Backstage Note on WWE Terminating Contract of Ridge Holland

As previously noted, WWE terminated the contract of wrestler Ridge Holland before it was due to expire due to some of his recent public comments. Fightful Select Answers Q&A has some more details on his recent exit.

When asked on the Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast if the decision to terminate Holland’s contract early came from within the WWE officer, or higher up at WWE parent company TKO, Sean Ross Sapp revealed that the decision to terminate Holland’s contract came from within WWE. However, TKO opted not to reverse the decision after it was made, so technically, TKO approved the decision as well. Sapp also noted that the decision was made and then reinforced across many levels.

After news surfaced that WWE would not be renewing his contract, and he was sidelined with an injury and facing likely neck fusion surgery, Ridge Holland aired his grievances on social media. He had previously stated, “Add to that my contract not being renewed, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to wrestle for 7 months. This is brutal. Yes, they are taking care of the surgery and physical therapy, but let’s be honest, that’s the bare minimum after what we sacrifice for the company.”

Holland’s disparaging remarks were reportedly seen by WWE as a breach of contract, hence his early termination. Holland later expressed regret over his social posts, saying that they came from a place of frustration.

Ridge Holland stated in a recent video, “That was pure frustration. And I’m mad at myself for doing that, because something that is kind of out of character for me. I don’t react that way.” WWE is reportedly still covering Holland’s injury rehab.