Cauliflower Alley Club 2026 Reunion Commemorative Banquet Program
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“Iron” MIKE MAZURKI Club President 1968 - 1991
their hearts into making this year’s reunion and we owe them a tremendous debt of thanks.
B. Brian Blair Welcome, everyone, as we gather for the 60th time for the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion and awards banquet! Reaching this incredible milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit, passion, and camaraderie of our professional wrestling and combat sports family. Whether you are a foundational legend who helped pave the way or a rising star shaping our future, your presence here honors the rich history of the ring. There are many before us that paved the road to get us here. Not just those who sat in the President’s seat, but the architects of success like Art Abrams, Karl Lauer, Dean Silverstone, Rich Ingling who were the driving forces behind the scenes. People like Royal Duncan, who has been our newsletter publisher for 31 years. There are so many to thank that got us here today. An extraordinary milestone like our 60th anniversary does not happen by accident. It is the result of tireless dedication, sacrifice, and a shared vision. I want to extend my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional members of the CAC Board of Directors. These individuals give so much of themselves, volunteering countless hours behind the scenes to ensure our club thrives. From planning logistics to preserving our history, their unwavering commitment is the backbone of this organization. As I look at the full slate of activities presented this week, I can see the thumbprint of each of those volunteers on every item on the agenda. They have poured
Most importantly, I want to thank you—our members. Your continued participation, loyal support, and love for this industry are the reasons the Cauliflower Alley Club remains so vital. You are the heartbeat of this club. Your commitment allows us to uphold our noble mission of taking care of our own through financial assistance and benevolent support when our peers face difficult times. By being here, you help preserve the legacy of the business we love while ensuring that no brother or sister in the ring is ever forgotten. At the podium, we will celebrate some of the ring’s all-time greats and unheralded heroes who have created moments that are forever etched in our hearts and minds, but we will also take time to acknowledge those who have contributed so greatly to the cause - the core mission of the Cauliflower Alley Club - the benevolent fund and measurably improved the outlook for those in the wrestling community when they needed it most. As we enjoy the time we spend together this week, let us celebrate the friendships that have spanned decades, the stories that connect our generations, and the shared bond that only those who step inside the squared circle can truly understand. Thank you for your dedication, thank you for your generosity, and thank you for making the Cauliflower Alley Club a truly unique sanctuary for our industry. Let’s make this 60th reunion our finest chapter yet. Keep buzzing,
B. Brian Blair, President and CEO
2026 Cauliflower Alley Club Executive Board
B. Brian Blair President & CEO
Vance Nevada Ear Editor
Darla Staggs Treasurer
Ricky Santana Secretary
Herb Simmons Webmaster
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2026 Cauliflower Alley Club Advisory Board
Mark Charles III
Josh Belkin
Paige Von Hess
Bob Cook
Steven Drapkin
Joe Dombrowski
Mitch Obeid
R. Bruce Tharpe
grueling, one-hour Broadway draws night after night against the toughest challengers in the world. His historic rivalries with legends like Ricky Steamboat, Dusty Rhodes, Sting, and Harley Race set the definitive gold standard for in-ring storytelling and athletic performance. Beyond his technical mastery, Flair revolutionized the art of the interview. Draped in custom-made, heavily sequined robes that cost thousands of dollars, he delivered promos packed with fierce passion and high-rolling charisma. His trademark “Wooo!” became the most recognizable battle cry in sports history. His lifestyle and catchy phrases permanently embedded themselves into global pop culture, hip-hop music, and mainstream sports. As the leader of the legendary Four Horsemen, Flair proved that a champion had to look, talk, and act like a million dollars both inside the squared circle and out in the public eye. The Cauliflower Alley Club bestows its highest individual honor, the “Iron” Mike Mazurki Award, upon a true cultural phenomenon: “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Named after our legendary founder, this prestigious accolade celebrates an individual whose life work has elevated the professional wrestling industry. No one embodies that elite standard of excellence, athletic endurance, and theatrical genius quite like the stylin’, profilin’, limousine-riding son of a gun.
Even today, Flair’s blueprint shapes the entire industry. He remains a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and a universal inspiration to every performer who laces up a pair of boots. The Mazurki Award honors the ultimate pioneers who give their lives to the wrestling business while pushing the craft to global heights. By setting the permanent standard for elite main-event performance and showmanship, Ric Flair stands as the ultimate definition of a living legend.
