Ridge Holland Reveals Emotional Toll GoFundMe Scandal Had On Him

WWE released Ridge Holland under controversial circumstances. Then the hits kept coming for the former Superstar, as a GoFundMe scandal blew up in his face after it was revealed that he was left destitute and injured after his release.

Ridge Holland is addressing the fallout from a controversial GoFundMe campaign that quickly spiraled into public scrutiny. Of course, this is something that has remained in the pro wrestling news cycle for over a week at this point.

The GoFundMe fundraiser was originally launched to support Holland during his recovery from a severe neck injury. At the time, Holland stated that the GoFundMe had been created without his knowledge or consent. In an early statement, he thanked fans for their support but said he would shut it down, return the money, and donate it to charity once he recouped the donations.

Later that same day, Holland reversed course and issued a follow-up on social media. He clarified that he would not be donating the GoFundMe money to charity, and instead planned to use it for his recovery.

“I AM NOT DONATING THE GO FUND ME MONEY. Once I am earning money and in a position to donate I will donate to charity. This will be the money I earn not the go fund me money. I am not a scammer.”

During a recent interview on Busted Open Radio, Ridge Holland opened up about the emotional toll the criticism took on him, especially after being called a scammer online. He explained that his decision to shut down the fundraiser was not about the money, it was about how quickly negative public perception spread and how it affected him.

Ridge Holland also emphasized that his main concern was how fast social media turned against him. He said the backlash, including being labeled a scammer, damaged his reputation and made him feel like a charity case—something he struggled with internally.

“I just felt like it was one of those things where you try and do the right thing, and in certain people’s eyes, they will spin anything you say into a negative light. You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t.”

“And the main thing that—like—when people were calling me a scammer, I’m like, whoa, whoa. That’s kind of like defamation on my character. And if that becomes widely accepted—because we know how fast social media can spread—and perceptions and things like that, that could affect me, my income as well. Promotions and things like that. We all see how it spreads, and people get affected by things that aren’t really true. So that was one of the… that was like a little bit of a reason as for why as well, you know what I mean?”

Ridge Holland has been through a lot, and he said this is a very humbling experience. He is also grateful for everything, but it still isn’t something that he’s going to let set with him easily.

“It’s very humbling… but it also—it’s not that I’m not grateful, I am—but it makes me feel uneasy that people are… I feel like a lot of the time, as a man, you need to dig yourself out of your own mess. And sometimes it makes me a little uneasy when people are… I don’t want to feel like a charity case. Do you know what I mean?”

Ridge Holland has not returned to in-ring action since his WWE release and is still dealing with the physical and financial challenges of recovery. We are hoping that he lands on his feet and makes a full recovery.

WWE has reportedly agreed to cover his neck fusion surgery, but Ridge Holland remains off the road for the time being. While the GoFundMe confusion continues, Holland is focusing on rebuilding both his body and his reputation.

What’s your take on Ridge Holland’s career in pro wrestling? Will he make a full recovery and rise to a bigger position in the business? Let us know what you think in the comments section!