ON THE COVER:
Dear Members, Returning home to Tampa after this year’s reunion, it struck me just how many lives are touched by the work of the Cauliflower Alley Club each and every year, As the President, I get to work closely with the Executive Board and the Benevolent Co-ordinator in providing the aid that drives our mission, but over the course of those few days in Las Vegas I was reminded of so much more. We heard some powerful testimonies from the stage and I know that I was not the only one with a tear in my eye at several points over the week. I returned home reminded of just how important our work is and it drives me to consider the next milestones that we want to create as an organization to further expand our reach in aid of our brothers and sisters of the squared circle. There are so many people to thank. From the members of our Executive and Advisory Boards, to the numerous volunteers that assist with every facet of the reunion. I’d like to give a special tip of the hat to J.C. Locas, the Producer of “Beyond Kayfabe: The Untold Story of the Cauliflower Alley Club” a new documentary about our club. J.C. also
jumped in to assist with the tech in the banquet room each night on short notice and without the benefit of his own equipment. I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of Sinn Bodhi, who has produced the Sunday night “On the Fly” wrestling event in conjunction with the reunion, fully at his own expense. It was great to have the participation of Donnie DaSilva and Jimmy Korderas host their “Huge Pop!” wrestling podcast live from the reunion and to host Shane Hartline and Nearly Average Wrestling for their lively promo showdown contest in the hospitality room as well. While I am acknowledging some of our media and multi-media partners, I’d also like to thank Chris Yandek from CYInterview who did a great preview piece on the club and has posted reunion coverage through his channels. Our line up of honorees and their enthusiastic presenters, each contributed to give our members an experience that they won’t soon forget and some stories that we’ve never heard before. I am so grateful for their participation, especially with the increasing demands on their schedules with various appearances across the country and beyond.
I was encouraged to see how many first timers joined us at the Reunion. I fills me with great hope that the future of this unique club remains bright -- with new people learning about the CAC and being invited to the fold by other members, or quickly making friends here. I heard from many people over those few days that now that they have learned about us and had the opportunity to experience the reunion firsthand, they plan to become active members and get more involved in what the club is doing. And while I hope the members have all returned home safely and got some much-needed rest after the action-packed schedule, know that by the time you read this, the Executive Board is already at work -- reviewing your feedback, refining ideas for next year, and hard at work to support our wrestling community. Keep buzzing,
B. Brian Blair President & CEO
-- a landlord, a leasing company, or similar to ensure these costs are covered and represent the best support possible to help the member get back on their feet. We are grateful to the wrestling community at large who have made considerable donations to the club in support of the Benevolent Fund, including Prospect Pro Wrestling, who joined us at the reunion to hand deliver a $10,000 donation, raised through one of their recent events. Pictured below, President Brian Blair accepts the check from Prospect Pro’s Emily DelVecchio, Marshall Gambino, Paul Atlas, and Jason Tyler.
When club Treasurer Darla Staggs took the stage during the Bockwinkel banquet on Tuesday night to announce the total contributions issued to the wrestling community since the last time we gathered, there was an audible gasp from the crowd, followed by a stirring ovation. “The total amount in aid issued through the benevolent fund since the last reunion is $81,555.10,” shared Darla. “That leaves a balance in the fund for incoming requests of $23,903.89.” When you consider that typical requests are looking for aid in the range of $500 to $1500 in support for critical needs, it illustrates how active the benevolent fund is and how the need for this mechanism of support for the wrestling community continues to grow year over year. It’s also a signal to the Board members that we need to explore new fundraising opportunities -- not just at our annual reunion, if we hope to sustain the fund and be able to carry out the mission at the same level over the coming year.
The benevolent fund is often accessed by members who have experienced a medical issue or life setback and are seeking support to offset living expenses while they are unable to work as a result of their injury or illness. Often, the aid may be issued directly to a creditor
The Club would like to thank Prospect Pro Wrestling and other wrestling promotions, members and donors across the U.S. and Canada that have considered us in their efforts over the past year and contributed to the fund. Watch for a spotlight in Prospect Pro Wrestling in the next issue of The Ear.
