Rumored WWE Signing Bids Farewell To Independent Promotion

WWE

A rumored WWE target appears to have bid farewell to a promotion, leaving his boots in the ring after his latest match.

Sunday’s (July 12) GCW Melee In Manchester show featured a moment which has gotten fans talking following Richard Holliday’s match against Bear Bronson.

With Holliday coming up short, Bronson offered a fist bump to Holliday, before leaving his opponent in the ring.

The crowd then chanted “thank you, Rich”, while commentary acknowledged there were “rumors” surrounding his future.

Holliday then took off his boots and left them in the ring, exiting the arena. With leaving boots in the ring traditionally a sign of wrestlers retiring, the commentators stated that this was not the rumor surrounding Holliday.

Interestingly, they questioned whether Holliday is done with GCW, rather than if he has retired, seemingly revealing the rumor they want the audience to focus on.

GCW owner Brett Lauderdale re-shared a video of this moment on Twitter, writing:

Thank you Rich 🙏

Fightful Select reported last week that WWE is likely going to bring in some new talent soon, naming Holliday as a star who could be signed soon, if he isn’t already.

Richard Holliday was spotted at the WWE Performance Center for a tryout in February, alongside Nikki Blackheart, who has since debuted on NXT TV as “Reina Volcan”.

With all signs pointing towards Holliday joining WWE, it will be interesting to see how the company chooses to present him if he does put pen to paper.

The company has had several new names make televised debuts in recent months, with the likes of Lizzy Rain, Mason Rook and Naraku establishing themselves on the NXT brand.

We will continue to provide updates on Richard Holliday’s status as they become available.

Richard Holliday left his boots in the ring after losing to Bear Bronson at GCW Melee In Manchesterpic.twitter.com/AtCX2efaJj

— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) July 13, 2026

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• wwe
• GCW
• departure
• Richard Holliday

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