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The wrestling community is being urged to support Michael Toney, the former promoter of West Virginia’s IWA East Coast, following his recent diagnosis of end-stage renal disease.
This month, Michael’s brother, CJ Torney, initiated a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $13,000 for critical living costs while Michael undergoes necessary life-saving treatment and awaits a kidney transplant.
“Michael has recently been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and is on the transplant list, but struggles to work full-time and seeks to be placed on disability,” CJ shared on the fundraising page. “Throughout this period, he’s been on dialysis twice a week and missing out on many activities he’s enjoyed for years.”
A prominent figure in independent wrestling, Toney is well-known for managing IWA East Coast, where he showcased some of the sport’s biggest names long before wrestling gained mainstream attention.
“We’ve hosted various performers, including Matt Hardy (WWE/TNA), Dustin Rhodes (Goldust), Terry Funk, and even booked Pat McAfee’s first professional wrestling match,” CJ noted. “Michael has a generous heart and has contributed greatly to many people’s lives.”
This is an opportunity for the wrestling world to give back. The GoFundMe campaign aims to support Toney as he navigates treatment and applies for disability, providing essential assistance amid escalating medical bills and living expenses.
You can contribute to Michael Toney’s GoFundMe here (Insert actual link if posting) and help make a significant impact in the lives of those who have significantly influenced professional wrestling.
Have you ever been to an IWA East Coast event or followed Michael Toney’s work? Share your experiences or words of encouragement in the comments below.
December 31, 2025 4:34pm
Fan Take: This news resonates deeply within the wrestling community, as it highlights the importance of supporting those who have shaped the industry. By rallying behind Michael Toney, fans have the chance to show appreciation for the countless contributions he has made to wrestling careers, reinforcing the sport’s sense of camaraderie and loyalty.
