Welcome to Last Word on Mania month at Last Word on Sports! All month long we will be doing articles to build up for Wrestlemania 31 on March 29, 2015. Be sure to read everything this month by clicking this link. Enjoy!
“He was an old soul. He just had a magic about him. He had a light and anyone that was around him could feel it.”
-Stephanie McMahon
Those heart-felt comments were made about the young and late Connor Michalek, an 8-year-old boy that captured the hearts of everyone in the WWE organization, and all of their fans watching worldwide.
Back in 2012, a story was released about a boy named Connor, who was 6-years-old at the time, who was given the unfortunate, tragic news that he had brain cancer, and there was not much time left for him. As a father of three, there can’t possibly be a worse fate to receive as a parent. Steve Michalek, father of Connor, reached out with his story in order to grant his son’s one wish; to meet his favorite WWE Superstar, Daniel Bryan.
It didn’t take long for the WWE to respond, and Connor got his wish, a Christmas wish, when he met Bryan, face-to-face. Accompanied by his tag team partner at the time, Kane, holders of the Tag Team Championships, Bryan and Kane spent time with Michalek and his family to talk with the young man, give him some cool merchandise, and really get a chance to connect with the boy whose heart was larger than the moon. Bryan even allowed Connor to use the Yes Lock on him, and sold the move like only he could, giving Connor a moment he’d never forget.
But nobody realized just how much this moment would grow, both in the WWE and the rest of the world. A video caught on, and almost instantly created the phenomenon known as Connor The Crusher:
One year later, after not being a participant in the 2014 Royal Rumble, Daniel Bryan started the #YesMovement, an upheaval of fans worldwide having the chance to voice their displeasure over Bryan’s omittance in the Rumble match. As the story unfolded, Bryan would receive a chance to participate in the main event at Wrestlemania, for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, if he could defeat Triple H in a one-on-one match. After doing so, Bryan went on to defeat Batista and Randy Orton in a triple threat match, capturing the WWE’s most prestigious title.
But what set the tone wasn’t just the win itself, or the celebration, but what Bryan did during his celebration. As the confetti rained down, and the fans cheered on their hero, Bryan put down both Championship titles, got out of the ring, and made his way to the crowd. There, sitting in the front row, was Connor and his father. Bryan embraced the young child in a hug, with what was described as one of the most pure and beautiful moments in wrestling. At that moment, Bryan looked into Connor’s eyes, and voiced his thoughts to his biggest fan.
“Connor, you mean a lot to me and you give me a lot of strength. You helped me earn this. Please, keep on fighting.”
Connor spent the weekend in Louisiana, with his family, for the full Mania experience, and spent the majority of it with the WWE roster. From pleading with AJ Lee to “stop the craziness” – a moment that made AJ laugh hysterically – to hugging Stephanie McMahon and having a chat with her, to letting Batista know he wouldn’t tell Bryan not to hurt him, Connor not only received his wish one year ago, he got to be a member of the company’s family.
If that wasn’t enough, Bryan himself brought Connor out to the ring, before an episode of Monday Night Raw aired, in full attire, and to the theme of his favorite wrestler. By ringside, surrounding the squared circle, was the entire WWE roster, cheering Connor on to the ring. Once inside, COO Triple H entered the ring. Hunched over, Hunter asked Connor to hit him. After some hesitation, as the 8-year-old was reluctant to hit someone much bigger than him, Connor wound up and hit Hunter square on the chin. As the King of Kings laid in the ring, the WWE roster urged Connor on to pin him and as he did, a referee counted to three.
Before their 8pm timeslot, before the fans filled the arena, Connor “The Crusher” Michalek defeated Triple H and stood tall, with the rest of the WWE superstars cheering him on. Hunter picked himself up and gave Connor a hug, giving the young man some words of encouragement.
On April 24th, 2014, just 18 days after Wrestlemania XXX, Connor sadly passed away.
The news hit Daniel Bryan hard.
After tying the knot with WWE Diva Brie Bella in a real-life ceremony, Bryan received the news that his father, Buddy Danielson, had passed away. The death had come unexpectedly, as Buddy didn’t seem to be in bad health, and the news greatly affected his son, Daniel. Still, despite the loss, Bryan made his appearance on the April 21st edition of Raw, thanking his father with tearful eyes before making his way down to the ring. Unfortunately, that same week, Connor also passed away.
That news sent Bryan into a flurry of sadness, and the company allowed the WWE Superstar to take some time off to deal with the recent losses in his life. During that time, his wife Brie sent out a message to the WWE Universe through her Instagram account, to thank those that had given their support to Bryan and his family, during his time of grief:
“I want to thank everyone for all their love and support through this difficult time. You have no idea how much it means to us. Heaven gained two beautiful angels this week, Buddy and Connor. They will forever touch our hearts. It’s hard to find a rainbow in the midst of a storm but when you do it’s all going to be ok. We found that rainbow today. It’s not goodbye, but til we meet again. Love to you all and thank you again. #BuddyDanielson #ConnorMichalek #TilWeMeetAgain #thankyou”
At this year’s Wrestlemania, tradition follows with the Class of 2015 for the WWE’s Hall of Fame. Former wrestlers are honored for their time and contributions to the sport of wrestling, celebrities get recognized for what they have contributed, and this year, the first ever Warrior Award will be given to none other than Connor “The Crusher” Michalek.
The Warrior Award is given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior.
If that wasn’t enough to jerk the heart strings, the two individuals that will be presenting the award to Steve Michalek, who is accepting the award on his son’s behalf, is none other than Dana Warrior, widow of Ultimate Warrior, and Daniel Bryan.
Dana Warrior followed up the announcement via her Facebook page, describing her reaction upon hearing of the news.
“The girls and I are truly overwhelmed and honored by WWE’s creation of THE WARRIOR AWARD. My heart bursts with technicolor joy that a warrior such as Connor will be the inaugural inductee. His passion and vibrancy in the way he tackled life is a testament to his warrior spirit.It is not how big the body nor how long the life is lived… it is all about the living of days you are given and how those days touch others around you.
Connor was a glorious example of the impact a little warrior can have in this world. I have no doubt when Connor reached heaven my husband shook the ropes to welcome him home. I could not be more honored to help induct Connor The Crusher into the Class of 2015 Hall of Fame.
This is a moment I will treasure forever… these are the things that make me glad to be alive… This is why I believe… ALWAYS!!!!!!”
What started with a young boy whose sole wish was to meet Daniel Bryan, a word that was spread through social media and local radio stations in Pittsburgh, has evolved into a story about a courageous young man, who fought the battle with pride and gave strength to those he touched. Since his passing, Connor’s Cure was created, a fund dedicated to furthering paediatric cancer research and medical care for children and their families. In less than a year, Connor’s Cure has raised over $200,000 in funds and assisted over 50 families.
There is no better way to close this off than with the words of the Ultimate Warrior, just one night before his passing:
Every man’s heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe a final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them bleed deeper and something larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized. By the story tellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him and make the running the man did live forever.
And just like the Ultimate Warrior, the spirit of Connor “The Crusher” Michalek will run forever.
If you wish to donate to Connor’s Cure, follow the link provided and do so here: https://www.givetochildrens.org/butterflies3?tab=0&frsid=67
Thank you for any contribution you make, be it a donation or just the time to post a message at the link above and spread the word to others.
