Firstly, this is coming from a solid group of professional wrestling fans and friends. We all have families and some of us have lost family to cancer. Some of us have been extremely lucky and haven’t faced the horrifying news that one of our family members has come down with cancer.

We realize the importance of having a positive message to people struggling with the disease and are not opposed to the charity, the invitations to live events, or Make A Wish. Of course we all support these programs and applaud the WWE for taking it upon themselves to try and make a difference in the lives of those struggling with cancer. These programs have certainly made a huge positive impact on families and children struggling with cancer and we in no way intend to stand in the way of this.

The issue we have however is when you use a sick child on live television in order to advance a story line, character development, or any other continuation of your regular programming. While it’s great that the children get a chance to see their favorite performers up close and personal. MOST people feel that charity ceases to be an organic, genuine, and positive gesture when you use that charity to advance your professional agenda.

Justin Roberts, a former WWE employee, brought to light this issue with the WWE so this has been backed up by an insider. John Cena, who’s held more WWE championships than anyone in history, takes time out of his busy schedule to spend time with the less fortunate. That is such an amazing gesture by the WWE’s most decorated champion. At times though, it feels that these charitable acts become part of his character. Making a profit by using these children on live TV as part of John Cena’s on air character development is a gigantic moral problem for most compassionate and thinking human beings. This blurs the line between a genuine empathetic act and a mere gimmick in order to gain viewer support for a polarizing character. That is concerning to many of us because it means you REQUIRE these sick children in order to sell your product. That said, this is not about one person or character. We wish not to see this happen with ANY more of your products.

We believe the WWE is better than this and can create a better product with much better circumstances for everyone involved. This may not be an intentional policy meant to bring harm to anyone but it does come across the airways that way at times and we simply want to bring this to the WWE, USA Network, and Make A Wish in order to make an even better product and charity for everyone involved.

Cease this course of action immediately. The WWE is insulting people all over the planet who have lost loved one’s to cancer. If it’s something you are unwilling to do and address with respect, sensitivity, and common sense this petition will continue to serve as a stage for those who will refrain from viewing your product on television, pay for the WWE Network, or order your Pay-Per-Views.