True North Wrestling to Host 'Aces Up' Benefit Event for Former Teacher

The wrestling promotion's upcoming show will feature a WWE Hall of Famer and raise funds for Carrie Yerke, a former music teacher facing health challenges.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

True North Wrestling (TNW), a professional wrestling promotion based in Waverly, Minnesota, will host a benefit event called 'Aces Up' on May 9 to support Carrie Yerke, a former music teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School who has faced several medical issues in recent years. The event will feature wrestling matches, including an appearance by WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco and his son Wes, as well as a silent auction with proceeds going directly to Yerke and her family.

Why it matters

The 'Aces Up' event highlights the local community's effort to support one of its own, Carrie Yerke, who dedicated years of her life to teaching and is now facing significant health challenges. It also showcases how a small, independent wrestling promotion like True North Wrestling is using its platform to give back and make a positive impact beyond just entertaining fans.

The details

The 'Aces Up' event will take place on May 9 at the Waverly Village Hall, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the first match starting around 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $30 for front-row seating and $25 for general admission, with pre-sale general admission tickets available for $20. The card will feature several matches, including a long-awaited bout between Daredevil Derrick Fury and TNW World Heavyweight Champion Matthias, as well as an appearance by WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco and his son Wes. A silent auction with items donated by local businesses and Fan HQ will also be held, with half of all ticket proceeds and all auction revenue going directly to Carrie Yerke and her family.

  • The 'Aces Up' event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
  • True North Wrestling's most recent event, 'Shamrock Sacrifice,' was held on March 21, 2026.

The players

Carrie Yerke

A former music teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Winsted, Minnesota, who has faced several medical challenges in recent years, including battling cancer and undergoing amputations.

Richard 'Dick' Yerke

The co-founder of True North Wrestling and the son of Carrie Yerke, who is organizing the 'Aces Up' benefit event to support his mother.

Gerald Brisco

A WWE Hall of Famer who will be making an appearance at the 'Aces Up' event alongside his son, Wes Brisco.

Wes Brisco

The son of WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco, who will be competing in a one-on-one match against Jameson McGregor at the 'Aces Up' event.

Matthias

The current TNW World Heavyweight Champion, who is scheduled to compete in a featured matchup at the 'Aces Up' event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love teaching and working with the kids so much, and the fact that they became like my own kids meant I couldn't leave them with somebody else teaching them.”

— Carrie Yerke, Former Music Teacher

“To me, she will forever be my mom, and that's a big part of the reason I'm doing this event specifically for her, is everything that she gave up, not only to raise my siblings and me, but also to take care of me when I've needed her to.”

— Richard 'Dick' Yerke, Co-Founder, True North Wrestling

What’s next

True North Wrestling is working to make the Waverly Village Hall wheelchair accessible for the 'Aces Up' event so that Carrie Yerke can attend in person.

The takeaway

The 'Aces Up' benefit event organized by True North Wrestling showcases the power of community support and the positive impact that independent wrestling promotions can have by using their platform to give back and help those in need, like Carrie Yerke, who has dedicated her life to teaching and is now facing significant health challenges.