Make-A-Wish kids were at the center of WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium. WWE Superstar John Cena, the all-time most requested celebrity wish granter, invited wish kids to join him for his entrance prior to his marquee match. The wish kids received cheers and applause from more than 80,000 fans in attendance. It was the first time in the 40-year partnership between WWE and Make-A-Wish that wish kids were incorporated into WrestleMania.
The timing could not have been better as Make-A-Wish is celebrating World Wish Day leading up to April 29, the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish. Throughout the month of April, donors, volunteers, fundraisers and partners like WWE have joined together with Make-A-Wish to share the impact that wishes have not only on the wish kids and their families, but also on the entire community that makes those wishes possible.
All in all, 20 wish kids were in Hollywood to have their wishes come true to attend WrestleMania 39. Beyond the event itself, the wish kids and their families were treated to a private meet-and-greet with WWE Superstars Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Finn Balor, Bayley, Carmella and Omos, and they became the latest inductees into the prestigious Circle of Champions – an exclusive group that honors the perseverance and toughness of wish kids.
“WWE understands that the wishes they help to grant can provide children with critical illnesses with the strength and resilience they need to fight whatever challenges come their way,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. “This year’s WrestleMania is the latest example of the types of life-changing experiences that WWE provides to wish kids and their families on a regular basis.”
While WrestleMania is the largest wish granting event each year, support from WWE takes place year-round in the form of wish granting, ticket donations and meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars. In fact, in recognition of World Wish Day, WWE has invited wish alumni (i.e., former wish recipients) and their family members to attend Monday Night Raw in Chicago this Monday, April 24. The alumni will receive complementary tickets as honorary representatives of the Make-A-Wish partnership.
Over the course of 40 years, WWE has helped to grant thousands of wishes, creating hope and renewing energy for the wish kids, their families and everyone involved. Make-A-Wish is grateful to have WWE as part of the community of individuals and partners that have raised their hands to make wishes possible. Join WWE in raising a hand to support Make-A-Wish in the leadup to World Wish Day by visiting wish.org/worldwishday.
FAQs
For more than 40 years, WWE and Make-A-Wish have partnered to grant wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Although it takes imagination to create a wish, it takes a universe of volunteers, medical professionals, donors, supporters and even WWE Superstars to make it happen.
Who has granted the most Make-A-Wish? ›
The organization operates through its 59 chapters located throughout the United States. Make-A-Wish also operates in about 50 other countries through 39 international affiliates. Professional wrestler John Cena holds the title for the most wishes granted by a single individual, at over 650 wishes.
What does John Cena do for "make-a-wish"? ›
Cena has set a world record of at least 650 visits to Make-A-Wish children over the course of his career in WWE. Many visits have found their way into WWE programming over the years, giving the children a national spotlight and helping build Cena's reputation as one of the sports world's most giving celebrities.
What does WWE pay their wrestlers? ›
Booking contracts typically grant performers a base salary plus a share of other revenue streams like merchandise sales and gate receipts. Wrestlers on WWE's main roster make an average of $500,000 annually, while top performers are well into the seven figures.
Can veterans get free WWE tickets? ›
What is the offer? U.S. military personnel from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard can claim a free ticket to any WWE RAW or SmackDown Live Event in their local area by going to their local arena box office with a military ID the day of the WWE live event.
What wrestler has the most Make-A-Wish? ›
Cena officially holds the title for granting the most Make-A-Wish wishes with 650 since 2002.
How many wishes did John Cena grant? ›
WWE wrestler and actor John Cena set the new Guinness World Record for most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation after granting 650 wishes. Cena granted his first wish through the foundation in 2002, three years after beginning his professional wrestling career.
How much money does Make-A-Wish make? ›
In FY23, Make-A-Wish International helped grant the wishes of over 35,000 children living with critical illnesses globally. $13.3M was raised in FY23 by Make-A-Wish International and $106.4M globally by Make-A-Wish Affiliates.
What is a gimmick in WWE? ›
These in-ring personalities often involve costumes, makeup and catchphrases that they shout at their opponents or the fans. Gimmicks can be designed to work as good guys/heroes (babyfaces) or bad guys/villains (heel) depending on the wrestler's desire to be popular or hated by the crowd.
Can anyone make the WWE? ›
WWE recruits athletes from around the world with wide-ranging backgrounds, including the NFL, Mixed Martial Arts, Olympic and Collegiate Athletics, the Military, Bodybuilding, Gymnastics and more.
While WWE has recently encouraged fans to bring their own signs, it appears that some signs are still being confiscated if they convey messages that WWE does not want to present.
Where does WWE money come from? ›
As we mentioned, Dan, the media is the biggest part of the business, over 70% of their revenue. That's been growing over time as sports and sports-related media rights have been moving up over time. The rest of their revenue comes from producing live events as well as selling merchandise.
