Ridge Holland Breaks Silence: What the Former WWE Star Said About the Backlash

[MuscleMadness]

Hey, it’s Muscle Madness — your heavyweight source for raw power, hardcore intensity, and the wildest stories shaking up the world of pro wrestling. Today, we’re throwing down on one of WWE’s most controversial names right now: Ridge Holland.

This guy’s been a powerhouse in the ring, known for his no-nonsense style and physical dominance. But in 2025, things shifted. A wave of criticism hit, and for a while, Ridge kept his mouth shut until now. Ridge Holland breaks the silence, and what he has to say gives us a whole new lens on the situation.

Background on Ridge Holland’s WWE Career

Let’s rewind the tape. Ridge Holland didn’t start as a headline—he worked his way up. A former rugby player turned wrestler, he debuted in NXT UK before making his presence known in NXT and later on SmackDown. With his size, intensity, and explosive style, it didn’t take long for Ridge to become a key figure in WWE’s midcard scene.

He was part of the Brawling Brutes, a faction that put on some hard-hitting matches alongside Sheamus and Butch (formerly Pete Dunne). Ridge wasn’t just muscle—he brought raw energy, and for a while, fans dug into his grit and toughness.

But it wasn’t all cheers. Even before the controversy, Ridge had his critics—some questioned his ring safety and technical polish. Still, his momentum was strong, and WWE seemed to have plans for him… until the backlash came roaring in.

The Controversy Explained​

So, what sparked the backlash? If you’ve been following WWE criticism in 2025, you know Ridge found himself under fire for an in-ring incident that didn’t sit well with fans. Though details were murky at first, it involved a match that resulted in a serious injury to a fellow performer, sparking concerns about Ridge’s safety in the ring.

The controversy started in early 2025 when footage from the match went viral. Social media lit up with heated takes. Some fans pointed to similar incidents in Ridge’s past, accusing him of being careless. Others came to his defense, saying the move was standard and things just went wrong.
WWE stayed quiet, and Ridge stayed silent. That silence made the backlash louder. Wrestling pundits and longtime insiders speculated whether WWE would discipline him or cut ties altogether.

Holland’s Public Statement​

Then, after weeks of radio silence, Ridge Holland finally broke his silence in an emotional sit-down interview streamed on a wrestling podcast. It wasn’t just a tweet or a PR-crafted statement—it was raw, real, and personal.

He opened up about the emotional toll the backlash took on him. Ridge said he “never wanted to hurt anyone” and admitted he struggled with whether to respond publicly. He acknowledged the fan concerns, clarified the move in question, and emphasized his commitment to learning and improving as a performer.

His tone? More reflective and clarifying than defensive. He didn’t make excuses. Instead, he highlighted how he’s working with coaches, reviewing footage, and taking ownership of his role in what happened. He still wants to prove himself in the ring, but with more focus on safety and growth.

Reaction from the Wrestling Community​

The moment Ridge Holland’s interview dropped, reactions poured in. Social media got filled with hashtags and heated debates. Some fans appreciated the vulnerability and the honesty. They said it takes guts to speak up and take responsibility in a business known for egos and silence.

But not everyone bought it. Some in the wrestling fan base remained critical, accusing Ridge of doing damage control. There were still questions about whether he should return at all.

Inside the locker room, people had mixed responses—at least publicly. A few fellow wrestlers offered quiet support, liking or reposting Ridge’s message. Others remained silent, which spoke volumes in its way. Wrestling media covered the story heavily, and some analysts praised Ridge for stepping up instead of hiding behind WWE’s PR wall.

Impact on His Career and Future​

So, what does this mean for Ridge going forward? WWE hasn’t made an official statement about his future, but insiders suggest his role might shift. Whether that’s a temporary hiatus, a stint back in NXT, or a full rebranding remains to be seen.
What we do know is that public perception is evolving. By breaking Ridge's silence, he gave fans something to process—a human side to a wrestler caught in a storm. He may not have erased the controversy, but he reframed the conversation.

As for the long game? If Ridge returns with improved ring work and earns back trust, he could carve out a powerful redemption arc. But if backlash continues, it might mark the beginning of a new chapter—one outside of WWE. Either way, the ball’s in his court now.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Why did WWE fans criticize Ridge Holland in 2025?

He was involved in an in-ring incident that injured another wrestler, sparking debate about his safety and technique.

What did Ridge Holland say in his recent interview?

He acknowledged the backlash, expressed regret, and emphasized that he’s working to improve and grow as a performer.

Did WWE take any action against Ridge Holland?

As of now, WWE has not made any public disciplinary statements, but rumors suggest his role may be changing.