Pro wrestling stars leading showcase to benefit Tunnel to Towers, share what being an American means to them

Maclin, Purrazzo Host Wrestling Showcase 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 in Rahway, New Jersey. The event at Rahway Rec Center starts at 7 p.m. ET and benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders' families and wounded veterans. Maclin and Purrazzo spoke about their personal ties to 9/11 and military service.

The idea for the show stemmed from their work with Josh Lentin of the Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament. Purrazzo said support from the wrestling community exceeded expectations. Maclin, who served as a machine gunner with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines Weapons Company from 2007 to 2011 including tours in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, enlisted in 2005 after 9/11 impacted his life growing up near New York City.

"9/11 was a big part of my life as a kid growing up," Maclin said. "I grew up just outside of New York City. ... It changed a lot of people’s lives. And for me, for the better." Purrazzo, also from New Jersey, recalled the unity after 9/11 in second grade and now supports veterans as Maclin's wife. The event coincides with America's 250th birthday celebrations, including UFC at the White House in June and IndyCar in Washington in August.

Maclin enters the Battle for the Brave Memorial Cup gauntlet match as the first of 13 competitors, facing Richard Holliday, Megan Bayne, BDE and others in an over-the-top battle royal. Purrazzo plans commentary involvement. Jeff and Matt Hardy of the Hardy Boyz headline. Floor seats sold out; general admission and Hardy meet-and-greets remain available.