Flair’s career is defined by unmatched stamina and unparalleled championship success. Spanning five decades, he captured 16 recognized world heavyweight championships across the NWA, WCW, and WWE. As the traveling champion of the National Wrestling Alliance, Flair anchored the territory system. He regularly wrestled
The Cauliflower Alley Club is deeply proud to present the 2026 “Iron” Mike Mazurki Award to “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.
Presenter: Natalya the Cauliflower Alley Club is immensely proud to bestow the prestigious 2026 Lou Thesz Award upon a master of realism, grit, and structural perfection inside the squared circle: Bret “The Hitman” Hart. This specific tribute honors individuals who mirror the values of its namesake, recognizing unmatched technical proficiency, personal integrity, and profound contributions to the industry’s historical foundation. Adding a beautiful layer of family lineage to this year’s ceremony, the accolade will be proudly handed over by his niece, WWE’s Natalya. Hailing from Calgary’s legendary Hart Dungeon, Bret constructed a legacy built on execution, safety, and believable ring psychology. Over a decorated multi-decade journey, he secured five WWF World Heavyweight Championships, two Intercontinental Championships, and multiple tag team honors alongside Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. As a solo artist, Hart revolutionized the main-event picture during the 1990s, shifting the industry focus from giant, muscular powerhouses toward highly skilled, tactical athletes. His unforgettable classics against British Bulldog at Wembley Stadium, Mr. Perfect, and Stone Cold Steve Austin remain timeless masterclasses. Hart’s unique persona merged quiet intensity with absolute credibility. Emerging through the curtain in his signature pink-and-black attire, wrap-around sunglasses, and leather jacket, he commanded the room purely through the promise of a flawless athletic exhibition. He took immense pride in his art, famously ensuring his opponents walked out of the arena completely
unhurt despite the fierce physicality of his bouts. His signature submission lock, the Sharpshooter, became synonymous with inevitable victory and global respect. Today, “The Excellence of Execution” stands as a foundational pillar for generations of modern combat sports athletes. He championed the core integrity of wrestling, showing that true greatness is earned through sweat, precision, and respect for the ring. The Cauliflower Alley Club invites everyone in attendance to raise a glass to the standard-bearer of wrestling excellence. Congratulations to Bret “The Hitman” Hart—the best there is, the best there was, and the best there will ever be!
Presenter: Tommy Rich capturing the prestigious Mr. USA bodybuilding title three times. When he transitioned into the squared circle, his jaw-dropping physique and astonishing strength immediately captivated audiences nationwide. The definitive pinnacle of his historic journey occurred on November 15, 1983, when he joined forces with Rocky Johnson as The Soul Patrol. On that monumental night, they defeated the Wild Samoans to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship, making Atlas and Johnson the first African American tag team champions in the history of the promotion. Atlas’ career was defined by his incredible versatility across major territories, including memorable runs in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic, and World Class Championship Wrestling. Known for his devastating press slams and infectious, booming laughter, he brought an unmatched positive energy that made him one of the most beloved babyfaces of his era. He proved to the entire world that a heavyweight could be exceptionally powerful while maintaining elite speed, charisma, and a deep, genuine connection with fans of all backgrounds. The Cauliflower Alley Club breaks new ground by presenting the first-ever Legend’s Legacy Award to a true pioneer of power, athleticism, and barrier-breaking triumphs: “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas. This newly minted accolade was specifically created to recognize historical trailblazers whose monumental contributions permanently reshaped the cultural landscape of the ring. No individual is more deserving of this inaugural distinction than the man who combined world-class powerlifting strength with the agility of a cruiserweight. Long before he stepped through the ropes, Atlas established his dominance as a powerhouse athlete,
Decades after his debut, the 2006 WWE Hall of Fame inductee remains an influential icon. His historic milestones laid the necessary groundwork for future generations of diverse athletes to headline major events globally. The Legend’s Legacy Award celebrates those rare visionaries who broke through walls to leave the business better than they found it. The Cauliflower Alley Club proudly honors Tony Atlas for a lifetime of strength, perseverance, and timeless inspiration.
