WWE has lost one of its biggest fans this week, 8 year old Connor Michalek, a kid who struck a wonderful relationship with now WWE champion Daniel Bryan.

Connor met his hero Daniel Bryan back in December of 2012 after he made a video on YouTube expressing his wish to meet his favorite WWE Superstar. His video went viral and WWE took note of the video and immediately made plans to fly his family out to meet Daniel Bryan.

The meeting between the two was beautiful and Connor even made Bryan tap out to his own Yes-lock! Connor also got to meet Kane, who was tag team champion with Bryan at the time of the meeting.

The two met up again at the Royal Rumble this year, something that no one believed it was going to happen as Connor was given only 1% chance of surviving his cancer back then. He went through nine chemotherapy sessions, six weeks of full spine and brain radiation, brain surgery, and countless other extensive surgeries.

At the WrestleMania Business Partner Meeting in New Orleans, WWE’s Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon mentioned Connor and his meeting with several WWE Superstars at the Rumble. An emotional McMahon said that she couldn’t sleep that night seeing how much in pain he was but at the same time how happy he looked to be with his favorite WWE Superstars.

WWE gave Connor and his family front row seats to WrestleMania and saw his hero win the WWE World Heavyweight title in the main event.

Connor unfortunately lost his battle to brain and spine cancer this week, leaving a lot of sadness to those who he touched with his smile and fighting spirit.

Our condolences go out to the Michalek family during this very difficult time.

You can see the meeting between Connor and Daniel Bryan back in 2012 below.