Here’s a summary of the content provided, along with key takeaways and a structured presentation.
Key Takeaways:
- Ridge Holland, recently released from WWE NXT, is facing financial difficulties.
- He publicly expressed his frustration with WWE after learning his contract wouldn’t be renewed.
- WWE reportedly granted him an early release after his critical social media comments.
- Holland has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with his financial situation.
- Numerous wrestling personalities from both WWE and AEW have shown their support by donating.
Summary:
Ridge Holland, a professional wrestler recently released from WWE’s NXT brand, has publicly revealed the financial struggles he is currently facing. News of his departure from WWE was initially reported in October, but further details surrounding the circumstances have since emerged, highlighting the challenges he is now confronting.
Holland’s situation took a turn when he expressed his frustration and disappointment with WWE via social media. He revealed that he was struggling to pay his mortgage and voiced his dissatisfaction with how WWE handled his situation, stating that he felt the company had abandoned him. These comments came after he had reportedly been informed that his contract would not be renewed while he was still recovering from an injury. This public expression of discontent reportedly led to WWE granting Holland an early release from his contract, exacerbating his already precarious position.
The news of Holland’s release and his subsequent financial difficulties prompted him to create a GoFundMe campaign to solicit support. The goal of the campaign is set at $60,000, and it has already garnered considerable attention and support from within the professional wrestling community. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $4,000.
A notable aspect of this situation is the widespread support Holland has received from individuals across different wrestling promotions, demonstrating a sense of camaraderie within the industry. Several prominent names from both WWE and AEW have contributed to Holland’s GoFundMe, including Chelsea Green, the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion, Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks, and Kyle Fletcher, the current AEW TNT Champion. This cross-promotional support underscores the wrestling community’s willingness to rally behind a colleague in need, regardless of their current affiliations.
Ridge Holland had been with WWE since 2018, working his way up through the ranks. He was promoted to the main roster in 2021 and became a member of the "SmackDown" brand. He became part of The Brawling Brutes faction, which was led by veteran wrestler Sheamus. However, in late 2023, he was sent back down to NXT, WWE’s developmental brand. This move was accompanied by a significant pay cut, aligning his earnings more closely with those of other NXT performers who were not on main roster-level contracts. The pay cut likely contributed to the financial strain he is now experiencing.
The situation has also drawn criticism from wrestling fans towards WWE. Many have voiced their disapproval of the company’s decision to release Holland early, particularly in light of his injury and his public statement expressing his financial concerns. Some perceive the early release as a punitive measure for his criticism, further fueling the debate around WWE’s treatment of its talent.
