Ridge Holland’s recent release from WWE has sparked sympathy and support from the wrestling community. The former NXT Tag Team Champion was let go just 9 days before his contract was set to expire, after making social media posts expressing frustration about being left in financial difficulty while recovering from an injury.
Following his release, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help Holland and his family as he continues his recovery. The description reads:
“Help a Father of 3 Heal Without Losing Everything
A hardworking husband. A devoted wife. Three beautiful children. And a devastating injury that threatens to take it all away.
We’re reaching out with heavy hearts on behalf of a dear family in crisis. A loving father of three suffered injuries whilst on the job — injuries that have not only left him unable to work but also abandoned by the very company he served.
Despite being injured at work, he was hired as a 1099 contractor — meaning he’s not eligible for workers’ compensation, sick leave, or any support from the employer. Since the injury, the company has offered to pay for medical expenses BUT No pay. No new contract
The family has already endured a 55% pay cut last year and have done everything possible to reduce their expenses.
He is now facing months of recovery, including another surgery in March of next year, and potentially a neck surgery this month, leaving him unable to return to work until at least late April or early May — if recovery goes as hoped.
His wife, who is already stretched thin caring for him and their three young children, is doing her best, but without any nearby family or support system, it’s simply not enough. Every day is a struggle mentally and physically they would like to provide a sense of stability for their children — who are watching their world slowly unravel.
They’re doing everything they can. But it’s not enough. They are at risk of losing their home. Of falling into debt they may never escape. Of having their kids face a holiday season filled with fear and uncertainty rather than joy.
This family needs a lifeline — and they need it now. Your donation, no matter the size, will give them the time and space to heal, regroup, and rebuild without losing everything they’ve worked so hard for.
Please give what you can — and share this campaign with your community. Every share, every prayer, and every dollar means the world to this family. Together, we can help them make it through this unimaginable season and into a more hopeful future.
This fundraiser has been created to help this beautiful family through the months ahead — to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, pay the bills, cover travel to hospital appointments, and give him chance to focus on healing without the constant fear of financial collapse.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Among the first to contribute were WWE star Chelsea Green and AEW’s Nick Jackson, both donating $1,000 each to support Holland and his family. Later, AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher also donated the same amount.
Green had also publicly shown her support for Holland before his release, reposting several of his messages on social media that called out WWE’s handling of his situation. She has pledged to continue making monthly contributions to support Holland and his family as they navigate his recovery.
WWE Superstar Omos also donated $1,000 and will be doing that on a monthly basis. Former WWE star Jinder Mahal also donated $1,000.
As of this writing, $8,334 have been raised and the target is $60,000. Tap here to donate.
Ridge Holland’s Comments About His Mortgage Triggered WWE Firing
Ridge Holland was released by WWE just nine days before his contract was set to expire. The company terminated his deal after he made multiple social media posts expressing frustration about being left in financial trouble following his injury and WWE’s decision not to renew his contract.
According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE officials were unhappy with Holland’s public remarks, particularly his claim that he won’t be able to pay his mortgage. The company reportedly viewed his public criticism of their actions as a breach of contract.
While the firing only cost the former NXT Tag Team Champion one or two weeks of pay – as he wasn’t scheduled to be paid beyond mid-November – WWE seemingly wanted to “send a message” that speaking negatively about them could lead to immediate consequences.
WWE officials also felt that Holland should have expected his release based on how things played out last year, and that he should have planned his finances accordingly.
Earlier today, WWE moved Ridge Holland to the Alumni section on their website.
