Ridge Holland Claims WWE Championship; 3-Year-Old Faction Finally Reclaims Gold

Ridge Holland’s victory in the NXT Tag Team Championship represents a new chapter in his WWE career and a significant achievement for Chase University

The faction’s rise to prominence has been marked by perseverance, unity, and a commitment to excellence, qualities that have been exemplified in their recent triumph.

As they move forward, Holland and Chase U will undoubtedly face new challenges, but their recent victory has shown that they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.

The road ahead for Ridge Holland and Chase University is filled with potential, and their recent success is a testament to their hard work and dedication.

With their first title win under their belts, the future looks bright for this dynamic faction as they continue to make their mark on the NXT roster.

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Ridge Holland’s Triumph in WWE

Ridge Holland has recently achieved a significant milestone in his WWE career by winning his first-ever title, the NXT Tag Team Championship.

This victory not only marks a personal achievement for Holland but also solidifies the growing prominence of Chase University, the faction to which he belongs. Chase U has become a staple of the NXT roster, known for its dynamic members and strong presence in the tag team division.

This article delves into the rise of Ridge Holland, the evolution of Chase University, the dynamics within the faction, and the significance of their recent tag team victory.

pic.twitter.com/llN62IpAr0

— Ridge Holland (@RidgeWWE) August 5, 2024

The Rise of Ridge Holland: From Brawling Brute to Champion

Ridge Holland’s journey in WWE has been marked by a series of ups and downs, but his recent NXT Tag Team Championship win represents a high point in his career.

Originally a member of the Brawling Brutes, Holland was known for his tough, no-nonsense style of wrestling.

However, his transition into Chase University signaled a new chapter in his career. The move was met with skepticism by some, particularly Riley Osborne, who was wary of Holland’s past actions and his ability to fit into the more collegiate and team-oriented environment of Chase U.

Despite the initial reservations, Holland has worked hard to prove his worth to his new faction. His dedication and willingness to adapt to the Chase U ethos have paid off, culminating in his recent tag team title victory.

This win not only underscores Holland’s growth as a wrestler but also highlights his ability to thrive in different environments within WWE.

Chase University: The Evolution of a Faction

Chase University has become one of the most popular and enduring factions on the NXT roster. Since its formation three years ago, the stable has gone through several changes, adding and removing members as needed to maintain its relevance and strength in the competitive world of WWE.

The faction’s core identity is centered around a collegiate theme, with its members embodying the spirit of teamwork, learning, and perseverance.

The group’s rise to prominence has been marked by significant achievements, including a previous reign as NXT Tag Team Champions.

This success has helped to establish Chase U as a formidable force in NXT’s tag team division. The faction’s appeal lies not only in its wrestling prowess but also in the strong camaraderie and unity displayed by its members, which resonates with the audience.

Ridge Holland: The Tag Team Championship Match

The tag team championship match between Chase University, Nathan Frazer, and Axiom was a highlight of the night, showcasing the best of NXT’s tag team talent.

The match was fast-paced and full of high-octane action, with all teams giving their best to claim the coveted titles.

For Ridge Holland and Andre Chase, this match was an opportunity to prove themselves as a formidable tag team duo and to bring glory to their faction.

Throughout the match, Holland stayed true to his word, refraining from using any underhanded tactics despite his earlier declaration that he would do “anything” to win. This display of sportsmanship and integrity was a testament to his growth as a wrestler and his commitment to the values of Chase University.

In the end, it was this combination of skill, teamwork, and determination that led to Chase U’s victory, as they managed to outmaneuver their opponents and secure the win.

The Celebration: A Moment of Triumph for Chase University

Following their hard-fought victory, the members of Chase University and their supporters filled the ring to celebrate. The atmosphere was electric as the faction and its students reveled in the momentous occasion.

For Ridge Holland, this was not just a personal achievement but a collective victory for the entire Chase U faction.

The celebration also served as a testament to the unity and strength of Chase University. The faction’s journey from its inception to this latest triumph has been marked by perseverance, growth, and a commitment to excellence.

The victory solidified their place as one of the top factions in NXT, and the celebrations that followed were a reflection of the hard work and dedication that had brought them to this point.

The Significance of the Victory: What It Means for Ridge Holland and Chase University

• Ridge Holland’s first WWE title win is a significant milestone in his career, marking his rise as a key player in the NXT roster.
• For Chase University, this victory is a reaffirmation of their strength as a faction and their ability to compete at the highest level in WWE.
• The win also serves as a vindication for Holland, who has worked tirelessly to prove himself to his new teammates and to the WWE Universe.
• This victory is likely to have a lasting impact on both Holland’s career and the future of Chase University. For Holland, it opens up new opportunities and cements his status as a champion. For Chase U, it reinforces their position as a top faction in NXT and sets the stage for further success in the tag team division.
• As Ridge Holland and Chase University move forward from this victory, they will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities.
• The NXT tag team division is highly competitive, and other teams will be eager to dethrone the new champions.
• However, with their recent win, Holland and Chase U have shown that they have the skills, teamwork, and determination needed to overcome any obstacles in their path.
• The faction will need to continue to evolve and adapt to stay on top. Ridge Holland’s integration into Chase U has been a success, but maintaining their momentum will require ongoing effort and focus.
• The dynamics within the faction will also be crucial, as trust and teamwork remain essential components of their success.

