Ridge Holland has introduced a new WWE gimmick and look that pay homage to his past career, marking a shift that merges his wrestling role with his background in rugby. This change debuted at an NXT live event in Tampa, Florida, where Holland appeared in attire inspired by his former sport and adopted the nickname “Steam Pig,” reflecting his connection to rugby.
Before entering professional wrestling, Holland spent a decade playing rugby for various lower league clubs, culminating with the Toronto Wolfpack. His transition into wrestling began in 2016, leading to a WWE contract and relocation to Florida by 2018. The recent update to his character reflects a return to the roots of his athletic journey.
The Rugby Influence Behind Holland’s New Persona
At the Tampa event, Ridge Holland swapped his traditional wrestling trunks for gear that echoed his rugby days, drawing visual inspiration from the Bradford Bulls, a well-known English rugby team. The color scheme sparked recognition among fans familiar with the sport. Holland has acknowledged watching the Bradford Bulls’ victory at the 2003 Challenge Cup held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, adding personal context to the homage.
He had subtly hinted at this new look by sharing the “Steam Pig” logo on social media weeks in advance, building anticipation for the reveal during the NXT event.
Recent WWE Appearances and Brand Movements
Ridge Holland was last visible on WWE television during the May 6 episode of NXT, where he participated in a Number One Contendership Battle Royal for the NXT Championship, a match won by Myles Borne. Earlier in April, at a house show, he faced Noam Dar in a contest for the Heritage Cup but was defeated.
Since then, Holland stepped away from television but resurfaced on the Evolve wrestling show, indicating a potential ongoing presence there. His match on the Tampa card, where he defeated Tate Wilder, was his first competition since early May, signaling a renewed momentum with his new character direction.
What This Shift Means for Ridge Holland’s WWE Career
The introduction of the “Steam Pig” gimmick signals Ridge Holland’s intent to distinguish himself by weaving his wrestling persona closely with his rugby past, offering fans a fresh and authentic character. This blend of sports heritage and wrestling performance may create new opportunities for storylines and fan engagement as he continues on the WWE and Evolve circuits.
As Holland embraces this new chapter, his career trajectory will likely attract attention from both wrestling and rugby enthusiasts, enhancing his presence within WWE’s evolving roster.
