WWE Super Fan Connor ‘The Crusher’ Michalek to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Connor Michalek won the respect of professional wrestlers with his dedication to the WWE and soon the super fan, who suffered from pediatric brain cancer and died at age eight in April, will be honored by his idols.
Nicknamed “Stone Crusher,” the Pittsburgh native will be the first-ever recipient of the Warrior Award when it is presented at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 28, the WWE announced on Monday.
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As his Make-A-Wish, Connor made a YouTube video asking to meet Daniel Bryan, his favorite wrestler, and the unlikely pair later became close friends.
Connor was in the front row at WrestleMania XXX in April 2014 and Bryan jumped out of the ring to give him a hug, however, sadly weeks later Michalek lost his battle with cancer.
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Connor’s fighting spirit inspired WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events & Creative, Paul “Triple H” Levesque to launch “Connor’s Cure,” a fund dedicated to furthering Pediatric cancer research.
“Connor Michalek had a profound impact on so many people,” said McMahon in a statement. “His spirit and love of life were so strong, you would have never known he was sick. I can think of no better way to honor Connor, than by recognizing him with our highest honor, the first fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, as a Warrior.”
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The award will be presented by Bryan and late WWE star the Ultimate Warrior’s widow, Dana Warrior, to Steve Michalek, Connor’s father.
“On behalf of my family, we are truly humbled and honored that WWE will present an award in my husband’s name each year at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Dana Warrior. “Connor displayed all of the positive traits that Warrior stood for, and he is the perfect recipient for this inaugural award. I am sure that Warrior is smiling today, knowing that this award is being given to a true warrior.”
Watch video of Connor’s story here.
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