MCW Offers Smiles, Not Slams, to CP Patients

Matt Bowman has been a professional wrestler for more than 20 years.

Better known by his in-ring moniker , Bowman is one of the most popular wrestlers in the region, especially with Maryland Championship Wrestling.

But, at 43 Bowman said he doesn’t have to wrestle to make a living. He does it to utilize the platform it provides to bring attention to quality causes. That is what brought, him along with several members of the MCW roster, Friday to the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland.

The group of wrestlers, managers, referees and announcers spent almost two hours at the charity in Middle River speaking with more than 100 people with cerebral palsy. During that time they answered questions from the audience, posed for pictures, signed autographs and/or simply offered a hug to those who wanted it.

“The people with United Cerebral Palsy thanked us for coming, but in reality, we are the ones who are thankful because we got to spend some time with some great people and got to put smiles on their faces,” Bowman said.

Bowman said his desire to help those in need comes from personal experience, as his two sons, ages 5 and 3, are autistic. To help bring awareness of autism, MCW will donate proceeds from its next card, “Bodyslam Autism,” to benefit Autism Speaks-Washington/MD. The card is set for April 6 at The New Green Room in Dundalk.

“When you see what people with autism deal with and you see the struggles facing those with cerebral palsy, it puts everything in perspective,” Bowman said.

MCW owner Dan McDevitt, a Middle River resident, shared Bowman’s outlook.

“If it weren’t for the ability to bring awareness to good causes, I’m not sure I’d still be operating MCW,” said McDevitt, who is also a real estate agent in the area. “To help those who need it makes it all worth it.”

was among the wrestlers at the United Cerebral Palsey center on Friday. Just 20 years old, Heiser, known in MCW as Jessie Kaye, became emotional as she greeted the fans at the center.

“It was very intense,” Heiser said. “But it was really exciting to see how happy we made everybody. It was very rewarding and I hope to get to do it again in the future.”