Maclin, Purrazzo host wrestling benefit for Tunnel to Towers
Steve Maclin of TNA Wrestling and Deonna Purrazzo, Ring of Honor women's pure champion, will host the Battle for the Brave: Wrestling Showcase for Heroes on June 6 at the Rahway Rec Center in Rahway, New Jersey. The event starts at 7 p.m. ET and supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which aids first responders' families and wounded veterans. Floor seats have sold out, with general admission and meet-and-greet tickets remaining.
Maclin and Purrazzo, both from the New York-New Jersey area, organized the show after collaborating with Josh Lentin of the Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament. Purrazzo, a wrestler's wife and married to Maclin, a U.S. Marine veteran, described strong support from the wrestling community despite initial uncertainties about promotion. The card features the Hardy Boyz headlining; Jeff and Matt Hardy praised Tunnel to Towers for assisting injured military personnel, first responders and police.
Maclin served in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines Weapons Company as a machine gunner from 2007 to 2011, including tours in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He enlisted in 2005 after 9/11 affected his life growing up outside New York City. Purrazzo recalled the post-9/11 unity she felt in second grade and now channels that into veteran support, noting wrestling helped Maclin transition after service.
Maclin enters the Battle for the Brave Memorial Cup gauntlet match as the first of 13 competitors in an over-the-top battle royal that ends with a final-two matchup. Purrazzo plans possible commentary involvement. The event aligns with America's 250th birthday celebrations, including UFC at the White House in June and IndyCar racing in Washington in August.