CAC Tip of the Hat: David Boyce For the past several years, David Boyce has designed the cover of our banquet program, including this year’s. David is a wrestling manager and promoter in Nova Scotia, Canada. Thank you David for all that you do for the sport of wrestling and the Cauliflower Alley Club.
The Cauliflower Alley Club presents the prestigious 2026 International Wrestling Award to a bruising, physically intimidating force: “Dangerous” Dan Spivey. This accolade honours a global competitor who transcended domestic boundaries. He established a terrifying reputation for hard-hitting, realistic combat across multi-national promotions. Spivey’s career stands as a masterclass in hybrid stylistic adaptation, blending Western heavyweight power with the stiff, unyielding martial spirit required overseas. Standing a towering six-foot-seven, the former collegiate football player transitioned into sports entertainment with a punishing defensive mindset. While achieving considerable success in North American territories like the AWA, NWA, and WWF, Spivey truly cemented his legacy across the Pacific Ocean. In All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), he transformed into an elite foreign attraction. He traded brutal blows with legendary icons including Giant Baba, Genichiro Tenryu, and Jumbo Tsuruta. His defining international masterwork arrived when he united with Stan Hansen as the second iteration of The Miracle Violence Connection, a devastating tag team combination that completely dominated the brutal Japanese landscape. Spivey possessed a rare combination of massive size, deceptive speed, and a terrifying look that made him an ideal main-event enforcer. Whether competing as a singles contender or anchoring elite tag teams like The Skyscrapers alongside Sid Vicious, his stiff strikes and devastating powerbomb commanded absolute realism. Later, he showcased immense theatrical range by originating the haunting, psychological blueprint for the Waylon Mercy persona—a chilling, charismatic character that profoundly influenced future generations of dark wrestling figures.
raw, inspiring autobiography, “The Dangerous Truth”. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others find sobriety and healing. The Cauliflower Alley Club proudly honors Dan Spivey for his international physical dominance, deep crosscultural impact, and his triumphant personal journey of redemption.
Off the canvas, Spivey achieved his greatest personal victory by conquering severe addiction, detailed in his
CAC Tip of the Hat: Kevin MacDonald We want to thank Kevin MacDonald from KAM Productions for his collaboration with us on this year’s honoree videos. Kevin’s work in professional wrestling dates back to 2004 when he produced Top Ranked Wrestling for KVOS Television in Bellingham, Washington.
Presenters: Ron Hutchison & Kevin Jefferies It may be somewhat unnerving for Bobby Bass to hear applause when he takes the stage this week. We hope attendees will understand his disorientation as we turn the spotlight toward one of the most delightfully despised villains to ever step between the ropes, naming “No Class” Bobby Bass as the recipient of the 2026 Men’s Wrestling Award. This distinction honors an outstanding veteran whose career serves as a template in drawing fan fury, sustaining heat, and mastering the crucial psychology of a traditional ring antagonist. Bass established his formidable reputation across North America’s classic territory system, constructing a career defined by absolute reliability and an innate ability to make audiences rally behind the local fan favorites. His journey took him through prominent promotions including Missouri (as Percy Pringle), Pacific Northwest (as Bobby KIncaid), the Canadian Pacific (as the Texas Outlaw) and Atlantic Grand Prix. Operating under his unforgettable “No Class” moniker, Bass perfected the nuances of villainy. He utilized underhanded tactics, sharp ring awareness, and loud banter to elicit raw emotional reactions from packed arenas everywhere he travelled. What truly sets Bass apart is his immense contribution as a collaborative tag team specialist. Whether anchoring duos or working as an invaluable fixture in regional stables, he specialized in elevating match quality and making his opponents look spectacular. His unselfish approach to match structure made him a heavily sought-
after hand for promoters who needed a trusted, believable heel to anchor their weekly cards. He took immense pride in generating genuine crowd disdain, viewing a stadium full of boos as the ultimate validation of a job well done. Decades after his initial steps onto the canvas, his dedicated body of work remains an essential textbook for modern performers seeking to understand old-school ring psychology and character commitment. The Cauliflower Alley Club is immensely proud to welcome this exceptional veteran to the podium tonight, celebrating a lifetime of dedication, unselfish ring craftsmanship, and unforgettable villainy.
