Ridge Holland gave WWE NXT fans an unexpected update on the March 26th episode.
Addressing the crowd inside the Capitol Wrestling Center, the former Brawling Brute stated that he was tired of taking his work home with him and did not want his job to take away from the things that mean the most to him, being the best father and husband he can. Recalling difficult conversations he has had with loved ones and himself, Holland admitted that he has been lacking in physical and mental resilience.
Holland then made the announcement that was in the best interest of himself and his family, which was that he would be stepping away from in-ring competition indefinitely. Holland admitted the decision was difficult but was very thankful to be given the opportunity to compete in WWE. Holland said “cheers” to the crowd before leaving the microphone in the ring and making his way to the backstage area.
Holland has been part of an NXT storyline that saw the former Brawling Brute deal with his struggles following on from the real-life injury he caused Big E in 2022 and the storyline injury caused to NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov. While the injury to Big E has been acknowledged as an accident by all parties and there is no heat on Holland for what took place, the WWE star admitted that he received death threats among a tirade of abuse.
Following the announcement, Holland was moved from the active roster page and into the alumni section of the company’s website. Holland’s final match took place on the March 12th episode, which saw the British wrestler lose to Shawn Spears, who recently returned to the company after leaving AEW at the start of the year.
Is Ridge Holland Really Gone From WWE?
Following on from the angle on NXT, Corey Brennan of Fightful Select provided more information in regard to Holland’s future. Fightful confirms that this is all part of a storyline and is not Holland’s retirement. It is also stated that this is a story that Holland has been motivated to do and is expected to run its course as originally planned.