Ridge Holland’s ongoing battle with injury and his recent WWE release has taken an unexpected twist: WWE has agreed to cover the cost of his upcoming neck fusion surgery. The decision, revealed by Luke Menzies (Holland’s real name) on Busted Open Radio on November 10, 2025, adds a significant layer of complexity to an already contentious situation surrounding Holland’s departure from the company[1][2].
The Surgery and Long-Term Recovery Ahead
Neck fusion surgery is a serious medical procedure, especially for a professional wrestler. Holland is expected to be sidelined until at least May 2026, meaning he faces a long rehabilitation period. This procedure involves fusing certain vertebrae in the neck, often to alleviate nerve compression and pain caused by structural damage. Holland’s case reportedly involves C-5 and C-6 vertebrae nerve compression[3].
The financial burden of such a surgery is substantial, so WWE’s willingness to shoulder the medical expenses despite having released Holland early from his contract was unexpected by many fans and industry insiders. The development suggests that WWE is not entirely abandoning injured talent even when contracts end prematurely[1][4].
The Controversy Surrounding Ridge Holland’s Release
Holland’s release became public just a week before his WWE contract was set to expire and followed social media posts where he expressed frustration over financial and medical concerns. He claimed feeling “hung out to dry” by WWE while injured, fueling significant backlash against the company from fans and fellow wrestlers alike[2][3].
In a particularly contentious moment, a GoFundMe campaign for his medical expenses was launched by a family member without his consent. The campaign quickly garnered donations from various wrestling figures in both WWE and AEW, including Chelsea Green and Nick Jackson. However, Holland later asked for the fundraiser to be shut down and pledged to donate the money raised to charity, stating the page was never meant to cause offense or controversy[1][2].
A WWE Insider’s Perspective on the Situation
According to a WWE insider familiar with Holland’s case, “While WWE’s timing regarding his release left many questions unanswered, the decision to cover his neck surgery indicates an acknowledgment of their responsibility towards performers hurt on the job. It’s a complicated situation, but this step shows WWE is still willing to support in critical medical matters, even post-release.”[1]
This insider perspective underscores the nuanced nature of WWE’s relationship with its talent, particularly injured wrestlers navigating the transition out of the company amid medical challenges.
What This Means for Ridge Holland’s Career
Holland’s upcoming surgery and rehabilitation timetable mean he will be out of wrestling action for at least six months. Yet the coverage of his medical expenses leaves open the possibility of a future return or at least a less financially burdensome recovery. This development may also soften some of the criticism WWE faced over his release, suggesting the company isn’t entirely dismissive of injured performers once their contracts end.
Holland’s transparency in addressing the fundraiser situation and redirecting donations to charity has further impressed parts of the wrestling community. It demonstrates a desire to handle the situation with integrity despite the hardship he has endured[1][2].
Ongoing Fan and Industry Reactions
Fans remain divided in their opinions. Some praise WWE for eventually stepping up to cover medical costs, viewing it as the minimum duty owed to performers risking physical harm. Others remain skeptical, questioning if this is merely damage control to mitigate fallout after an arguably premature release[1].
Social media discussions and wrestling forums continue to debate not just Holland’s case but broader issues of how WWE manages injured talent—questions about transparency, contract timing, medical coverage, and wrestler welfare persist.
Key Takeaways
- WWE will pay for Ridge Holland’s upcoming neck fusion surgery, a serious procedure that will keep him out until May 2026 at minimum.
- The surgery coverage comes after Holland’s controversial release, which many viewed as premature given his injury status.
- Holland initially became a focal point of fan support via a GoFundMe campaign created without his knowledge; he shut it down and plans to donate funds to charity.
- Sources inside WWE suggest this medical support signals a nuanced approach to post-contract responsibilities toward injured talent.
- The wrestling community remains split regarding WWE’s handling of Holland’s exit and medical care.
WWE’s decision to cover Ridge Holland’s surgery may not erase all criticism, but it adds an important chapter to the ongoing dialogue about wrestler health and corporate responsibility in professional wrestling.
Do you believe WWE’s coverage of Ridge Holland’s medical expenses is an adequate response to his injury and release? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.