a well-placed source, “Under WWE’s standard contracts, they are still legally obligated to cover rehab and physical therapy—but when it comes to salary or additional compensation, that’s a different story, especially if a contract is terminated early.”[3]
WWE’s Evolving Stance on Injured Talent
WWE has long been criticized for its handling of injured performers, but its willingness to release talent during recovery—once a rarity—has become more frequent over the past year[1][3]. Historically, WWE has opted to keep injured wrestlers on the payroll until they could either return or reach a mutual exit agreement. Holland’s case, however, suggests a new precedent where public criticism or perceived contract breaches can trigger immediate release, even for injured talent.
“The company has become much more aggressive in enforcing contract clauses, especially when it comes to disparaging public comments,” a WWE insider noted. “It’s a business, and the message is clear: don’t air grievances on social media if you want to keep your paychecks coming.”[3]
For Holland, the financial impact is immediate and severe. Not only has he lost his primary income, but his future in wrestling remains uncertain while he recovers from a serious injury[1][2]. This scenario has reignited discussions among wrestlers and fans about the need for stronger labor protections in professional wrestling, especially given the physical risks performers take for their careers.
The Financial Fallout: Where Does Ridge Holland Go From Here?
Holland’s social media statements paint a stark picture of economic hardship. “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,” he wrote[2]. While WWE remains responsible for covering his rehabilitation costs—a legal requirement—Holland’s loss of a steady wage during his recovery leaves him in a deeply vulnerable spot[3].
Making matters worse, Holland recently took a significant pay cut when offered a one-year extension last year, reportedly moving from main roster pay to an NXT contract worth $200,000 less than his previous deal[4]. After making that sacrifice, he now finds himself with no income and a lengthy recovery ahead of him—hobbled by an injury suffered while representing WWE elsewhere[1][4].
Industry Reaction: Calls for Change Grow Louder
Within wrestling circles, Holland’s situation has sparked widespread debate. “It’s a wake-up call for the business,” said a retired wrestler who remains close to the locker room. “We put our bodies on the line every night for entertainment, and stories like Ridge’s remind us that when things go wrong, the safety net isn’t always there.”
Fans and advocates for wrestlers’ rights are increasingly vocal about the need for unionization or collective bargaining agreements to provide basic protections for injured talent. Social media has exploded with support for Holland, as well as criticism directed at WWE for its handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, some veteran wrestlers and agents are quietly discussing the need for more robust clauses in contracts—especially regarding injury pay and grievance procedures. “If a company is going to book you in a high-risk environment, there should be clear rules about how you’re taken care of if things go south,” said one agent who represents several WWE stars.
The Future for Ridge Holland
At present, Ridge Holland’s future in WWE is over for the foreseeable future, and his wrestling career is in limbo as he recovers from what could be a life-altering injury[1][3]. While he will continue to receive medical care thanks to WWE’s legal obligations, his immediate financial outlook is grim—and his public statements suggest he feels abandoned by the company he sacrificed his health for[2].
Some industry insiders believe Holland may have a case for further compensation, especially given his injury occurred while on assignment for WWE. However, pursuing legal action is often expensive and risky for performers, many of whom fear being blacklisted by powerful companies like WWE.
Conclusion: Wrestling’s Injury Crisis Under the Spotlight
Ridge Holland’s abrupt WWE exit amid a painful recovery shines a harsh spotlight on the precarious nature of wrestlers’ contracts and the minimal protections afforded to talent in the face of catastrophic injury[1][3]. His story serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring performers—and a rallying cry for fans and advocates demanding change.
“Wrestlers deserve better,” said a source close to the locker room. “If Ridge’s case gets people talking about real protections for talent, maybe something good can come out of this mess.” For now, Holland’s fight extends far beyond the ring—and his plight may help shape the future for all wrestlers who put their bodies on the line for the sake of entertainment.