Queer Pro Wrestler Terra Calaway Returns to the Ring at CannonballFest to Support Husband’s Fight Against ALS

In a powerful show of love, solidarity, and resilience, Terra Calaway—a celebrated queer professional wrestler—will step back into the ring at CannonballFest, an event held in New Providence, New Jersey, with a mission that transcends championship titles. Calaway’s return is not only a personal comeback but a rallying point for the wrestling and LGBTQ+ communities, as the event is dedicated to raising funds for her husband, Jeff Cannonball, a well-known independent wrestling figure currently fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) .

CannonballFest, set to take place at New Providence High School, is more than just a showcase of athletic prowess. Every dollar raised through ticket sales and donations will directly benefit Jeff Cannonball and his family, supporting the costly and ongoing fight against ALS. The event has garnered attention throughout the wrestling world, with a lineup featuring marquee matchups such as Matt Tremont vs. Mike Bailey, Tony Deppen vs. Willow Nightingale, and a massive eight-person tag team showdown featuring Terra Calaway herself .

Calaway will join forces with Wheeler Yuta, Matt Mako, Tracy Williams, Cheeseburger, and LSG to face off against The Incoherent Legion Of Rot, a team that includes UltraMantis Black, Delirious, Frightmare, Hallowicked, Kodama, and Obariyon. The stacked card is designed to draw fans from across the region, uniting them for a cause that hits close to home for many in the wrestling and LGBTQ+ communities .

For Terra Calaway, the stakes of her return go beyond athletic achievement. In a recent interview, she described the emotional journey of supporting her husband through his ALS diagnosis and the overwhelming support they have received from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. “Every message, every show of support, every dollar raised—it all matters,” she shared in an appearance on In The Weeds. “We’re grateful beyond words for the love this community has shown us during the hardest fight of our lives” .

The wrestling community has responded with an outpouring of solidarity, launching a GoFundMe campaign and organizing benefit events like CannonballFest. These efforts have been amplified online through social media and wrestling news outlets, raising awareness about ALS and highlighting the urgent need for research and support for affected families .

Calaway’s return is particularly meaningful for LGBTQ+ representation in professional wrestling. As an openly queer athlete, her presence in the ring challenges stereotypes and brings visibility to the diversity within the sport. The intersection of her advocacy for her husband and her role as a queer trailblazer resonates with fans who see themselves reflected in her journey.

Wrestling, historically a space with limited LGBTQ+ visibility, has seen significant progress in recent years, with more athletes coming out and being supported by fans and promotions. Events like CannonballFest are emblematic of this shift, centering queer voices and stories at the heart of the action. As Calaway herself noted in a recent interview, “It’s about showing up for each other, no matter who you are. Wrestling is for everyone, and so is this fight” .

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. The financial burden on families can be overwhelming, making community-driven fundraising efforts crucial. By tying her return to the ring to her husband’s ALS battle, Calaway is leveraging her platform to shine a light on the realities of living with the disease and the urgent need for resources for patients and caregivers .

The event’s organizers have made it clear that all proceeds from CannonballFest will directly support the Cannonball family, with additional ways for supporters to contribute through online campaigns and merchandise sales. The benefit extends beyond financial support, fostering a sense of solidarity and hope for those impacted by ALS within and outside the wrestling world .