Ridge Holland (Luke Menzies) Says NXT Became About Shorter TikTok-Style Matches Under Shawn Michaels
In September 2021, the NXT brand shifted from the Black & Gold era to the 2.0 era, putting a new focus on colorful characters and quicker action in the ring and out. The change came about as Triple H had to step away due to health issues and Shawn Michaels took over. Triple H eventually took over as the head of WWE creative following Vince McMahon retiring.
Ridge Holland (Luke Menzies) worked under both Michaels and Triple H, and appearing on Sportshadow Wrestling, he was asked the differences between the two.
“I’d say since Shawn took over, NXT has become a lot more faster paced. Short matches. Kind of like TikTok style for the new generation because they don’t want to lose anyone’s interest, which is hard as a wrestler because you want to tell stories and put some time in and make everything mean something. It’s hard when you’re getting three-minute matches. I had a pleasant experience with both. They both gave me an opportunity, and I’m grateful for that,” he said.
Holland was in WWE until November 2025, when he announced that his deal was not going to be renewed and was eventually terminated early due to breach.
He has officially been cleared to return to the ring following neck surgery.
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