Ridge Holland Shuts Down Scam Accusations After GoFundMe Backlash

Ridge Holland has once again spoken out to clear the air about the GoFundMe controversy that erupted after his WWE release—and this time, he got personal.

Appearing on Busted Open Radio on November 10, 2025, Holland (real name Luke Menzies) offered more context around the now-deactivated fundraiser and firmly pushed back on accusations that he tried to scam fans.

The former WWE star explained that he was released while injured and facing real financial pressure, including caring for a family with three kids. Although he had some savings, they were depleted due to a significant pay cut, leaving him vulnerable when the release hit.

“So within this time, obviously family members knew the financial situation. Obviously having a family, three kids, a mortgage and everything like that. And obviously I had saved money. But because of the pay cut that… those savings went into kind of helping with the shortfall for taking the pay cut. So they were no longer there, right?”

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Then came the GoFundMe—launched by a family member without his knowledge. While the fundraiser was initially well-received, social media users eventually turned on Holland, accusing him of being dishonest. That’s when he says things got out of control.

“So the GoFundMe now — I’ve been called a scammer. I’ve been called a scam artist. I’ve been called a piece of s**t. And it’s… it’s all wrong. The GoFundMe was set up without my knowledge, okay?”

Holland admitted that once he saw respected names donating—like Chelsea Green and Jinder Mahal—he considered letting the fundraiser ride for a short time.

“When it got to a certain amount that I thought, okay, this could tide me over until I can actually get back on my feet again, I’ll close the GoFundMe.”

He also reiterated his previous statement that he would donate the full amount to charity once he recoups it through future earnings.

“Because of the kindness shown to me, I said, when I can recoup the money myself by earning, I will pay that kindness forward by donating the exact same amount to charity. And somehow that got misconstrued as me being a scammer.”

Pushing back hard against the narrative, Ridge made it clear that he never asked for help—and likely wouldn’t have if asked.

“For me, as a proud man, I’m a firm believer in anything that happens to me — it’s my cross to bear… Maybe I’m too proud for my own good.”

With the backlash mounting, Holland made the decision to shut everything down.

“I thought, okay, I’m gonna nip this in the bud right now. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m doing anything untoward… if they’d have asked me straight up about setting up the GoFundMe, I would have said no — because this situation is mine to deal with.”

While this isn’t the first time Ridge Holland has addressed the GoFundMe drama, this new interview made it crystal clear: he never approved it, didn’t ask for it, and plans to give back once he’s on his feet.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.