WWE to honor Connor Michalek with first-ever Warrior Award

The WWE will present the first-ever Warrior Award to Connor Michalek, an eight-year-old boy from Pittsburgh the passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2014.

According to WWE, the Warrior Award will be given to "someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior."

Michalek passed away April 25 of last year, a little more than three weeks after Warrior (real name Jim Hellwig) died suddenly in Arizona.

Warrior's widow, Dana Warrior, and Daniel Bryan will present the to Steve Michalek, Connor's father, during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony the night before WrestleMania 31.

In his honor, the WWE launched the Connor's Cure, a fund dedicated to furthering pediatric cancer research.

"My family is forever grateful for the gift that WWE, its superstars, divas and executives gave to Connor," Steve Michalek said in a statement. "They made him smile and encouraged him to continue fighting. His visits backstage, and his time in the ring with Daniel Bryan, brought Connor true joy and undoubtedly extended his life, giving us more time with him. Now, with this award and Connor's Cure, Connor's legacy will live on."

"Connor Michalek had a profound impact on so many people," WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon said. "His spirit and love of life were so strong, you would have never known he was sick. I can think of no better way to honor Connor, than by recognizing him with our highest honor, the first fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, as a Warrior."

[Video courtesy of WWE]