Ridge Holland’s rocky road with WWE just took another surprising turn, and this time, it’s one that may silence some of the criticism.
While speaking on Busted Open Radio on November 10, Luke Menzies revealed that WWE is covering the cost of his upcoming neck fusion surgery—even though the company released him early from his contract while he was still recovering from the injury.
The surgery is no small procedure. Holland is expected to be out until at least May 2026, making this a long-term rehabilitation process. WWE’s decision to continue footing the bill for his medical treatment adds a layer of complexity to what had become a highly controversial situation.
Holland previously accused the company of cutting him loose while he was hurt and unpaid, sparking fan outrage and leading to a GoFundMe created by a family member. That campaign quickly gained support from fellow wrestlers, with names from both WWE and AEW donating—including Chelsea Green and Nick Jackson. But after realizing the fundraiser had gone live without his knowledge, Holland requested it be shut down and said he planned to donate the proceeds to charity.
He also apologized to fans and peers, stating that the page was never intended to cause offense. The move drew praise for his transparency, but it didn’t stop critics from questioning how WWE handled his exit.
Despite everything, WWE’s commitment to pay for his surgery sends a message that the company isn’t completely walking away from injured talent—even if the timing of the release raised a lot of red flags. While Holland won’t be in a ring for months, the door remains open for his long-term recovery, and his decision to redirect fan donations toward charity shows he’s determined to handle things on his own terms.
WWE’s move to cover Holland’s surgery might soften the blow, but fans are still left wondering how many more stories like this are playing out behind the scenes.
Do you think WWE deserves credit for paying Ridge Holland’s medical costs, or is this just damage control after releasing him early? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.