Ex-Wrestling Champ John Bradshaw Layfield -- WWE Sponsoring My EPIC Climb for Charity

Former pro wrestling champ John "Bradshaw" Layfield's attempt to climb 7 of the highest mountains in the world just got a quarter million dollar boost ... courtesy of his old cohorts at the WWE.

If you didn't know, JBL has been planning to climb the highest peak on each continent to help raise money for a charity he works with called Family Center -- the group helps needy kids in Bermuda where he lives. JBL was going to pay for the expeditions out of his own pocket until the WWE stepped up to help.

JBL tells TMZ, "The WWE is sponsoring my whole 7 summits trip and will help get the word out across their social media platforms ... all to raise money for the kids program."

45-year old JBL says 100% of the proceeds will go to Family Center -- and he hopes conquering legendary peaks like Everest and Kilimanjaro inspires the kids in Bermuda to know anything is possible.