Since Art Abrams started to publish club bulletins in the 1970’s as the “Cauliflower Alley Digest”, this newsletter has served as the document of record for our organization. Celebrating club and member milestones is at the heart of what this publication is all about. This year’s reunion gave us plenty of those. From the first female team to be honored with the tag team award, two weddings occurring among members at the reunion, member Tom Filsinger celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his “Legends of Wrestling” game and so many club “firsts” I’ve tried my best to capture them all on these pages -- though some will be reported in upcoming issues. I tried to use my time in Vegas to touch base with as many of the members as possible and learn more about their journey, their involvement with the club, and what keeps them coming back. Did I connect with you? Ultimately, this newsletter is YOURS -- the people, the stories, and the happenings that matter to you. We want to celebrate it all. So I encourage you to take note of my e-mail contact to the right and be in touch with us with photos, stories and other ideas that will help us to keep evolving and improving and make sure that “The Ear” is a must-read
every time it hits your mailbox or a new issue is posted online.
Vance Nevada CANADA Editor
Scott Romer USA Photography
Brian Westcott USA On The Fly Results
Wayne Palmer USA Photography
And, in collaboration with some of our most esteemed historians and prolific photographers, we are starting work on a pretty exciting CAC project. I’ll share more details on that soon in an upcoming issue. On the bottom of this page you’ll note a newsletter first (well, at least a first in a long while), as you can now advertise in The Ear. If you are a current member, you can advertise your product, service, podcast and anything that may be of interest to the CAC membership through this publication. You can find the advertising rates on page 11. The rest is simple -- simply visit the Cauliflower Alley Club website, click “Donation” at the top of the page and submit the value of the ad that you would like to secure. Upon confirmation of payment, I will reach out with the specs for the ad, and we’ll get it placed for an issue, or for the whole year, based on your preference. With respect,
Vance Nevada
The Cauliflower Alley Club marked a milestone in Las Vegas from August 24–26, 2026, as CAC 60 — the Diamond Anniversary Reunion — brought together generations of professional wrestling personalities at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Beyond achievement, the honorees and their presenters spoke from the heart that reflected the unbreakable bonds that are formed through a life lived between the ropes. Having a little fun at her uncle’s expense, WWE star Natalya announced: “When I wanted to get into wrestling, my uncle Bret warned me that it would be hard to follow in the path that the family had already created. Well now, you’re following in my shoes -- as last year’s Lou Thesz award winner.” Bret Hart’s remarks were less a recitation of his own accomplishments than a tribute to those who had taught him his craft. He reflected on the champions who preceded him and the responsibility wrestlers inherit from those generations: “I stand here before you solely in honor of those great wrestlers that came before me and taught me everything.” Bret, now a two-time CAC honoree, having received the Iron Mike Mazurki award in 2008, capped off two nights of
emotional speeches and testimonies from the podium that began a night earlier with a surprise appearance by Hall of Famer, Jerry “The King” Lawler. Lawler, called into action when a medical issue hampered honoree “Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s clearance to fly to Las Vegas, was on hand to accept honors for his former ring rival. “It’s kind of an unusual situation for me to accept the award for a guy who is so good at speaking into the microphones.”
Flair, joining the festivities remotely from his home in Tampa, became the first ever honoree to accept his honors virtually, live via video link and was uncharacteristically brief with his comments. “I’m so honored, so privileged,” said Flair. “There’s nothing like receiving a reward and knowing that you’re appreciated.” The virtual appearance represented an unusual moment in CAC reunion history, allowing the Club to honor Flair despite circumstances preventing his physical attendance. “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, who served as co-host alongside the Lead Master of Ceremonies, Joe Dombrowski was not just on stage to add a little color to the proceedings, he shared a big announcement and was also caught by surprise during the ceremonies. Jimmy, whose public career began in music long before he was starting riots at ringside, shared that Sun Records discovered some unreleased tracks from his band The Gentrys and after 56 years, the label was about to release the band’s first record with all new (previously unreleased) material. Even after more than six decades in the entertainment industry, Jimmy continues to maintain a pace that leave most of us breathless.
Achievement Award recognized a career spent documenting wrestling rather than performing it. For generations of fans, Apter’s photography, reporting and magazine work helped determine how professional wrestling was seen, remembered and ultimately preserved. The Club described him as one of the storytellers who helped bring professional wrestling into homes around the world.
