ABOUT THE WRESTLE FOR JOY FOUNDATION
Our efforts were born from melding passions with perserverance. Through the inspiration of serving youth in various forms of care and need we focus our impacts around supporting kids inspired by topics and energies in wrestling for community and support.
MISSION STATEMENT
Wrestle for Joy Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing joy, confidence, and unforgettable memories to underprivileged children by immersing them in the world of professional wrestling. From attending live professional wrestling (i.e. WWE, AEW) events to receive official merchandise, action figures, and replica belts, we believe every child deserves a moment to feel like a champion.
“Bringing together passion, hearts of service, and the energy to uplift others. Putting the work in is our fun!”
WRESTLE FOR JOY CREW
While working at Oklahoma Children's Hospital as a Patient Technology Specialist, Chris spent years creating meaningful experiences for patients through gaming, technology, and interactive activities. One of the most impactful programs he helped facilitate involved using WWE 2K to allow children to create their own wrestling superstars, develop unique characters, and tell their own stories inside the virtual ring.
What began as a fun gaming activity quickly became something much more. Chris witnessed firsthand how creating a superstar could help children build confidence, express their creativity, and temporarily escape the challenges of hospitalization. For many patients, becoming a champion in their own story provided a sense of empowerment during a time when they often felt they had little control.
Inspired by these experiences, Chris envisioned a way to bring that same joy beyond the walls of the hospital. In 2025, he founded Wrestle for Joy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating unforgettable wrestling-inspired experiences for underprivileged and medically challenged children. Through championship belt presentations, toy donations, WWE 2K character creation workshops, special events, and community partnerships, Wrestle for Joy helps children discover their inner champion.
Today, the organization's mission remains rooted in the lessons learned at Oklahoma Children's Hospital: every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, feel empowered, and experience the joy of being a champion.
Because every kid deserves a title shot.
As a below-the-knee amputee, Erik understands the importance of resilience, representation, and believing in yourself. His own journey fuels his commitment to ensuring every child feels included, celebrated, and empowered, regardless of their circumstances.
From interviewing wrestlers and covering the wrestling industry to helping children design their own larger-than-life wrestling personas through the Foundation’s Miracle League, Erik believes that every child deserves the chance to be the hero of their own story. Through every event, livestream, and community partnership, his goal is simple: create moments that leave lasting smiles and remind families they are never alone.
Because every kid deserves a title shot.
“The vision was clear. Support kids, meet them where they are, uplift their spirits, find fufillment through their reactions.”
FOUNDATION BOARD
© 2026 Wrestle for Joy Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
