Support Pours In for Former IWA East Coast Promoter Michael Tawney Amid Health Battle

The wrestling community is being called upon to rally around Michael Tawney, the former promoter of IWA East Coast in West Virginia, after he was recently diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched earlier this month by Michael’s brother, CJ Tawney, with a goal of raising $13,000 to help cover essential living expenses while Michael undergoes life-saving treatment and awaits a kidney transplant.

“Michael was recently diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. Although he has also been put on a transplant list, he is not able to work a full-time job and is looking to receive disability,” CJ wrote on the fundraiser page. “In the meantime, he is receiving dialysis twice a week and missing out on several things he has loved to do for so many years.”

A key figure in independent wrestling, Tawney is known for his time running IWA East Coast, where he booked some of wrestling’s most recognizable names long before they reached the mainstream spotlight.

“In the past, he has booked several performers such as Matt Hardy (WWE/TNA), Goldust aka Dustin Rhodes (WWE/AEW), Terry Funk, and even booked Pat McAfee to his first professional wrestling match,” CJ added. “Michael has a huge heart and has done so much for so many.”

Now, it’s the wrestling world’s chance to return the favor. The GoFundMe aims to help Tawney bridge the financial gap as he navigates treatment and applies for disability. With medical costs and basic living expenses stacking up, the fundraiser offers a lifeline to someone who helped shape the careers of many in the business.

You can donate to Michael Tawney’s GoFundMe here (insert actual link if posting) and help make a difference in the life of someone who has given so much to professional wrestling.

Have you ever attended an IWA East Coast show or followed any of Michael Tawney’s work? Share your memories or leave a message of support in the comments below.