WWE NXT brought forth a slew of charming moments in its recent episode, with the ongoing Prime Target series chronicling the intense rivalry between Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams stealing the spotlight.
However, amidst the excitement, Ridge Holland’s unexpected promo left fans perplexed and intrigued.
In a heartfelt monologue, Ridge divulged his wrestling struggles, culminating in a startling revelation—he’s taking an indefinite hiatus from in-ring competition.
Despite this announcement and his removal from the active roster, rumors suggest that this development is part of a larger storyline concocted for WWE’s third brand.
This turn of events has sparked curiosity among fans, prompting questions about Ridge’s motives and what lies ahead for him. Here, we go into four potential reasons behind his decision and the potential ramifications:
1. Genuine Remorse
Ridge’s character arc has been marked by turmoil, notably following an incident with Ilja Dragunov that left him grappling with inner turmoil.
— Ridge Holland (@RidgeWWE) March 19, 2024
If Ridge genuinely feels remorse for his actions, his decision to step away could stem from a desire to distance himself from the violent nature of his persona.
2. Manipulative Tactics
There’s a possibility that Ridge’s announcement is a strategic move aimed at garnering sympathy and attention from the WWE Universe.
Similar instances in wrestling history, such as Shawn Michaels’ “lost smile” saga, have demonstrated the effectiveness of such tactics in rallying fan support.
3. Crowd Backlash
Despite his popularity as part of The Brawling Brutes, Ridge has faced criticism from fans, particularly following the injury to Big E.
😔😔😔@RidgeWWE has announced he is stepping away from in-ring competition indefinitely. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/vutKD5YVwt
— WWE (@WWE) March 27, 2024
The incessant backlash, both online and in live events, may have taken a toll on him, leading to his decision to retreat from the spotlight temporarily.
4. Setting Up a Heel Turn
Prior to his announcement, Ridge was embroiled in a storyline with Shawn Spears, hinting at a potential alliance. His retirement could serve as a prelude to a shocking return, paving the way for a heel turn and a formidable partnership with Spears in dominating the NXT scene.
As speculation swirls around Ridge Holland’s future in WWE NXT, his recent announcement has injected a new layer of intrigue into the brand’s storytelling, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding developments.
