Luke Menzies, known in WWE as Ridge Holland, recently shared details about a significant moment in his career linked to the 2022 injury incident involving Big E. The event took place during a SmackDown episode, where Holland and Sheamus performed a belly-to-belly suplex spot that tragically resulted in Big E sustaining a broken neck. Menzies revealed in an appearance on The Mike Rand Show that the match was arranged spontaneously after a meeting with Vince McMahon. This unforeseen setup contributed to the circumstances that led to the accident.
The Lasting Consequences for Ridge Holland’s Career
Menzies expressed profound regret over the injury, acknowledging how it not only ended Big E’s in-ring career but also cast a shadow over his own trajectory in professional wrestling. Despite maintaining a respectful and friendly relationship with Big E, the stigma from that incident persisted during Menzies’ time on both WWE’s main roster and NXT.
“It (the move) was something that I’d done. I’d done Keith Lee, and unfortunately, wrestling things, things go wrong. And I think from that moment, Big E, he was a huge star and so loved that there was a massive backlash. And even me being relatively new on the roster as well, even to the higher ups, you know, the old boys that have been around, they’re gonna have to point the finger at somebody, and, yeah, the point of the finger at me. And I think that it kind of always hung over me as a black cloud in my career, and I never really got past it. I couldn’t shake it. It was just something that it just is what it is.”
?Luke Menzies, aka Ridge Holland
He added candidly about the personal toll the incident took on him, sharing,
“And, you know, I would say that, like, yeah, Big E’s career, unfortunately, ended that day. But I think so did mine, in a way, you know, but at least my career with the degree, I always regret it. Me and Big E spoke; he’s such a wonderful human being. Holds no animosity towards me, and he’s in a great spot right now in his life, which I’m super happy for. It’s just one of those things that I’m looking forward to, you know, putting it behind me and moving on. And hopefully…..when the time comes for me I put my boots back on that can reinvent myself.”
?Luke Menzies, aka Ridge Holland
Current Status and Future Outlook
Following this challenging period, Ridge Holland’s contract with WWE ended with his release in early 2026. The incident remains a defining moment that shaped public and professional perceptions of him. Despite the difficulties, Menzies expresses hope for a future return to wrestling where he can redefine his career and move past the shadow of the injury.
This candid reflection on the Ridge Holland Big E incident sheds light on the physical and emotional risks of professional wrestling, illustrating how a single moment can dramatically alter multiple careers. Fans and wrestling professionals alike will be watching how Menzies navigates his next steps beyond WWE.
