WWE NXT superstar Ridge Holland has debuted a bizarre and unexpected new gimmick at a recent live event in Tampa, Florida. The former main roster powerhouse has adopted the moniker “The Steam Pig,” a dramatic departure from his previous, hard-hitting persona.
Gimmick changes are often tested on non-televised live events before being brought to television. Holland’s new character was unveiled at the NXT house show on Saturday, July 19th.
“The Steam Pig” Arrives
Holland arrived for his match against Tate Wilder with a completely new look. He sported updated ring gear, a custom “Steam Pig” logo, and a headband. The new presentation marks a significant turn from the serious character he has been portraying on NXT television.
Despite the strange new look, Holland was successful in the ring. He defeated Tate Wilder in the fourth match of the night, steamrolling his way to a victory to kick off this new chapter of his career.
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A Drastic Character Shift
This new gimmick is a shocking turn for Holland, whose recent on-screen character has been defined by serious, emotional turmoil.
After returning to NXT from the main roster, Holland was embroiled in a storyline where his intense, brawling style was deemed too dangerous, leading to storyline injuries to his opponents. This caused his character great mental anguish, and he briefly “walked away” from wrestling, questioning if he was safe to be in the ring.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE… LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE’s Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31.
To go from that deeply realistic, dramatic character to a seemingly comedic persona named “The Steam Pig” is a massive creative swing. It suggests a complete overhaul of his direction in NXT.
The NXT Proving Ground
Debuting a new character at a non-televised live event is a common practice for WWE. The NXT live event circuit in Florida, often called the “Coconut Loop,” serves as a developmental proving ground. It allows superstars to test out new moves, character elements, and entire gimmicks away from the high-pressure environment of live television.
Many successful characters have had their kinks worked out on these house shows before ever appearing on TV. While time will tell if “The Steam Pig” has a future on Tuesday nights, the debut is a clear sign that Holland is looking to reinvent himself in a major way.
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