Ridge Holland returned to NXT a few months ago after a stint on the main roster with Sheamus and Butch (Pete Dunne again). The British fighter sought to redeem himself after a difficult few months, but he did not succeed so much so that he decided to make a drastic choice for himself.
And what’s the decision? The hardest decision a pro wrestler has to make; is about his/her retirement. But according to a really credible wrestling source, all this might be a part of a storyline. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper, shall we?
Ridge Holland makes a shocking decision but is it as intended?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On NXT, Ridge Holland gave an in-ring promo to announce that he was retiring from the ring indefinitely. The former Brawling Brutes member stated that he can’t afford to hurt any more wrestlers or himself. This is a reference to him being termed as unsafe for injuring other wrestlers. He also highlighted that external comments made about him have greatly affected him. Holland said he wants to be a better father and a better man. And he needs to stop taking home what he has to do with his job. The NXT star ended his promo by thanking the fans, and fans thanked him back. But immediately after the segment, doubts about whether this was a real recall or not arose. And, a few hours later, the situation was clarified.
As reported by Corey Brennan on Fightful Select, this is part of the story that Ridge Holland is involved in. And it is not an official retirement. The wrestler has been motivated to carry out this story. And has been very receptive when it comes to listening to ideas and suggestions.
The report read, “NXT sources have confirmed to Corey Brennan of Fightful Select that this is part of Holland’s current storyline and is not an official retirement. The story has been one that Holland has been motivated to do, with the former Brawling Brute being receptive to suggestions. The storyline has had no pushback from a creative or talent standpoint despite fan backlash, and is expected to run its course as originally planned.” WWE has moved Ridge Holland’s profile to the ‘Alumni’ section of its website along with the rest of the wrestlers who are no longer part of the company, but it’s all part of history. But what led the WWE to run this storyline?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Holland’s unfortunate gimmick
Ridge Holland has been working in WWE since 2018. He made his debut in the now-defunct British division of the company. After his first appearance in the United States in 2020, a knee injury interrupted his momentum. In 2021, Ridge Holland joined Friday Night SmackDown where he teamed with Sheamus and Pete Dunne.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
His role in the injuries to Big E and Elton Prince inspired a story that began in December 2023 within NXT programming. This aspect of Holland became the center of discussion after he injured Ilja Dragunov in a non-title match. Dragunov was taken off on a stretcher after suffering a neck injury. Holland caught Dragunov for a Brainbuster that hit his opponent’s head. Dragunov lay motionless on the ground as several referees and medics appeared to assist him. While Holland was worried, Ilja Dragunov was placed on a stretcher. They also put on a neck brace before being rushed backstage. And after this fight, Holland began a losing streak until his announcement tonight. Time will tell how this story continues to develop and aid Ridge Holland’s career. What do you make of the storyline? Let us know in the comments section below.
