By Andrew RavensShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberFormer WWE Superstar Ridge Holland, who now goes by his real name Luke Menzies, recently provided a significant update on his health after a long period of pain and frustration. The former tag team competitor revealed via a video post to Instagram that he had successfully undergone major neck surgery.
Holland confirmed the extensive nature of the procedure he received. He told the WWE fans that he had an artificial disc replacement spanning from C5 to C7.
The wrestler immediately gave credit to the staff at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan for taking excellent care of him. He also shared his complete gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received from people online.
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A post shared by “Steam Pig” Ridge Holland. Luke Menzies/ Online coach (@ridgewwe)
Holland shared the post along with a confirmation of the procedure. He posted: “Surgery went well. C5 to C7 artificial disc replacement. Thank you to the amazing care at @hspecialsurgery Manhattan. And thank you for all the messages of support. I’ll get back to you all over the next few days. #therebuild”.
This surgery marks a major step forward for the former member of the Brawling Brutes. Holland has been dealing with various neck issues for a considerable amount of time. The procedure also comes on the heels of a messy and controversial exit from WWE earlier this year.
...The former NXT star had previously claimed that he was released from his contract while he was injured. This sudden move left him struggling to manage his family's finances, including paying his mortgage. Despite the controversy surrounding his release, reports confirmed that WWE decided to cover the entire cost of the essential surgery.
For the present time, Ridge Holland is rightly focused completely on his intensive recovery period. Whether or not he will ever return to the wrestling ring remains an entirely separate question. However, his overall health is clearly the most important priority, a fact that has relieved his fans.
More news: Nikki Bella Reunites With Ex-Boyfriend At WWE Raw
Ridge Holland's contract was terminated early in November 2025, just nine days before its scheduled expiration. This action by the company was reported to be a direct response to his public posts detailing his financial struggles. Holland had suffered a severe Lisfranc foot injury while performing at a TNA taping for WWE's benefit, an injury the company was originally only covering rehab costs for.
Holland later clarified that despite his controversial early termination, WWE agreed to pay for the neck fusion surgery because the situation was considered an "open case". This expensive surgery is expected to sideline Holland from physical activity until at least May 2026. The star continues to maintain a respectful relationship with Big E, who showed him immense grace after the in-ring injury that ultimately ended Big E’s full-time career.
More WWE News:
- Former WWE Champion is Preparing for In-Ring Return
- Ringside Tickets for WWE PLE Reach Shocking Price
- AJ Lee Calls Out WWE Fan for Bizarre AI Video
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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