On the latest episode of WWE NXT, Ridge Holland surprised fans with a massive announcement, revealing he was stepping away from in-ring competition indefinitely.
The Stamford-based company also moved the 35-year-old star to the Alumni section on their official website.
Reflecting on Holland’s journey in the promotion, the former Brawling Brutes member signed with WWE in May 2018 as Luke Menzies.
After debuting in NXT, he transitioned to NXT UK as Ridge Holland in November 2019. Returning to NXT in August 2020, he showcased a villainous persona before an injury sidelined him for nine months.
During the 2021 WWE Draft, Holland moved to SmackDown, aligning with Sheamus and Pete Dunne as The Brawling Brutes.
However, tensions arose within the faction, leading to its dissolution when Sheamus took a hiatus. Holland then returned to NXT in December 2023, challenging for the NXT Championship.
His retirement announcement sparked online speculation, with fans questioning its authenticity.
Reports suggest it’s part of a storyline, hinting at a potential return to the ring in the future. If true, it will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming weeks or months.
