More than 150 wrestlers join Memphis battle royal for animal shelters; WWE star Jordynne Grace gives all meet-and-greet money to sanctuary

More than 150 wrestlers joined a huge battle royal in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the first annual Sycho Sid Memorial Benefit, an event created to honour late wrestling star Sid Eudy, better known as Sycho Sid. The memorial combined professional wrestling with an animal-rescue fundraiser, bringing together performers from different generations and promotions. The event was held at Minglewood Hall on August 29, 2026, with proceeds from the benefit intended to support animal shelters. WWE star Jordynne Grace also appeared at the event for a meet-and-greet and pledged all the money from it to FurGiven Animal Sanctuary. The charity-focused gathering reflected Eudy’s reported love of animals while bringing a large section of the wrestling community together in his memory.A memorial event for Sycho SidThe Sycho Sid Memorial Benefit was organised to remember Eudy, who died in August 2024 at the age of 63 after battling cancer. The event took place in Memphis, a city closely connected to Eudy’s wrestling career. He began wrestling professionally in the Memphis area during the 1980s before going on to become one of the biggest stars of his generation. His family helped organise the memorial, which combined wrestling matches and appearances with fundraising for animal welfare.More than 150 wrestlers joined the battle royalOne of the main attractions was a battle royal featuring more than 150 wrestlers. The unusually large field brought together performers from different generations and wrestling backgrounds. Names associated with the event included Carlito, Jonathan Gresham, Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich. Jordynne Grace was also among the wrestling personalities involved. The massive battle royal gave the memorial a distinctive spectacle while helping bring attention to the event’s fundraising purpose.Jordynne Grace gave her meet-and-greet money to a sanctuaryGrace’s appearance provided a separate and particularly unusual charity angle. The WWE star announced that all money from her meet-and-greet would go to FurGiven Animal Sanctuary. The Memphis-area organisation is a privately funded, no-kill animal rescue that works with dogs and provides support including veterinary care, training and rehabilitation. Grace’s contribution was specifically tied to her meet-and-greet. It does not mean that all wrestlers at the event donated their personal appearance fees or earnings to the sanctuary.The fundraiser was linked to Eudy’s love of animalsAnimal rescue was an important part of the memorial’s purpose because of Eudy’s reported affection for animals. His son, Gunnar Eudy, said when the benefit was announced that profits from the show and future events would support animal shelters in Crittenden County, Arkansas. Eudy was from West Memphis, Arkansas, located just across the Mississippi River from Memphis. His family said he particularly loved dogs and cats, giving the animal-rescue fundraiser a personal connection to the wrestler being remembered.Sid Eudy became a major wrestling starEudy rose to prominence in professional wrestling during the late 1980s and 1990s. He competed under several names, including Sid Vicious, Sid Justice and Sycho Sid. He won the WWF Championship twice and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice. He also headlined WrestleMania twice. His career made him one of the most recognisable wrestlers of his era, while his early connection to Memphis made the city a natural setting for a memorial celebrating his life and career.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.