Ridge Holland Issues Statement on GoFundMe Fundraiser & Will Donate Money to Charity, Raj Dhesi (Jinder Mahal) Defends Holland Over Online Criticisms Over Financial Woes Situation

As noted before, WWE terminated Ridge Holland’s, real name Luke Menzies, contract on November 5th following recent comments he made on social media about his grievances over WWE’s decision to let his contract expire while he was injured. Holland’s contract had originally been set to expire on November 14th. Holland has been out of action since this past September due to a lisfranc injury he suffered at a TNA Impact! taping. A GoFundMe fundraiser for Holland was launched this past week to help financially assist Holland and his family due to him not being able to work for the next several months.

Holland issued an official statement earlier today on Twitter stating that he had no advanced knowledge that a GoFundMe would be launched in his name and stated that a family member had done it without his permission. Holland also stated that he has requested for the GoFundMe page to be removed and any money raised will be donated to charity.

“Thank you all for the incredible support shown through the GoFundMe campaign.

However, I want to clarify that I was not aware the page was going live and had no prior discussion with the family member who created it.

I’ve since requested that no further donations be accepted, and this change should take effect within the next 24 hours.

One we figure out how to move forward and I recoup the amount donated, I will be donating said amount to charity.

I sincerely apologize if the page caused any upset or offense — that was never the intention. Thank you for your understanding and kindness.”

Raj Dhesi, former Jinder Mahal in WWE, recently defended Holland over the online criticisms he had been receiving regarding his comments about his financial situation woes caused by his WWE release and a GoFundMe being launched for him. Dhesi stated that WWE does have financial education programs to help talents and brought up all the costs associated that affects a wrestler’s pay in WWE and their ability to provide for their family.

“WWE does have financial education programs. Just curious — how much do you think NXT talent make when you subtract travel, wrestling gear, maintaining a professional athlete physique, gym, and supplements… now subtract taxes.

Now, with what’s left, try raising a family, paying for groceries, rent/mortgage, car payments, and personal health insurance for you and your family.

Now factor in not being able to earn income due to injury.

Finally, add the fact that you no longer have WWE-provided health insurance for wrestling-related injuries — and you’re staring at a possible neck surgery.”