Cory Machado

Portuguese-American professional wrestler on a mission bigger than titles and spotlight. My goal? To fight hunger and make sure no one is left behind.

So far, I’ve helped provide over 340,000 meals by teaming up with food banks and charities, but I’m just getting started. My dream is to feed 7 billion people and help make hunger a thing of the past. It’s an ambitious goal, but I believe if you’re going to dream, you dream big, not just for yourself, but for the world.

This mission is personal. I grew up watching pro wrestling with my great grandfather, who came to America from Portugal. He didn’t speak a word of English at the time he learned bits of it just by watching wrestling and TV with subtitles. That time with him, those laughs, that connection... it lit a fire in me. Long before I ever picked up a football or swung a baseball bat, wrestling was my first love.

I’ve failed more times than I can count. But I’ve never quit  because every fall has taught me how to rise. Wrestling has allowed me to inspire others, empower my heritage, and honor the people I love  especially my great-grandfather, and the memory of Ashley Carlson, Alyssa Brynes, and Ashley Donohoe. They wanted to help people, and I carry their hearts with me every step of the way.

Along the journey, I’ve had the chance to step in the ring with NFL Super Bowl Champion Walter Thurmond, and connect with fans around the world. But none of that matters more than the ability to bring joy, give hope, I believe in learning. I believe in laughing. I believe that you can do anything if you believe in yourself and use your time wisely, it’s the most valuable thing we’ve got.

I’m just a kid who once dreamed of being a pro baseball player or the next Jim Carrey, and now I get to fight for something that matters every single day.

Thanks for being part of the journey. Let’s keep fighting  for joy, for change, and for each other.