The Glamour Girls - Judy Martin & Leilani Kai The club caught Jimmy off-guard when it was announced that he had been selected as the 2026 Mick Foley Philanthropy Award honoree, reflecting his selflessness for both the club and the wrestling industry as a whole. It marked a rare occasion where “The Mouth” found himself at a loss for words. Jimmy wasn’t the only ring legend to be caught by surprise on stage. Even President Brian Blair wasn’t immune to finding that his production notes for the evening had left out a detail or two. Brian was stunned when Travis Orndorff, the son of his close friend, the late Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff, presented him with a custom watch in tribute to his late father, featuring a color scheme on brand for the former “Killer Bee”. “The Glamour Girls” -- Judy Martin and Leilani Kai added another milestone to their Hall of Fame careers when they became the first female tag team in history to receive the CAC tag team award. Almost four decades after their historic reign as WWE Women’s tag team champions, the ladies drew a standing ovation from the crowd to celebrate their triumph. One of the club favorites to take the stage was “No Class” Bobby Bass -- attending to receive the Men’s Wrestling Award. Inducted by two close friends Ron Hutchison and Kevin Jefferies, the 79-year old Bass delivered his remarks in commanding fashion -declaring that no matter how truthful or embellished his presenters claims were “I’m still not buying the beer!”
Dan Murphy’s James C. Melby Historian Award carried particular resonance at a Diamond Anniversary reunion. His more than two decades with the Pro Wrestling Illustrated family, extensive book work and millions of published words exemplify the importance of ensuring that professional wrestling’s history survives beyond the memories of those who lived it. Tony Atlas became the first recipient of the CAC Legends Legacy Award, adding another distinction to a career that broke barriers while spanning generations. In a sobering and vulnerable testimony, he shared not only the celebrated highs and his humbling lows that he has experienced to come out the other side and realize the importance of his faith. Bill
Apter’s
Art
Abrams
Lifetime
With video greetings from Ted DiBiase, Ricky Morton, The Sandman and others, ultimately, Bill Apter wasn’t introduced to the stage by a presenter -- but rather the whole of the audience stood, raised their right hands and welcomed Bill Apter to the ring of friendship. Untethered by a cordless microphone, Bill took his bow among the crowd, foregoing the usual acceptance speech in favor of a lively rendition of Barry Manilow’s “Can’t Smile Without You” among the attendees throughout the banquet room. It was an unforgettable showstopper for night one of awards and honors. Rip’s The trademark candor of “Hustler” Rip Rogers kicked off night two. Rogers was recognized not merely for what he accomplished inside the ring but for what he passed along to wrestlers who followed him. Rogers’ influence as a trainer reached a remarkable generation of talent, including John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Batista, Bobby Lashley, and Cody Rhodes and secured him the 2026 Ron Hutchison Trainer’s Award. “I’m 72 years old, I’ve been doing this for over 50 years. I love the goddamn
Legends Legacy Honoree Tony Atlas
wrestling business!” declared Rip as he took the stage with the same brutal honesty he delivered as a trainer in OVW. “If you couldn’t take it, get the hell out of here!” Before taking the stage, Jimmy Korderas joked “You’re about to find out why referees never cut promos.” However, members were treated to never-before-heard tales from a long career including his early encounters with Andre the Giant, Ricky Steamboat and more.
Argintaru, Korderas & Ocal
Rey Mysterio & Psychosis
Dan Murphy & David Buckler
“Referees are taught to be in the background -- to not be seen until you need to be seen. I’m not supposed to be noticed,” Jimmy shared. Fans over the past fifty years know the voice of Gary Michael Cappetta. It has set the stage for some of the sport’s most memorable moments. He credited the late Gorilla Monsoon for influencing his early career, first putting him on television and launching his career. After his speech, Gary shared a reel of the “inglorious moments ” of his career and interactions with some of the ring’s classic villains, much to the delight of all on hand. The father and son duo of Paul Lee and Peyton Lee took the stage to accept the 2026 Rich Ingling Courage Award following their life-changing battles and organ transplants over the past year. Their presentation included a tribute from Paul’s other son, Lex, and a video message for Peyton from AEW World champion, Kenny Omega. The Lucha Libre honoree Psychosis was welcomed to the Ring of Friendship by long-time rival Rey Mysterio whose career was intertwined with his own through Mexico, Japan, ECW, WCW and WWE where they introduced and influenced lucha libre all over the world. Accepting his honors in Spanish, translated by his son, Psychosis delivered an emotional and heartfelt greeting to the members.
Gary Michael Cappetta
Rip Rogers & Ron Hutchison
Bobby Bass
The towering presence of Dan Spivey took the stage to accept the International Award. Sharing his journey that introduced him to Japan and where he would do some of his most meaningful and impactful work between the ropes. The style, discipline and toughness was the right environment for him.
Jimmy Hart
“Life has a way of putting you in the place where you were meant to be.”
