Connor “The Crusher” Michalek, a WWE fan from Pittsburgh who passed away last year from cancer, will become the first-ever recipient of The Warrior Award and the first fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer of the WWE and occasional in-ring competitor, confirmed the announcement. She said Connor will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year before Wrestlemania.
Connor will also receive The Warrior Award, a new award that is named after legendary wrestler The Ultimate Warrior.
“Connor was so full of life, love and passion,” said McMahon. “To know Connor was to love Conner, and that’s exactly what happened to me, my husband and the rest of the WWE Superstars and Divas.”
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Prior to the big announcement at Consol Energy Center, several WWE superstars helped put a smile on kids’ faces Monday afternoon at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
- CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery from the visit.
Daniel Bryan, Brie Bella, Stephanie McMahon and others spent time signing autographs, taking photos and playing with patients and their families.
Even if those who aren't wrestling fan will remember Daniel Bryan. He formed a special bond with Michalek, who was arguably the biggest and cutest WWE fan of all time.
Connor, a Pittsburgh native, passed away last year at the age of 8 from medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Connor's spirit inspired WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Paul "Triple H" Levesque to launch "Connor's Cure," a fund dedicated to furthering Pediatric cancer research.
Stephanie McMahon and Triple H announced the creation of Connor's Cure live at Consol Energy Center last summer.
"He had this infectious love and light about him, and anybody who met Connor, his story carries with them. I think that's why his story has become so viral, and it's so important to use this story to give back and try to help save other children," said McMahon.
Through his battle, Connor stole the hearts of many.
WPXI-TV Pittsburgh first introduced Connor when he, with the help of his loving parents, posted a video of Connor asking for a chance to meet WWE star Daniel Bryan. (CLICK HERE).
It was shared widely, and within days, the WWE responded to Connor’s video. Just weeks later, he met his hero. The pair formed a friendship and bond that carried on, up until the final weeks of Connor’s life.
Connor’s Cure is a charity funded through Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Donations to Connor’s Cure will provide funds for pediatric brain and spinal cancer research and medical care for children and their families.
To read more about Connor's Cure, and to make a donation, CLICK HERE.
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