Connor "Stone Crusher" Michalek, The Infamous Child Who Made Daniel Bryan "Tap Out," Has Passed Away

Before Daniel Bryan became WWE World Heavyweight Champion, back in his days in Team Hell No, Bryan met Connor Michalek, the young boy known as “Stone Crusher,” through the Make-A-Wish program. During their first meeting, Michalek made Daniel Bryan tap out to his own version of the “Yes Lock.”

Below is video of Bryan and Michalek’s encounter:

httpss://youtube.com/watch?v=rIwSlenbUyI

Sadly, at age 8, Connor Michalek has lost his battle with cancer, passing away on April 25. WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts remembered Connor with the following photo on Instagram, captioned, “Connor was a true, fighting champion that captured the hearts of everyone he encountered. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey, you will be missed.”

View this post on Instagram

Connor was a true, fighting champion that captured the hearts of everyone he encountered. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey, you will be missed.

A post shared by Justin Roberts (@justinroberts) on Apr 25, 2014 at 9:15am PDT

After Connor Michalek met Daniel Bryan in 2012, that would not be the last time that he would see Bryan. In fact, that would be the first of many encounters. When “Monday Night Raw” came to Pittsburgh Pa., the home of Connor, in October of 2013, Bryan reunited with Connor in a tear-jerking moment. Following his victory in the main event, Bryan stopped by to talk with Connor, who was in the first-row of the crowd along the entrance ramp.

Connor was even on hand for Daniel Bryan’s historic night at WrestleMania XXX, as he was in the front-row for the event, getting the best seat in the house to watch Bryan become WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Connor Michalek had a tremendous impact in Pittsburgh, where he resided. He loved to play baseball and was able to meet his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013. During the local broadcast of the Pirates game on the day of his passing, he was remembered for his perseverance, love of the game of baseball, and the Pirates.

Editor’s Note

Myself and the rest of the WrestlingRumors.net staff send our deepest prayers and condolences to Connor’s friends and family in this difficult time. Being from Pittsburgh, I was grateful to be able to experience Connor’s tremendous story, and now know that he will never be forgotten. May Connor rest in peace.