Connor Michalek always wanted to be like his heroes in the WWE, and before the young boy died of brain cancer he got to do just that.
Back in 2012, after Michalek’s diagnosis, a viral campaign for the wrestling-loving boy caught the attention of the WWE. The wrestling organization responded by giving the eight-year-old the backstage treatment, letting him interact with stars like AJ Lee and Stephanie McMahon and even putting champ Daniel Bryan in a submission hold.
“It kinda brings a tear to my eye to know somebody like Connor wants to meet somebody like me, so that’s kinda cool,” Bryan said at the time.
Connor stayed in touch with Daniel Bryan after the Make-A-Wish visit , even stopping by to give the youngster a high-five after winning a match in Pittsburgh.
About a month before Wrestlemania 30, Michalek’s father, Steven, learned from doctors that his son didn’t have much time left. The family got in contact with the WWE, which invited him to a show in Washington, D.C., and gave him front-row tickets to Wrestlemania , where he watched his hero Daniel Bryan win it all.
Last month, Connor Michalek lost his fight with cancer , but the little boy is getting a fitting sendoff from the organization he loved so dearly. This week the WWE posted a five-minute YouTube video showing the boy meeting his heroes and his father talking about how important the visit was for his son, who was known as the Stone Crusher.
The video is a testament to the boy’s fighting spirit and infectious personality, all in the face of a devastating illness.
“Well, they call me ‘Stone Crusher,’ ” a beaming Conner told Bryan.
The WWE video tribute to Connor Michalek quickly made the rounds on social media, with outlets across the country picking up the heartbreaking story of the young fan.