A dream became reality on October 17, 2026, as the Wrestle for Joy Foundation and Empire Pro Wrestling made history at Turnbuckle of Terror, crowning Elijah Sparks as the first-ever EPW Wrestle for Joy Cruiserweight Champion!
What began as a vision to bring the excitement and inspiration of professional wrestling to children and families reached an unforgettable milestone as the Wrestle for Joy Championship officially came to life inside a real wrestling ring.
Through an incredible partnership with Empire Pro Wrestling (EPW), the foundation celebrated a moment that represented everything Wrestle for Joy stands for: hope, courage, community, and the belief that every child deserves to feel like a champion.
A Historic Championship Match
The stage was set at EPW’s Turnbuckle of Terror as Chico Cortez and Elijah Sparks stepped into the ring with one goal: to become the inaugural EPW Wrestle for Joy Cruiserweight Champion.
The atmosphere was electric as longtime wrestling fans and newcomers alike came together for this historic moment. Among the loudest voices in the crowd were the children cheering for Elijah Sparks, knowing that he wasn’t just fighting for championship gold. He was fighting for them.
Their excitement brought an entirely new meaning to the match, reminding everyone in attendance that the heart of this championship extends far beyond the wrestling ring.
When the dust settled, Elijah Sparks emerged victorious, earning his place in history as the first-ever EPW Wrestle for Joy Cruiserweight Champion!
A Championship Presentation to Remember
Following the match, Wrestle for Joy Foundation Founder and CEO Chris Aguilar stepped into the spotlight to officially present Elijah Sparks with the championship belt.
As the title was presented, the crowd erupted with excitement. The children cheered loudly, celebrating alongside the new champion as a dream that began with the foundation became a reality.
For Wrestle for Joy, this was more than a championship presentation. It was a powerful reminder of why the foundation exists: to bring happiness, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences to children and families facing extraordinary challenges.
The moment became even more meaningful when Elijah Sparks dedicated his historic victory to John.
“I couldn’t have done it without the citizens and the superheroes. We all know who the kids are. I dedicate this one to John.”
— Elijah Sparks, Inaugural EPW Wrestle for Joy Cruiserweight Champion
His words captured the spirit of the championship, recognizing the children as the true superheroes whose strength and courage inspire the Wrestle for Joy mission.
A Special Night for the Wrestle for Joy Family
Among those in attendance were Ashley Rhoades and John’s three siblings, who brought their excitement and support to this special occasion.
The family cheered enthusiastically throughout the Wrestle for Joy Championship match and showed their support for other Empire Pro Wrestling competitors they had previously met during the Wrestle for Joy Foundation’s launch event in August.
Seeing those connections continue beyond the launch event was a meaningful reminder of the relationships being built through the foundation and its community partnerships.
For Ashley, the evening represented something deeply personal.
“As a mom watching her child fight battles that no child should ever have to face, it’s moments like these that remind me just how much love and goodness there is in the world.”
— Ashley Rhoades
Her words reflect the heart of Wrestle for Joy’s mission. While the foundation uses professional wrestling and creative experiences to bring happiness to children, the true impact comes from the relationships, compassion, and sense of community that grow from these moments.
A Partnership Built on Purpose
The Wrestle for Joy Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to Empire Pro Wrestling for believing in our vision and helping bring this championship to life.
What makes this partnership so special is the opportunity to connect the world of professional wrestling with children and families who deserve moments of excitement, encouragement, and joy.
From welcoming wrestlers to our launch event in August to crowning the inaugural EPW Wrestle for Joy Cruiserweight Champion in October, Empire Pro Wrestling has helped demonstrate how the wrestling community can make a meaningful difference outside the ring.
We also want to thank Chico Cortez for being part of this historic championship match, the EPW roster for embracing our families, and every fan who helped make the night unforgettable.
More Than Gold. More Than Wrestling.
October 17, 2026, will always hold a special place in Wrestle for Joy Foundation history.
It was the night our championship became real. The night children cheered for someone fighting in their honor. The night a new champion dedicated his victory to John. And the night our community came together to celebrate something much bigger than professional wrestling.
To our inaugural champion, Elijah Sparks, congratulations on making history! We look forward to seeing you carry the EPW Wrestle for Joy Cruiserweight Championship and the meaning behind it into the future.
To Ashley, John’s siblings, and every family who continues to inspire our work, thank you for reminding us why these moments matter.
And to Empire Pro Wrestling, thank you for helping us prove that the power of professional wrestling can extend far beyond the ring.
One Championship. One Community. One Mission.
Because Every Kid Deserves a Title Shot!
