Jeff was an independent cruiserweight wrestler considered now to be ahead of his time. Peterson wrestled mainly for IPW Hardcore and ECWA (he is the nephew of ECWA promoter Jim Kettner) but wrestled throughout the country.

Then, at the age of 18 in early 2000, Jeff was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He went into remission and was poised for a comeback, but he would then relapse. Then, in November 2002, Jeff lost his battle with cancer at the age of 21.

From this tragedy, The Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup was started in 2003 and continues to get bigger and better each year. The two day tournament not only showcases the best cruiserweights from around the world, but each year we are able to help our community as well by donating the profits to a local charity, with this year's charity being the Boys and Girls Club of Pinellas Park.