The anticipation is building as Maccabi USA announces an extraordinary farewell match for The Mighty Maccabee, marking a significant chapter in wrestling history. After 28 years away from the ring, this iconic figure will return to defend his World Maccabiah Championship at Maccabiah Mania III, set to take place on March 2, 2025, at Livingston High School in Livingston, New Jersey.
Having held the title for an unprecedented 10,228 days by the time of his match, The Mighty Maccabee's record reflects his dominance and legacy in the sport. He will face the renowned 'Timeless' Crowbar, a seasoned wrestler with a rich history including stints in WWE and WCW. This compelling matchup is just the highlight in an event overloaded with excitement and entertainment.
Maccabiah Mania III is not just about one match; it promises to be an action-packed event featuring 22 wrestlers and 10 electrifying bouts. Attendees can expect stellar performances from notable wrestling icons like 'Olympic Strongman' Ken Patera, Colt Cabana, and various top stars from the Independent Superstars of Pro Wrestling (ISPW) promotion. Adding a unique flavor to the festivities, Brian Zane, the popular host of the YouTube channel Wrestling with Wregret, is set to make a special guest appearance.
This upcoming match is particularly significant as it marks The Mighty Maccabee's first title defense since March 1, 1997. His last championship battle concluded with a triumphant victory over former WWF Champion The Iron Sheik. The fans eagerly anticipate whether this champion can keep his reign alive amidst fierce competition.
Beyond the thrill of wrestling, the event is also dedicated to a cause close to the heart of many Jewish athletes. Proceeds from Maccabiah Mania III will be directed toward supporting Maccabi USA's mission to send athletes to the 2025 Maccabiah Games, an event recognized as the world's second largest international sports gathering. The 2025 Maccabiah Games are expected to host over 10,000 Jewish athletes from approximately 80 countries, competing in more than 40 Olympic-style sports.
Jeff Bukantz, known as The Mighty Maccabee himself, shared his thoughts, stating, 'I'm thrilled to lace up my boots one final time and support a cause that's so close to my heart.' As the President of Maccabi USA since 2017, Bukantz has a long history with the organization, having first participated as an athlete in the 1981 Maccabiah Games. His dedication to wrestling has always been fueled by a passion to enrich Jewish lives through sports.
The Mighty Maccabee has donned the iconic persona during critical fundraising efforts in the past, specifically in 1993 and 1997 for the Maccabi USA Fencing Team. This upcoming match promises to be a grand finale to his wrestling and philanthropic journey—a culmination that fans will not want to miss.
Get your tickets now and be part of this historic farewell match at Maccabiah Mania III. Join the wrestling community in celebrating the legacy of The Mighty Maccabee while supporting the next generation of athletes bound for the Maccabiah Games. For more details, visit
Maccabi USA's website.