Tag: MLW

NXT wants him. TNA wants him. David Goggins wishes he had his work ethic, and Ricochet wants his hair. If you haven’t figured out who I’m talking about, it’s none other than independent wrestling star Richard Holliday.

Holliday has steadily rebuilt momentum on the independent circuit, carving out a reputation for resilience as much as in-ring ability, and his social media presence is nothing to ignore.

Holliday first gained widespread recognition through his work in Major League Wrestling, where he became a cornerstone of the promotion’s roster. As a founding member of The Dynasty alongside MJF, Holliday developed a persona centered on arrogance and calculated precision. That character work, paired with a fundamentally sound wrestling style, helped him stand out in a crowded independent scene.

Speaking with Holliday, he doesn’t seem to romanticize it much. “The Dynasty was cool for what it was, but really didn’t last that long,” he said. Max would go on to leave MLW for the bright lights and television. Holliday’s reaction is a blunt one that mirrors the unfinished nature of his story with MJF—one that still lingers with fans. Some fans look at it as if Max left behind friends and partners for the big time.

Since their split, the two have taken very different paths. While MJF became a centerpiece on a national stage, Holliday doubled down on building his own name and brand. When asked if he reflects on how things have played out, Holliday made it clear where his focus lies: “No… I’m far too focused on my career as the current top independent wrestler in the world today.” The difference in mindset is vast. One is traveling the world, proving his worth against top talent every single week—often multiple nights a week—and the other seems to wrestle for a fat paycheck.

Holliday’s lack of reflection on how things turned out hasn’t stopped fan speculation. The idea of Holliday and MJF eventually meeting in a high-profile singles match refuses to die, and Holliday isn’t shutting the door on it either. “In today’s world, it seems like any match can happen. If a promoter wants to step up and book it, then so be it. Tony Khan can book it. An independent can book it. Or fans can continue to fantasy book it. Or it can just never happen—I am fine with any of that.”

Holliday seems to know he’s currently the best in the business right now, and whoever comes knocking, it doesn’t matter—no one is exempt.

It’s not a callout—but it’s not a denial either. And in wrestling, that gray area is where momentum builds.

For all the intrigue surrounding a potential clash with an old friend, Holliday’s journey hasn’t been defined solely by unfinished business in the ring. Before any hypothetical, career-defining payday or long-awaited showdown could materialize, real life forced him into a far more serious fight.

In 2022, Holliday was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. He stepped away from competition to undergo treatment, documenting parts of his journey publicly. His openness resonated beyond wrestling, drawing support from fans and peers across multiple promotions. His determination to win was, and still is, inspiring.

Holliday returned to the ring in 2023, marking a significant personal and professional milestone. Rather than easing back into competition, he quickly reestablished himself as a featured performer on the independent circuit. Promotions across the United States have since utilized Holliday in prominent roles, often highlighting both his technical skill and the real-life perseverance that now defines his story.

Fast forward to today: Holliday’s name is at the top of the independent circuit mountain, even earning recognition on Cody Rhodes’ podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About? When Matt Cardona was asked who the top names on the indies were, he immediately named Ben Bishop and Richard Holliday.

Holliday saw the bigger picture right away. “My initial reaction was knowing I’m going to get great content out of this,” he said. “I already knew I was the top guy, but it’s always nice to get put over by your peers, especially on that platform. And my rate factually increases every month… gotta keep up with inflation!” When studying Holliday, there are several things that make it clear why he’s the topic of discussion among the greats. It’s his charisma.

Since I was a child, the trait that has always stood out to me the most wasn’t a wrestler’s build, age, how many flips they can do, or entrance music—it was charisma. If you don’t have it, you might as well get a desk job.

Richard Holliday has that trait nearly maxed out.

His social media presence, natural charisma, and in-ring identity allow him to stand out on the independents. In a field where many wrestlers try to go viral by nearly breaking their necks, Holliday works smarter, not harder. With his deliberate pacing, confident demeanor, and attention to detail, it allows him to control the tempo of a match and connect with audiences through subtle storytelling rather than constant high-risk offense. His “signature move” may look like your typical low blow, but he’s turned it into a social media trend. Across the globe, fans and fellow wrestlers are showing their own version of the pose—something that doesn’t happen without real connection.

From helping build The Dynasty to carving out his own lane on the independent scene, Richard Holliday has turned every chapter into momentum. With his resilience battle-tested, his confidence, determination, and heart prove he’s still very much a major force in wrestling—and at the top of the game.

Now, with recognition from some of the biggest names in the industry and a reputation that continues to grow, Holliday stands in a rare position—already established, yet still climbing.

Whether he’s bound for sports entertainment, made to be elite, or delivering nonstop action, at the end of the day, Richard Holliday will always be “The Most Marketable Man in Wrestling.”