As WWE prepares for Clash in Paris 2025, Ridge Holland has caught fans’ attention with a stunning physical transformation following a significant shift in his WWE SmackDown Ridge Holland transformation and character. After revising his persona and moving promotions, the wrestler unveiled a revitalized look that underscores his evolution in the sport.
From Career-Altering Accident to Reinvention in WWE
Ridge Holland became widely discussed in WWE after an accidental botch during a tag team match on Friday Night SmackDown in March 2022. The misstep involved a belly-to-belly suplex gone wrong outside the ring, which tragically ended Big E‘s in-ring career due to a broken neck. Despite the incident’s gravity, Holland remained with WWE but underwent significant changes, leaving The Brawling Brutes stable and transitioning back to NXT to sharpen his in-ring abilities.
At 37 years old, Holland’s journey included a stint as a singles competitor on the developmental brand, where he found success by winning the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Andre Chase. Throughout this period, he worked on revamping his character, adding the “Steam Pig” moniker before his eventual move to the Evolve promotion within WWE, rooted in Stamford.
Facing Fan Backlash Amid Career Shifts
The backlash from the 2022 incident has lingered, with some fans unable to move past the accident. Holland recently shared on X a disturbing direct message he received on Instagram criticizing him for the Big E event, implying he has faced similar negativity repeatedly over time. He posted the message with the caption,
“Another day, another brave soul,”
—Ridge Holland, reflecting the ongoing challenges he endures from certain fans.
The Future of Ridge Holland in WWE’s New Environment
With his new look and character adjustments under the Evolve banner, Ridge Holland appears determined to rebuild his standing in WWE. The transformation is not only physical but symbolic of his efforts to establish himself as a formidable singles star once more. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if this latest reinvention paves the way for Holland to ascend to top-tier status within the promotion.
