George “Tyrus” Murdoch, known for his towering presence as a former WWE wrestler, Fox News commentator, and larger-than-life personality, has a knack for commanding attention. Whether he’s delivering bold opinions on air or cracking jokes during his comedy tours, Tyrus has built a diverse fanbase that spans generations. But it’s his interactions with his youngest fans—and their families—that reveal the softer, more heartfelt side of this 6’7” giant. Recently, Tyrus met some of his biggest little fans, along with their mom, who’s an equally devoted admirer. The behind-the-scenes gestures he showed them weren’t just kind—they were deeply moving, leaving everyone around feeling uplifted and inspired. These moments, filled with warmth and authenticity, showcase why Tyrus remains a beloved figure beyond the spotlight.
A Chance Encounter with Tiny Titans
The story began in late 2024, during one of Tyrus’ stops on his What It Is comedy tour. After a show in a small New Jersey town, Tyrus was winding down backstage when he was approached by a family of four: Sarah, a single mom, and her three children—Emma (8), Liam (6), and Ava (4). Sarah had been a fan of Tyrus since his wrestling days as Brodus Clay, and her kids had grown up watching him on Fox News with her, drawn to his booming voice and quick wit. When Sarah learned Tyrus was performing nearby, she scrimped and saved to buy tickets, hoping to give her kids a chance to meet their hero.
As Tyrus emerged from the green room, the kids’ eyes lit up. Emma clutched a handmade poster that read, “Tyrus is Our Superhero!” while Liam held a toy wrestling belt, mimicking Tyrus’ signature poses. Ava, the youngest, shyly hid behind her mom, clutching a stuffed turtle—one of the many animals Tyrus famously adores. Sarah, visibly nervous, thanked Tyrus for his work and shared how his resilience inspired her to keep pushing forward as a single parent. Tyrus, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, softened immediately. “Y’all made that sign for me? That’s the coolest thing I’ve seen all week,” he said, kneeling down to the kids’ level, his deep voice warm with gratitude.
What followed was a series of small but profound gestures that turned a simple meet-and-greet into a memory the family—and those who witnessed it—would never forget. These moments, shared later by Sarah on social media and picked up by local news, melted hearts across the internet, reminding everyone of the power of kindness from someone as larger-than-life as Tyrus.
The Handmade Poster That Stole the Show
The first heartwarming moment came when Tyrus took time to admire Emma’s poster. The 8-year-old had spent hours decorating it with glitter, stickers, and drawings of Tyrus with his daughter Georgie’s horse, Teddy. Instead of just signing it, Tyrus asked Emma to explain every detail. “You got Teddy’s mane just right!” he said, pointing to the horse. He then pulled out his phone to show her a photo of the real Teddy, making Emma beam with pride. Tyrus didn’t stop there—he asked the venue staff to hang the poster backstage for the rest of the tour, calling it his “lucky charm.” For Emma, it was a validation of her creativity; for Sarah, it was a moment of seeing her daughter’s confidence soar.
Tyrus’ attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed. A crew member later shared on X that Tyrus kept the poster up for weeks, pointing it out to his team as a reminder of why he does what he does. “He’s a tough guy, but kids like Emma bring out the big softie in him,” the crew member wrote. This small act of valuing a child’s effort resonated deeply, showing Tyrus’ ability to make his fans feel seen.
A Wrestling Lesson for Liam
Liam, the 6-year-old aspiring wrestler, was next to capture Tyrus’ attention. Brandishing his toy wrestling belt, he challenged Tyrus to a “match.” Rather than brushing it off, Tyrus played along, pretending to be intimidated. “Oh, you think you can take me, champ?” he teased, flexing his massive arms. He then spent 10 minutes teaching Liam a few safe wrestling poses, showing him how to “sell” a move like a pro. Tyrus even let Liam “pin” him, collapsing dramatically to the floor as Liam raised his toy belt in victory.
