Former WWE star Ridge Holland, now competing under his real name Luke Menzies, has shared candid insight into the very different working environments created by Triple H and Vince McMahon during his time in WWE.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with F4WOnline, the former member of The Brawling Brutes reflected on his journey from rugby player in West Yorkshire to WWE performer, detailing how his experience changed dramatically between NXT and the main roster.
Holland first joined WWE NXT during the Black & Gold era under Triple H’s leadership and described the atmosphere as supportive and confidence-building.
According to Holland, Triple H believed strongly in giving talent opportunities and had major plans for him before injuries interrupted his momentum.
The former WWE star explained that having someone firmly behind him early in his wrestling career helped him adapt to the intense environment of professional wrestling in the United States.
However, Holland said things felt very different once he moved to WWE’s main roster under Vince McMahon’s leadership.
At the time, Triple H had stepped away following his health scare, leaving McMahon, Bruce Prichard, and John Laurinaitis overseeing creative operations.
Holland described the atmosphere as highly competitive and intense, saying many people backstage often felt like they were “walking on eggshells.”
In contrast, he explained that when Triple H later took over creative control, the environment became far more relaxed and comfortable for talent.
“When Triple H took over, it was more like just relax, and you could kind of more or less just take a deep breath and be yourself,” Holland shared during the interview.
The former WWE star also reflected on his time alongside Sheamus and Pete Dunne in The Brawling Brutes faction.
While Holland said he enjoyed working with the group and believed they connected naturally with fans, he admitted he felt WWE never fully capitalized on the trio’s momentum.
Despite that, he still praised the opportunities he received, including competing in WWE’s first main-roster WarGames match alongside top stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.
Holland also spoke positively about Roman Reigns backstage, calling him professional, respectful, and every bit the star fans see on television.
In addition, he credited Sheamus and Drew McIntyre for teaching him to bring a more physical and aggressive style into the ring — something he says shaped his WWE run significantly.
Now medically cleared following injury setbacks, Luke Menzies is preparing for his in-ring return with the UK-based National Wrestling League as he begins the next chapter of his wrestling career outside WWE.