Presenter: Rey Misterio Jr. The Cauliflower Alley Club celebrates the breathtaking artistry and global expansion of high-flying wrestling by presenting the Lucha Libre Award to a true international icon: Dionicio “Nicho” Castellanos, known around the world as Psychosis. This honor recognizes a pioneer who put his body on the line to break down borders and capture the imagination of wrestling fans globally. Hailing from Tijuana, Baja California, Castellanos trained under the legendary Rey Misterio Sr., developing a fearless, high-risk style centered on taking incredible falls that made his opponents look like a million dollars. His big break arrived via Konnan, who recruited him for Mexico’s newly formed AAA promotion. It was there that promoter Antonio Peña gifted him the “Psicosis” persona, igniting a historic, multi-year rivalry with his trainer’s nephew, Rey Misterio Jr. Their legendary singles and trios encounters became highly sought-after among tape traders. These tapes eventually caught the eye of ECW promoter Paul Heyman, who brought the duo to Philadelphia. They tore the house down in a series of groundbreaking matches that introduced their death-defying style to North America. Japan quickly followed suit, as the WAR promotion showcased the pair during the 1995 Super J Cup events, drawing critical comparisons to the legendary Tiger Mask vs. Dynamite Kid feuds of the previous decade. The global buzz culminated in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where Eric Bischoff and
Kevin Sullivan utilized Psychosis as a cornerstone of the Cruiserweight division. For millions of fans tuning into Monday Nitro, his dazzling aerial displays defined the cutting-edge first hour of the broadcast. Following his WCW tenure, Castellanos continued his global odyssey, performing in WWE as part of The Mexicools, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and CMLL as Nicho el Millonario. The Cauliflower Alley Club proudly honors Psychosis for his structural sacrifices, his trailblazing global impact, and a lifetime spent as one of the greatest luchadores of all time. -- Roy Lucier
CAC Tip of the Hat We are thrilled to again have Joe Dombrowski and Jimmy Hart as our Masters of Ceremonies for this year’s reunion and awards evenings. A greater tag team on the microphone we cannot imagine. We salute you Joe and Jimmy.
Presenter: Jimmy Hart unit. On August 1, 1985, they captured the WWF Women’s Tag Team Championship in Cairo, Egypt, embarking on a historic, dominant reign that lasted a staggering 906 days. Their signature double-team maneuvers, flawless ring positioning, and fierce rivalries with teams like the Jumping Bomb Angels captivated audiences worldwide. Their unforgettable encounters at events like the inaugural Royal Rumble in 1988 remain a stirring example in dramatic pacing.
We mark an exceptional milestone by presenting the Tag Team Award to its first-ever female recipients: Leilani Kai and Judy Martin, universally known as The Glamour Girls. This premier honor celebrates a tandem whose synchronized chemistry, longevity, and structural brilliance elevated tag team wrestling to a global art form. Managed by the legendary Jimmy Hart, this dynamic duo set the definitive standard for women’s tag team competition during a golden era for the sport. Both women were elite competitors individually, trained under the rigorous eye of The Fabulous Moolah. However, when Kai and Martin united, they formed an unstoppable, highly disciplined
Beyond their North American success, The Glamour Girls took their hard-hitting style across the globe. They starred in the Japanese circuit for All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling, capturing the prestigious LPWA Tag Team Championship and proving their versatility against the stiffest competition in the world. Draped in matching, shimmering gold-and-pink capes, they commanded attention the moment they walked out, backing up their flashy aesthetic with incredible toughness, crisp execution, and an innate ability to orchestrate crowd emotion. Decades after their historic run, Kai and Martin’s blueprint remains the foundational benchmark for modern women’s divisions. Their barrier-breaking achievements proved that female tandems could anchor major tours and deliver high-stakes drama on the grandest stages. The Cauliflower Alley Club proudly honors Leilani Kai and Judy Martin for their groundbreaking synergy, global influence, and everlasting contribution to the heritage of tag team wrestling.