Sarah later shared that Liam, who struggles with shyness, hadn’t stopped talking about the “match” for days. “Tyrus made him feel like a superstar,” she said in an interview with a local news outlet. The moment was especially poignant because Tyrus, who grew up in a challenging environment without a father figure, understands the importance of boosting a child’s confidence. His own experiences, detailed in his memoir Just Tyrus, highlight how he strives to be the kind of role model he lacked as a kid. For Liam, Tyrus wasn’t just a celebrity—he was a real-life hero who took time to make a little boy feel invincible.
A Turtle for Ava
Perhaps the most touching moment came with Ava, the shy 4-year-old clutching her stuffed turtle. Tyrus, an animal lover who proudly calls his home a “Tyrus-zilla Zoo” filled with exotic reptiles and fish, noticed the toy immediately. “Is that your turtle? What’s his name?” he asked gently. Ava, barely whispering, said, “Bubbles.” Tyrus grinned and told her about his own turtles, describing how he feeds them and cleans their tank. To everyone’s surprise, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small turtle-shaped keychain, a memento from his wrestling days. “Bubbles needs a friend,” he said, handing it to Ava. Her eyes widened, and she gave him a tiny hug, her shyness melting away.
This gesture hit Sarah particularly hard. “Ava’s been through a lot this year with health issues,” she wrote on Instagram. “Seeing her light up like that was everything.” The keychain, a seemingly small token, became a symbol of hope for the family. Fans on social media flooded Sarah’s post with heart emojis, with one writing, “Tyrus didn’t just meet a fan—he gave that little girl a reason to smile again.” The moment underscored Tyrus’ knack for connecting with even the youngest fans on a personal level, turning a fleeting interaction into a lasting memory.
A Heart-to-Heart with Sarah
While the kids stole the spotlight, Tyrus’ interaction with Sarah was equally meaningful. As a single mom, Sarah shared how Tyrus’ story of overcoming a troubled childhood—marked by abuse and time in foster care—gave her strength to navigate her own challenges. Tyrus listened intently, then shared a piece of advice that struck a chord: “You’re doing the hardest job in the world, and you’re killing it. Those kids are lucky to have you.” He also slipped her a signed copy of his book Nuff Said, with a note inside: “To Sarah—You’re the real champ. Keep fighting.”
Sarah later told a local reporter that Tyrus’ words felt like a lifeline. “He didn’t just sign a book—he made me feel like I could keep going,” she said. Tyrus’ ability to empathize, rooted in his own struggles, turned a fan encounter into a moment of mutual respect. This exchange highlighted his belief, often expressed on Fox News, that resilience and kindness can change lives.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of Tyrus’ gestures extended beyond the family. Venue staff, other fans, and even Tyrus’ wife, Ingrid Murdoch, witnessed the interactions and were moved. Ingrid, who often joins Tyrus on tour, shared a photo of the family on her Instagram, captioning it: “This is why we do what we do. These kids and their mom are what it’s all about.” The post went viral, amassing thousands of likes and comments praising Tyrus’ heart.
The story also inspired others. A New Jersey equestrian center, where Tyrus’ daughter Georgie rides, offered Emma and Liam free riding lessons after hearing about their love for animals. A local toy store sent Ava a new turtle plushie, inspired by Tyrus’ gift. These acts of kindness, sparked by Tyrus’ example, showed how one person’s compassion can create a ripple effect.
Why These Moments Matter
Tyrus’ interactions with his biggest little fans weren’t flashy or staged—they were genuine. In an era where celebrity meet-and-greets can feel transactional, Tyrus’ willingness to slow down, listen, and engage made all the difference. His actions reflected the values he champions: hard work, resilience, and kindness. As he wrote in Just Tyrus, “I’ve never been a victim,” and his choice to uplift others despite his own hardships shines through in moments like these.
For Emma, Liam, Ava, and Sarah, the encounter was more than a brush with fame—it was a reminder that heroes exist, both in the ring and in real life. For Tyrus, it was another chance to live out his mission of making a difference, one fan at a time. These sweet moments, filled with laughter, encouragement, and a turtle keychain, melted everyone’s hearts—and proved that even the toughest wrestlers can have the softest touch.