Dan & Anne Spivey
The 2026 Seminar Series provided a wide variety of content, geared toward not only a wrestling audience but also those who love to pull back the curtain and learn more about the men and women behind the sport’s iconic characters and their lives beyond the ring. Members were treated to a great cross-section of topics which kicked off with a session hosted by Financial Advisor Josh Belkin and ghostwriter/ podcaster Tim Chizmar exploring avenues for wrestlers to best leverage their in-ring experience for other revenue streams. A panel covering three decades of wrestling in Puerto Rico was assembled to discuss the “Battle for the Island” that emerged on the island in the early 2000’s. Moderated by valet Fantasy, the quartet of Rip Rogers, Fidel Sierra, Ricky Santana, and Andy Anderson shared some of their first-hand experiences in one of wrestling’s most volatile wrestling territories and what led to the fracture that created the WWC vs. IWA
battle for supremacy. Late-breaking developments in the days leading up to the reunion were the catalyst for a pivot in the scheduled Bill Apter seminar, which was to discuss his career at the helm of the Stanley Weston group of magazines (Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Inside Wrestling, The Wrestler, Wrestling USA, and Sports Review Wrestling). Instead, the passing of Dory Funk Jr. just prior to the reunion, changed the session to a panel remembering the Funk legacy in professional wrestling. “The Grappler” Lynn Denton, Attila Khan, Ricky Santana, Fidel Sierra, as well as others among the crowd contributed to stories about wrestling’s beloved brothers from Amarillo. A unique look at the reality of professional wrestling away from the ring took the stage with “Behind the Heat: Life at Home with Wrestling’s Bad Guys”. Justin Race (son of legendary world champion, Harley), Bronwyne Billington (daughter of the late Dynamite Kid), and Paige Von Hess (daughter of
German villain Kurt Von Hess) shared their personal accounts of life away from the ring with fathers who enjoyed a high degree of visibility and notoriety in the public eye -- especially during the kayfabe era, which led to some situations that could be someone harrowing at times. The CAC seminar series was first introduced in 2002, the creation of Cincinnati’s Les Thatcher, as a means to attract younger, career-focused wrestlers to get involved with the club at an earlier stage of their wrestling lives. Over the years Bob Leonard, Ron Hutchison, and now Ricky Santana have assumed coordinator roles for this element of the CAC reunion, which remains a popular attraction of the annual event for our members. We’d like to thank all of the members who volunteered their time, experience and personal stories to contribute to the success of this year’s series.
Perhaps the club’s longest-running living member of the Cauliflower Alley Club is Tom Burke of Springfield, Massachussetts. A long-time fan and correspondent for various wrestling magazines and his own wrestling newsletter “Global Wrestling News Service”, Tom was invited to become a member and attended his first CAC Reunion in 1978, when the ranks were still largely closed to people from outside of wrestling, boxing and Hollywood. Tom’s respect among his peers earned him the James C. Melby Historian Award in 2011. Attending this year’s reunion marks Tom’s 48th year as an annual member of the club and his enthusiasm to attend remains as strong as when he first attended close to five decades ago. We salute you Tom for a lifetime of friendship and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
Belated Honors Our 2025 Reunion was to have included posthumoous honors for the late Harley Race, a legendary wrestler and long-time member and active supporter of the CAC. Unfortunately, circumstances did not allow his son, Justin to attend and accept the honors on his behalf. Able to attend this year, Justin was proud to snap the “official” honoree photo backstage at the banquet to formally accept the award on behalf of his late father.
support of the CAC benevolent fund at a fraction of the price that they would pay at any of the FanFests that take place around the country. Wrestling alumni Rock Riddle, Fidel Sierra, Vinnie Valentno, Princess Victoria and the ladies of G.L.O.W. were also on hand all three days allowing for fans to share their memories of previous eras of our favorite ring sport.
Brian Blair, Josh Belkin, artist A.J. Moore and Mark Charles III with A.J.’s original print celebrating the 2026 honorees. “This is the most life I’ve seen in the hospitality room in ten years,” declared long-time CAC member and reunion attendee Michelle Starr. His sentiment was similar to many who visited the room over the three days of the reunion. This year’s activities, a special initiative undertaken by members of the Advisory Board, were intended to bring back a renewed energy to the focal point of the reunion schedule. Give members a reason to visit and to return multiple times during the day.
tribute pieces to Bruno Sammartino, Randy Savage and Paul Orndorff including some authentic ring robes and other one-of-a-kind memorabilia. Photo opportunities with Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and some bonus surprise guests including current WWE Superstar Natalya allowed peers and fans to get up close and personal with some of their all-time faves in
Current wrestlers and valets including Sinn Bodhi, Matthias, Ric Lieb and “The Dynamite Doll” Bronwyne Billington (a first-timer at the CAC) also generated a lot of interest in addition to the guest appearances at various intervals of our 2026 honorees. The hum of activity remained steady for all three days and the Advisory Board team should be commended for their efforts. A huge thank you as well to all of our vendors, our partners, and honorees who contributed to the event’s success. Spoiler alert: On the heels of this success, the Advisory Board has already met to discuss how to make 2027 even better.