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Ridge Holland: Bio

Early Life and Rugby Career

Luke Menzies was born on May 29, 1988, in Yorkshire, England. Growing up, Menzies was deeply involved in sports, particularly rugby, which is a staple in many parts of Northern England.

His physicality and athletic prowess were evident from a young age, making rugby a natural fit for him. He began playing rugby league in his youth and quickly established himself as a promising talent in the sport.

As Menzies progressed through the ranks, he became known for his hard-hitting style and tenacity on the field. His dedication paid off when he started his professional rugby league career, joining various clubs in the Rugby Football League Championship.

Menzies played for several teams during his rugby league career, including Batley Bulldogs, Dewsbury Rams, and Halifax, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills.

One of the highlights of his rugby league career was making his debut in the prestigious Super League. In 2008, Menzies had the opportunity to play for Hull Kingston Rovers, one of the top teams in the Super League.

Although he made only one appearance for the team, it was a significant milestone in his sporting career, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level of rugby league.

Transition to Professional Wrestling

Despite his success in rugby, Menzies harbored a passion for professional wrestling. Growing up, he was a fan of wrestling and admired the larger-than-life characters and intense athleticism that defined the sport.

This passion eventually led him to consider a career change. In 2016, Menzies made the bold decision to leave behind his rugby career and pursue professional wrestling full-time.

Menzies began his wrestling training in the UK, where he quickly adapted to the physical demands and unique challenges of the sport. His background in rugby gave him a solid foundation, particularly in terms of strength, conditioning, and toughness.

These attributes, combined with his determination, allowed him to progress rapidly through the ranks of the British independent wrestling scene.

Ridge Holland: Career

WWE Signing and Early Development

• Menzies’ talent and potential did not go unnoticed, and in 2018, he caught the attention of WWE, the world’s largest professional wrestling promotion.
• WWE offered him a developmental contract, and Menzies eagerly accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to achieve his dream of becoming a global wrestling star.
• Upon joining WWE, Menzies was assigned to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, a state-of-the-art training facility where aspiring wrestlers undergo rigorous training and development.
• It was here that Menzies began to refine his skills and adapt to the WWE style of wrestling, which emphasizes storytelling, character development, and in-ring psychology.
• During his time at the Performance Center, Menzies was also given a new ring name: Ridge Holland. The name was chosen to reflect his rugged, tough-guy persona, which was influenced by his background in rugby and his no-nonsense attitude.
• Ridge Holland quickly became known for his physicality in the ring, delivering hard-hitting moves and showcasing an aggressive style that resonated with fans.

NXT Debut and Early Feuds

Ridge Holland made his official WWE debut on the NXT brand, which serves as the developmental territory for WWE but has also gained a reputation for producing high-quality wrestling and creating new stars.

Holland’s debut was met with anticipation, as fans were eager to see how the former rugby player would fare in the world of professional wrestling.

Holland’s initial appearances on NXT were marked by his dominant in-ring performances. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, using his power and intensity to overwhelm opponents.

His background in rugby was often highlighted, with commentators noting his physical toughness and comparing his wrestling style to his days on the rugby field.

One of Holland’s first major feuds in NXT was with Timothy Thatcher, a no-nonsense wrestler known for his technical prowess and submission-based offense. The rivalry between Holland and Thatcher was intense, with both men seeking to prove their dominance in the ring.

The feud culminated in a series of hard-hitting matches that showcased Holland’s potential as a rising star in NXT.

Joining Chase University

One of the most significant developments in Ridge Holland’s WWE career came when he joined the Chase University stable in NXT.

Chase University, led by the charismatic Andre Chase, is a faction known for its unique blend of comedy and athleticism. The group is centered around the idea of a fictional wrestling school, with Chase serving as the “professor” and the other members as “students.”

Holland’s addition to Chase University added a new dynamic to the group. His tough, no-nonsense persona contrasted with the more lighthearted and comedic elements of the stable, creating an interesting mix of characters. Despite the differences in their personalities, Holland and Chase developed a strong partnership, both in and out of the ring.

In a surprising turn of events, Holland and Chase formed a tag team and quickly found success. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, with Holland’s power complementing Chase’s technical skills.

Together, they embarked on a journey to capture the NXT Tag Team Championship, a goal they eventually achieved, marking the first title reign for both men in WWE.

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