WWE Stars Bring Joy to Make-A-Wish Kids Ahead of WrestleMania in Vegas

The Miz and Liv Morgan host shopping sprees, ring walks, and championship belt presentations for 27 children battling serious illnesses.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:45pm

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A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting a WWE wrestling match broken down into fragmented geometric shapes in bright, neon colors, conveying the high-energy and community spirit of the event.WWE's return to Las Vegas for WrestleMania sparks a vibrant celebration of the sport's community impact.Las Vegas Today

WWE superstars The Miz and Liv Morgan welcomed 27 Make-A-Wish kids to WWE World in Las Vegas, giving them shopping sprees, ring walks, and championship belts ahead of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium. The event was part of multiple community outreach efforts by WWE in the lead-up to the big event.

Why it matters

WWE's return to Las Vegas for a second straight year highlights the city's growing status as a premier destination for major sports and entertainment events. The Make-A-Wish event showcases WWE's commitment to giving back to the local community and creating unforgettable experiences for children facing health challenges.

The details

The 27 Make-A-Wish kids, who were given their own unique wrestling personas like 'Prime Time Payton' and 'Conner The Destroyer,' were introduced to the crowd, walked the ring, and received championship belts from The Miz and Liv Morgan. The stars also gave the kids a pep talk, encouraging them to 'own the stage' despite any nerves.

  • The Make-A-Wish event took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, ahead of WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19.
  • WrestleMania 41 was held in Las Vegas in 2025 and set records for attendance, viewership, and economic impact.

The players

The Miz

A popular WWE superstar who has moved to the Las Vegas area and is excited to host WrestleMania in the city for a second straight year.

Liv Morgan

A rising WWE star who joined The Miz in hosting the Make-A-Wish event and believes leaving a positive community footprint is as important as the in-ring action.

Make-A-Wish

A nonprofit organization that grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, partnering with WWE and Fanatics for this special event.

Fanatics

The leading provider of licensed sports merchandise, collaborating with Make-A-Wish and WWE on the shopping spree portion of the event.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

The organization that worked with WWE to bring WrestleMania back to Las Vegas for a second straight year after the record-breaking success of the previous event.

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What they’re saying

“It was pretty surreal. They're pretty much the first famous people that I've met, so I got a bit starstruck.”

— Prime Time Payton, Make-A-Wish Kid

“It truly warms my heart, and it shows the absolute strength in a child. I talked to them backstage ... Every time that I go out, I am nervous. I am petrified. But once you get out there, own the stage; it's yours. Use those nerves and turn them into energy.”

— The Miz, WWE Superstar

“Aside from WrestleMania, getting to connect with the WWE universe, connect with the communities where we are able to host these amazing PLEs (premium live events), that's really important. Obviously we're going to have an amazing show, but any kind of imprint we can leave behind by touching people, inspiring people, making them smile, making people's days better, that's really what WWE is about.”

— Liv Morgan, WWE Superstar

What’s next

WrestleMania 42 will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18-19, 2026, with the Make-A-Wish kids in attendance.

The takeaway

WWE's return to Las Vegas for a second straight year of WrestleMania demonstrates the city's growing appeal as a premier destination for major sports and entertainment events. The Make-A-Wish event highlights the company's commitment to giving back to local communities and creating unforgettable experiences for children facing health challenges.