The schedule included a live art portrait painting by A.J. Moore, a promo showdown hosted by Shane Hartline’s Nearly Average Wrestling, as well as some international flavor with a recording of Canada’s “Huge Pop” wrestling podcast with Donnie DaSilva and Jimmy Korderas as just some of the interactive attractions for the space. This year’s room also featured a nice mix of past and present with
Donnie DaSilva and Jimmy Korderas hosted a live episode of their “Huge Pop!” podcast, checking in with multiple reunion attendees.
Orton “Aces” Cribbage Rivals The CAC “Destroyer” Cribbage tournament began as an annual fixture of our reunion in 2003 and the competition has been lively every year as masters of the game battle hand by hand to claim a victory. In 2010, the namesake of the tournament, “The Destroyer” Dick Beyer became the first man to ever become a three-time champion. It’s a record that has stood for 16 years. In 2026, “Cowboy” Bob Orton Jr. added his name to that elite company becoming a three-time winner himself. Orton schooled first-time entrant Steven Drapkin in the finals for the win.
Players in the tournament this year were treated to a unique experience when they had the opportunity to play on a Board, on loan to the club from the estate of Andre the Giant. Andre was an avid player on the road and in the locker rooms and it was a treat to see his board in action. The CAC would like to thank Stuart Kemp for his efforts in organizing the annual tournament, which he has coordinated for the past several years. Stuart also commissioned a special commemorative CAC deck of cards that was awarded to the tournament winner as well.
Bob Orton reminded the field why he’s known as “Ace” laying claim to his 3rd Cribbage championship.
“On The Fly” Wrestling Results Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino 1. Big Joe Helms defeated D.K. Alexander (with Hollywood) 2. Mathias defeated “Your Role Model” Ric Lieb (with Hollywood) 3. Mercurio defeated “Platinum” Marcus Knight (with Hollywood) 4. Royce Adams defeated Sinn Bodhi (with “Babyface” Bobby Bemer) 5. Godfrey & Dax the Axe defeated Ricky Tenacious & Ryder Winston 6. Andrea the Giant defeated Collin Muldoon 7. John Rossiter (with Hollywood) defeated Steve Michaels (with Crystal White) in a Lumberjack match
Many First Timers Enjoy 2026 Reunion Many first time attendees joined us at this year’s reunion. Midget wrestling legend Farmer Pete, Davy Greenlees, Joanna Kondylis, Shogun Shion, Cole Crook, Oscar Henry and Stuart Brown were among those welcomed to the club by past and present Board members Ron Hutchison and Vance Nevada.
Fundraising and friendly competition Carter wins belt, Von Hess Wins Battle of the Sexes
Congratulations to Sylvia Carter, whose winning ticket saw her lay claim to the 2026 CAC Raffle Belt. The raffle, initially introduced to support the CAC Scholarship Fund in 1994, has been a popular reunion tradition for more than 30 years. Thank you to Kevin Huston at Legacy Belts who crafted this years prize and congratulations Sylvia.
Donor Thank You Throughout the reunion, the club was blessed to receive donations of collectibles, signed memorabilia, original art and much more. Some of these prizes were up for grabs as part of the silent auction, which yielded almost $2,000 in bids, others were donated as secondary prizes for the raffle during Wednesday night’s banquet. Each of these donations contributed to the success of the event and we are grateful to both our donors and our bidders for your thoughtful generosity in support of the club’s continued efforts.
Never before in club history has the ticket for the annual Raffle Belt been so coveted as it was this year. Not only were members trying to secure the custom hardware crafted by Legacy Belts for their own collection, but the choice of their ticket color declared their support for their “Battle of the Sexes” competitor - “Nature Boy” Paul Lee or Paige Von Hess. Collectively, the duo raised $6,663 for the benevolent fund, which may be a reunion record. In the end, the victor was decided by a margin of 66 tickets, and Paige Von Hess was declared the 2026 Battle of the Sexes champion. Pictured here, Paul Lee congratulates Paige (but we understand he is already crafting his strategy for 2027 and a comeback victory).