As Leilani Kai and Judy Martin accept the CAC Tag Team Award, they accomplish far more than becoming the first women’s tag team to earn one of professional wrestling’s most prestigious honors. Their recognition represents another milestone in the ongoing story of women who shattered barriers and proved that excellence in professional wrestling knows no gender. Through extraordinary talent, perseverance, and undeniable influence, a select group of women forced the industry to recognize their contributions on equal footing. The Glamour Girls now join that distinguished company. Their place in history follows a trail blazed by legendary pioneers. The incomparable Mildred Burke became the first (and only) woman inducted into the Cauliflower Alley Club’s International Shrine of Wrestling in 1976. Long before women’s wrestling gained mainstream acceptance, Burke established the standard for female competitors and demonstrated that women could headline arenas around the world with the same skill, determination, and drawing power as their male counterparts. Recognition continued when Maria Bernardi, the Club’s devoted longtime secretary and one of its most influential behind-the-scenes leaders,
Mildred Burke
Maria Bernardi
became the inaugural recipient of the Women’s Wrestling Award in 1985. Her decades of service helped strengthen the organization while ensuring that women remained an essential part of its history. Another groundbreaking moment arrived in 1997, when the beloved Penny Banner became the first recipient of the prestigious Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award. Her remarkable career as both a champion and ambassador for women’s wrestling made her one of the sport’s most respected figures. The modern era has produced equally historic achievements. In 2016, Trish Stratus became the first woman honored with the Iron Mike Mazurki Award, recognizing her extraordinary impact on the wrestling industry and popular culture. Nearly a decade later, Natalya added another landmark achievement by becoming the first woman to receive the Lou Thesz Award in 2025, a fitting tribute to one of the most technically accomplished performers of her generation. Over the past 50 years, the Cauliflower Alley has honored 90 women whose contributions to the sport were undeniable, but we honor these select few with a special place in our club’s history.
Penny Banner
Trish Stratus
Natalya
Presenters: Arda Ocal & Steve Argintaru World Wrestling Entertainment. Joining the promotion in 1987 under the guidance of Chief Referee Joey Marella, he quickly earned a reputation for his cool demeanor, impeccable positioning, and deep understanding of match psychology. Korderas went on to referee thousands of matches globally, including historic main events on the grandest stages imaginable. His career pinnacle occurred at WrestleMania XXIV, where he confidently officiated the high-stakes World Heavyweight Championship clash between Edge and The Undertaker before a stadium of over 74,000 fans.
An exceptional referee is often acknowledged for not being noticed in the match, but tonight we shine a well-deserved spotlight on an unsung guardians of the squared circle by presenting the 2026 Charlie Smith Award to legendary referee Jimmy Korderas. Named in honor of our revered, long-serving board member and official, this special distinction recognizes those rare individuals who command respect from the shadows, maintaining order, ensuring athlete safety, and flawlessly anchoring the pacing of professional wrestling’s greatest spectacles. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Korderas embarked on an extraordinary journey that spanned over two decades as a cornerstone official for
What truly defines Korderas is his unwavering professionalism and the absolute trust he commanded from every performer who stepped through the curtain. A referee’s job is to be invisible yet essential, and Jimmy mastered this delicate balance perfectly, acting as the vital heartbeat of every contest. Following his historic corporate run, he transitioned into a highly respected media analyst, television commentator, and author of the insightful memoir “The Three Count”. He continues to give back to the business by mentoring aspiring officials and sharing his profound wealth of knowledge. The Charlie Smith Award honors those dedicated souls who protect the integrity of the sport from inside the ropes. Tonight, the Cauliflower Alley Club proudly celebrates Jimmy Korderas for a lifetime of exemplary service, unmatched authority, and outstanding contributions to the fabric of sports entertainment.
Paige Von Hess
The Time for Talk is over.
Who Will Win The Battle of the Sexes? Pink or Blue? Who will sell the most raffle tickets?
