Wishes Do Come True

Ayden Bell & Sheamus

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

For years WWE has been a huge supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  John Cena is the primary Superstar that young fans wish to meet.  The former WWE Champ has granted more than 400 wishes through the years.

I recently met a little boy not far from where I live who got to meet his favorite Superstar, Sheamus.  Ayden Bell was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of six.  He's now seven and continues to undergo treatment for the disease.  In October, Ayden and his family made a trip to Houston, Texas for the chance to meet the Celtic Warrior.

Makeover time

At the time of the trip, Ayden had bright red hair just like Sheamus.  Because of his treatment, his skin was left pale.  In an effort to lift Ayden's spirits, Sheamus spiked up the young fan's hair to look just like his.  It worked too, as Ayden's mom explained to me that people in the arena that night thought Sheamus' son was sitting ringside.

Ayden beats Sheamus

After an arm wrestling match backstage and receiving a handful of autographed gifts; it was showtime.  Sheamus was still U.S. Champion and used a Brogue Kick to knock out and pin Bo Dallas.  During my interview with Ayden, I asked if he was a Bo-Liever and he quickly and loudly responded "NO!"

Two champs!

After Sheamus won the match, he went ringside and scooped Ayden up from his seat.  The champ let the boy hold the U.S. Title as they paraded around the ring, much to the delight of Ayden, his parents, and the fans in attendance.  It was a night they'll all remember. 

Ayden playing with his figures

Unfortunately the treatment has put a huge strain on the family's budget.  They have created a Go Fund Me account to help with the costs they've incurred.  Some wrestling websites have picked up the story and fans are finding it in their hearts to give as well.  This makes me very happy and I hope that others will make a donation too.

In January I have a phone interview scheduled with Sheamus.  He's been overseas doing promotional work and wasn't available for the original story.  Please check it out and keep Ayden and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Here's the link to the original news story.

Connor the Crusher

Connor & Daniel Bryan after Wrestlemania XXX

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Most wrestling fans already know the story, but it's trending all over social media now, even on non-wrestling fans' pages.  Connor Michalek, an 8 year old WWE Superfan, recently had his final wish come true.  While weak and dying of brain cancer, Connor "the Crusher" got to meet his hero Daniel Bryan for a second time and watch him capture the WWE World Heavyweight title at Wrestlemania.

You have to watch the video to truly grasp the scope of the situation.  WWE grants wishes all the time for Make-A-Wish.  In fact, John Cena is the most requested celebrity for the charity group.  Not just wrestler, folks.  Celebrity.  

Connor pins Triple H

What WWE did for Connor back in April was noble.  I watched the video the company produced and not just cried, I sobbed.  As a father of three, I can't imagine the pain Connor's family felt as this adorable and energetic little boy took his last breath.  He will be remembered by the Superstars and Divas he met and the fans who watched it all unfold.

The WWE (and wrestling in general) is often criticized.  People call it fake.  They say the wrestlers are in it for themselves, etc.  I applaud the WWE for its efforts not just with Connor and Make-A-Wish, but all the other groups they have rallied behind and causes they support.  Yes, things have changed.  Sports entertainment trumps wrestling these days, but with the good that's coming out of that transition, I'm okay with it.