WWE, Cody Rhodes help fan who was denied wheelchair accessible MITB tickets

WWE has stepped in to make things right for a fan who was initially denied wheelchair accessible tickets to Money in the Bank.

This week, CBC News and CTV News published stories on Mike Ashkewe — a WWE fan who won tickets to Money in the Bank through a contest run by Toys “R” Us Canada. Ashkewe uses a wheelchair and, after winning, informed those in charge of the contest that he would need accessible seating. Though he was initially told not to worry, the digital marketing team for Toys “R” Us Canada emailed Ashkewe saying that they had talked to the venue and — because accessible tickets were sold out — nothing could be done. He was instead offered the cash value of the tickets, which was $301.99.

Ashkewe says it was “devastating” to learn that he wouldn’t be able to attend the show, but WWE found out about the issue on Wednesday night and secured accessible space for him by Thursday morning. WWE apologized to Ashkewe for what happened and arranged for Cody Rhodes to call him.

“I’m so sorry,” the Undisputed WWE Champion told Ashkewe. “The cool thing here is that we do have some tickets that are for you. Not only that, we’re going to pay for your transportation to come to Money in the Bank. We can’t have a fan like you sitting on the sidelines.”

“The American Nightmare made a Canadian dream [come true],” Ashkewe wrote on social media.

A spokesperson for Toys “R” Us Canada said they’re “very pleased” things worked out and are “delighted that Mike will get to enjoy this exciting event this weekend.”

“I really and sincerely hope that future contest holders, and anybody else, takes into consideration the needs of the disabled community,” Ashkewe said. “We want to come to events, we want to come to the concert, we want to come to the shows, we want to be involved, we want to be seen.”

“And I know WWE has an amazing track record with the disabled community,” Ashkewe said. “I know when they want to do amazing things they can. And this was unexpected.”

Money in the Bank is taking place from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena this Saturday (July 6). Rhodes will be in action in a six-man tag match, teaming with Randy Orton & Kevin Owens against three members of The Bloodline.