During a new interview with Chris Van Vliet, Big E has spoken with genuine compassion about Ridge Holland, whose career was forever changed after the accidental neck injury he inflicted on him. The former WWE Champion stressed that Holland has faced overwhelming struggles since then, including his own devastating injuries, the loss of his job, and the heavy responsibility of supporting a young family. While Big E continues to thrive in broadcasting and harbors no resentment, he expressed deep sorrow that one moment will likely define Holland’s entire WWE tenure.
“I know it really altered his career, and I tried to put out a statement or two to tell people there’s no ill will whatsoever, please leave this man alone. But more than anything, he has a family to take care of. He has kids, and to see him, one, he dealt with a devastating injury of his own. He dealt with losing his job. I really felt for him, continue to feel for him, because I tell people I’m in a great place … I really hate that his tenure in WWE, for the most part, a lot of it’s going to be defined by the injury and his role in it. But I really feel for him and for his family, and I truly hope he’s in a better place.” – Big E
Ridge Holland, real name Luke Menzies, joined WWE in 2018 and impressed in NXT as a powerhouse wrestler. From there, he joined Sheamus and Butch in the Brawling Brutes stable on SmackDown and looked set for a big push. However, his momentum was shattered in March 2022 when a botched belly-to-belly suplex caused Big E’s career-ending neck injury. The incident triggered intense backlash, death threats, and deep personal guilt for Holland. Further hampered by multiple injuries of his own, including a serious foot injury suffered in TNA in 2025, WWE decided not to renew his contract in November 2025 while he was still recovering, ending his seven-year tenure with a whimper.
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