Paul Lee
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Presenter: Joe Dombrowski You know his voice -- the soundtrack for some of the most memorable moments over the past two generations. We are thrilled to bestow the prestigious 2026 Jim Ross Announcer’s Award upon the iconic voice of an era: Gary Michael Cappetta. This particular accolade celebrates a master of the microphone whose sophisticated delivery, theatrical poise, and distinctive vocal range lent an unmatched level of dignity and sports-centric realism to major broadcasts around the globe. Affectionately dubbed “The World’s Most Dangerous Announcer,” Cappetta shaped the sonic identity of professional wrestling across a stellar career spanning more than twenty years. He holds the rare distinction of serving as the lead ring announcer for nearly every major national promotion of his generation, including extended, unforgettable tenures with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Ring of Honor (ROH). From introducing historic main events at early WrestleMania spectacles to anchoring the chaotic atmosphere of the Monday Night Wars, Cappetta’s booming, articulate introductions magnified the stakes of every championship battle he voiced. What genuinely set Cappetta apart was his meticulous approach to his craft. He rejected generic showmanship, choosing instead to treat every combatant with professional grandeur, utilizing unique inflections that made every single superstar feel like a box-office attraction. His crisp pronunciation and operatic cadence elevated
the presentation of the sport into a premier entertainment event. Beyond his work at ringside, he expanded his legacy as a successful author, penning the critically acclaimed backstage memoir “Bodyslams”, and toured extensively with his captivating one-man spoken-word shows. A great announcer creates the soundtrack to our favorite memories, and Gary Michael provided the cadence for a generation of fans and athletes alike.
CAC Tip of the Hat: Stuart Kemp The ever-smiling face of Stuart Kemp is always waiting to greet old friends and challengers at the annual reunion Cribbage tournament. This year will be no different, except that competitors will have the chance to play a round on Andre the Giant’s personal cribbage board, available on loan to the Caulifllower Alley Club this year.
ries and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He established himself as an exceptionally smart, fiercely agile performer who understood how to orchestrate believable conflicts. Yet, his ultimate gift to the trade manifested when he shifted his focus from personal glory to direct education. Taking the reins as the head developer for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), Rip operated as a strict, blunt taskmaster who stripped away fluff to focus heavily on foundational basics.
You’ve seen his contribution to professional wrestling at the highest levels of achievement, but you may not know his influence on some of the biggest names in the sport. We present the prestigious Ron Hutchison Trainer’s Award to a grizzled mastermind of old-school mechanics and ring philosophy: “Hustler” Rip Rogers. This unique accolade celebrates an individual who transitioned from a rigorous on-screen tenancy to become an foundational architect of subsequent wrestling eras, imparting vital ring sense, conditioning, and foundational protocols to the stars of tomorrow. Rogers spent years cultivating his craft as a tireless traveler throughout North America’s territo-
His unparalleled brilliance as a mentor is etched directly into modern wrestling history. Under his watchful, uncompromising eye, a legendary class of raw prospects was transformed into global boxoffice icons. Rogers was instrumental in molding the initial skillsets of transformative champions including John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Batista, and Bobby Lashley. He taught his students that true longevity stems from supreme conditioning, a sharp mental grasp of crowd psychology, and a deep respect for the safety of one’s opponent. To this day, his brutally honest assessments and analytical critiques remain a sought-after resource for any aspiring athlete seeking genuine growth. The Ron Hutchison Trainer’s Award preserves the legacy of those rare educators who guard the inner secrets of the squared circle. The Cauliflower Alley Club is incredibly proud to honor “The Hustler” Rip Rogers for his immense wisdom, unyielding dedication, and a lifetime spent constructing the very future of sports entertainment.
Presenter: David Buckler We step away from the physical action of the ring to honor the brilliant preservationists of our past, presenting the 2026 James C. Melby Historian Award to acclaimed author and journalist Dan Murphy. Named after our industry’s legendary archivist, this distinguished honor recognizes an individual who has dedicated their life to documenting the intricate chronology, cultural shifts, and unsung pioneers of professional wrestling, transforming raw data into compelling historical literature. Murphy’s formidable reputation as a premier documentarian was forged across a stellar, decadeslong tenure as a lead writer and editor for Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI). Through his insightful columns, meticulous match analyses, and comprehensive PWI 500 rankings, he helped shape the global narrative of the sport for generations of fans. However, his ultimate contribution to the trade lies in his exceptional body of work as a published author. Murphy co-authored groundbreaking historical volumes, including “The Sisterhood of the Squared Circle”, “Bodyslams in Buffalo”, “The Wrestler’s Wrestlers”, and his most recent biography on the great Ed Don George.
with retired veterans, and illuminating forgotten territories, he has rescued invaluable pieces of our heritage from being lost to time. His prose provides context, dignity, and a permanent voice to those who sacrificed their bodies for the business.
