CannonballFest: Wrestling Community Unites to Support Jeff Cannonball
On September 14th, 2025, New Providence High School in New Providence, NJ, became the epicenter of an extraordinary wrestling event: CannonballFest. What started as a tribute to a beloved former professional wrestler quickly transformed into a full-fledged show of generosity, passion, and community. The event was organized to support Jeff Cannonball, a former professional wrestler who was diagnosed with ALS last year. In a heartwarming gesture, the wrestling community came together to raise funds to assist Jeff and his family during this challenging time.
Between ticket sales, auctions, online views, and other fundraising efforts, CannonballFest raised over $40,000—an impressive addition to Jeff’s GoFundMe, which has already surpassed six figures. Adding even more significance to the night was the return of Terra Calaway, Jeff’s wife, who had been retired from the ring for over two years. She returned for this single show, proving that some moments are worth stepping back into the spotlight.
Joey Janela, a longtime friend of Jeff and the promoter behind CannonballFest, shared his motivation for the show, saying he wanted to “look after Jeff and his family and make sure they were financially well off.” He also emphasized the unique power of independent wrestling: “There’s a lot of negativity online about professional wrestling. Tribalism, … The backstage politics, … I love independent wrestling cause it has nothing to do with that. Today, people could take their minds off some of the stuff that’s going on around the world and just enjoy wrestling for a good cause with some of the best wrestlers in the world.”
For Jeff himself, the event was a deeply emotional experience. When asked about the support and generosity he witnessed, he said, aside from the money, that “It’s wildly overwhelming in the most positive way. I think I cried four times throughout the night…All a good thing. Unbelievable…I’m almost speechless.”
CannonballFest served as a testament to the power of the wrestling community. They aren’t just wrestlers and fans, but also a family and a support group, rallying together for one of their own. On that September night, wrestling fans didn’t just witness matches—they witnessed hope, love, and a community united for a truly meaningful cause.
For those who want to support Jeff and his battle against ALS, please follow the link to his GoFundMe right here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rgs2d8