Live Auction Action Gets Intense The action got intense in the banquet room when two pairs of signed wrestling boots went up for bids in live auction. Both pairs of boots, donated by Ace’s Custom Pro Wrestling Boots were highly sought after -- a pair of black leather boots signed by all of the 2026 honorees on site sold for $800 to Josh Belkin, and a second pair, fashioned in the style that Bret “The Hitman” Hart won during his prestigious career was hotly contested with multiple bids coming in from around the room. Ultimately, it was Rey Mysterio who laid claim to the signed boots with a winning bid of $3,000. Thank you to both Josh and Rey for your generous bids and to Rey Chavarria for the creation and donation of these great auction items.
Diana La Cazadora (Alma Corina Villareal), August 8, Age 48 Kid Panda, August 8 Ultratumba (Luis Carlos Araiza), August 10 Ludger Proulx, August 15, Age 61 Karl Von Shotz (John Anson), August 22, Age 77
Diana la Cazadora
Karl Von Shotz
Solar II (Pedro Buenrostro Gomez), August 22, Age 66 Paul Leduc, August 29, Age 89 Jerry Oates, September 4, Age 78 The Butcher (Andy Williams), September 5, Age 48 Bill Dundee (William Cruickshanks), September 6, Age 82
The Butcher
Bill Dundee
Editor’s Note: On a small team, we often wear many hats and occasionally take on responsibilities outside our usual areas of expertise. This year, that included my responsibility for the reunion’s In Memoriam tribute. I sincerely apologize for inadvertently omitting the late Lifetime CAC member Brett Wolverton from both the tribute video and the accompanying banquet program list. I regret the omission and any hurt or sense of disrespect it caused Brett’s friends and fellow members. I am grateful that it was brought to my attention, allowing us to acknowledge the error and ensure Brett is properly recognized in print. With respect, Vance Nevada
When the history of the Cauliflower Alley Club is told, Mike Mazurki is in the spotlight. His unmistakable face, Hollywood career and cauliflower ear became synonymous with the organization. But beside Mazurki stood another man whose less-visible contribution was every bit as essential to the Club’s survival: Art Abrams. Abrams was among the small group that established the Cauliflower Alley Club in 1968, building upon the informal gatherings of wrestlers, boxers, actors and stuntmen that had begun around Mazurki’s Baron’s Castle Buffet Restaurant in Los Angeles. If Mazurki was the Club’s public face, Abrams became its administrative engine. A printer by trade, Abrams worked for many years for the Los Angeles Examiner. He brought those professional skills directly to the fledgling organization. In an era long before desktop publishing, email or social media, communication required physical production. CAC newsletters and reunion programs were printed in Abrams’ garage using an old Examiner printing press.
printing. Abrams served as the CAC’s executive vice-president and treasurer from its formative years until his death. Former benevolent chairman Karl Lauer summarized his importance remarkably simply: “Art was responsible for everything.”
That work was more significant than simply putting ink on paper. The publications kept members connected, preserved news of their contemporaries and gave an increasingly dispersed fraternity a tangible connection to the Club. Abrams helped transform informal friendship into an organization capable of sustaining itself.
That observation captures Abrams’ legacy. He was not a professional wrestler. His importance came from doing the indispensable work behind it—administration, communication, organization and stewardship. Those functions allowed the camaraderie to mature into an enduring institution.
His contribution extended far beyond
Appropriately, his name remains embedded in the CAC’s awards tradition. The
Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose influence extends beyond personal achievement to changing, strengthening and elevating professional wrestling through leadership, mentorship, innovation, media or service. The Club itself describes Abrams as one of its “co-architects.” That may ultimately be the best description of Art Abrams. Mike Mazurki gave the Cauliflower Alley Club its face. Art Abrams helped give it its structure, its voice and the machinery necessary to endure.
The late Rich Ingling would be smiling knowing that the CAC members took his message “Show That Love!” to heart. This year at our reunion, we celebrated two weddings, (a new club record) ... and the start of a memorable journey for each of these couples. Congratulations to Stuart & Maysix and Shane & Karrie.
Stuart and Maysix Kemp were wed Sunday, August 23 at the Plaza Hotel
Shane and Karrie Viens were wed Wednesday, August 26 at the Plaza Hotel