What sets Murphy apart is his exhaustive research methodology and his deep, abiding respect for the human element behind the statistics. He treats wrestling history not just as a collection of wins and losses, but as a vital tapestry of cultural americana. By tracking down obscure records, conducting extensive interviews
The James C. Melby Award celebrates those rare literary guardians who ensure that the legacy of the squared circle outlives the careers of those who step inside it. Tonight, the Cauliflower Alley Club proudly celebrates Dan Murphy for his literary excellence, his tireless research, and his monumental dedication to preserving our history.
The Cauliflower Alley Club gathers to present its highly prestigious Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award to a true luminary whose cameras and words gave professional wrestling its global visibility: the incomparable Bill Apter. This supreme accolade honors an individual whose sustained brilliance across a multi-decade journey fundamentally revolutionized the connection between the industry’s inner world and its global fanbase. For generations of enthusiasts, Apter was the ultimate conduit to the sport. As the mastermind driving the iconic “Apter Mags”—including Pro Wrestling Illustrated, The Wrestler, and Inside Wrestling—he constructed a media empire before the dawn of the internet. Armed with his trusty camera at ringside, Bill captured the raw emotion, flying sweat, and golden championship triumphs of every major promotion. His vibrant photo spreads and imaginative storytelling made distant territorial stars feel like reachable superheroes, single-handedly fueling the industry’s cross-regional boom periods throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. What truly solidifies Apter’s unmatched legacy is the profound, ironclad trust he established with the locker room. From Bruno Sammartino to Hulk Hogan, the business’s most guarded icons welcomed Bill into their inner circles, granting him exclusive access that redefined wrestling journalism. His beloved video segments, sharp editorial vision, and celebrated memoir, “Is Wrestling Fixed? I Didn’t Know It Was Broken!”, showcased a deep reverence for the craft. Beyond his pub-
lishing feats, his cheerful personality, impromptu piano performances, and continued work as a broadcast interviewer keep him vibrant in the modern era. A lifetime achievement honor celebrates those rare, transformative visionaries who leave an indelible imprint on the entire culture of sports entertainment. Bill Apter didn’t just report on the business; he helped build its mythology. The Cauliflower Alley Club proudly celebrates this legendary ambassador for his exceptional visual artistry, his boundless passion, and a lifetime spent making the squared circle shine.
CAC Tip of the Hat: Royal Duncan If you’ve held a copy of The Ear in your hands, or enjoyed a copy of the annual reunion program, you may wish to join us in saluting Royal Duncan, whose company Royal Publishing has produced all of our publications for many years. Royal has served in multiple roles on the Executive Board for more than two decades. Thank you, Royal.
From humble beginnings Los Angeles, California: January 21, 1969 More than 300 Cauliflower Alley Club members will convene this week for our 60th gathering. That’s a much different scene than the first-ever club banquet pictured above, hosting fewer than 30 guests. Among them - Mike Mazurki (our first President), Lou Thesz (a future President) Larry Hennig, “Count” Billy Varga, Mad Dog Vachon and Butcher Vachon. How many other wrestling and boxing greats can you recognize here?
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Jaka (Jonathan Echevarria), September 7, Age 39 Chuck Coates, September 8, Age 58 Sir Mo (Bobby Horne), October 19, Age 58 Brian Mackney, November 3, Age 77 Bob Caudle, November 16, Age 95 Miss Janeth (Janet Alonso), December 17, Age 52 Rick Link, January 14, Age 66 Bobby Duncum, January 21, age 81 Dennis Condrey, February 1, Age 76 Frankie Cain (James Ault), February 2, Age 93 Tadao Yasuda, February 8, Age 62 Rich Ingling, March 26, Age 75
Rich Ingling -- CAC Board Member (2019-26)
Fred Curry (Fred Koury Jr.), April 3, Age 82 Van Hammer (Mark HIldreth), April 18, Age 66 Gran Markus Jr. (Candido Cruz), April 24, Age 72 Ted Turner, May 6, Age 87 Phil Hickerson, May 20, Age 79 Jerry Grey, May 25, Age 62 Great Kasaki (Anthony Fujimura), Pete Dougherty, June 16, Age 83 Joe Doering, June 26, Age 44 Doug Stahl, July 10, Age 63 Siva Afi (Max Taogaga), July 16, Age 77 Dory Funk Jr., August 4, Age 85
Dory Funk, Jr. -- NWA World Champion