Cauliflower Alley Club Explained

Cauliflower Alley Club
Formation:1967
Type:Professional wrestling 501(c)(3)
Headquarters:13900 CR 455 Suite 107-379 Clermont, Florida, U.S.
Publication:The Ear
Leader Title:President
Leader Name:Brian Blair
Key People:Executive & Advisory Board:
Brian Blair
Rich Ingling
Royal Duncan
Ron Hutchison
Darla Staggs
Bruce Tharpe
Dan Murphy
Vance Nevada
Bob Cook
Herb Simmons
Website:http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/

The Cauliflower Alley Club is a non-profit fraternal organization, which includes a newsletter and website, comprising both retired and active professional wrestlers and boxers in North America.

Established in 1965 by Mike Mazurki and Art Abrams, the organization hosts an annual reunion dinner which has traditionally been attended by celebrities and other professional athletes. Several historical Hollywood locations have been home to the reunion banquets such as the Masquer's Club, the Roosevelt Hotel and the Old Spaghetti Factory as well as The Riviera and the .

History

The Cauliflower Alley Club was founded in 1965 by Mike Mazurki as a fraternal organization of professional wrestlers, boxers, and actors.[1] [2] The first annual reunion dinner was held at the Baron's Castle Buffet Restaurant in Los Angeles, California.[2] The Club also presents numerous awards annually at the reunion dinner.

Several prominent former professional wrestlers have been president of the club, including Red Bastien, Nick Bockwinkel, and the current president, Brian Blair.[2] [3] The Club has a "benevolent fund which helps people from the wrestling business in a time of need."[2] Proceeds are raised for the fund during the annual reunion weekend.[2]

Awards

2020s

AwardYearRecipient(s)Nationality
Independent Wrestling Award2023Riea Von Slasher[4]
Iron Mike Mazurki Award2021Alundra Blayze
2022John Bradshaw Layfield
2023CM Punk[5]
2024Sting[6]
Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award2021Rob Van Dam[7]
2023Ron Simmons
Men's Wrestling Award2021Ricky Santana
Thunderbolt Patterson
2022Kevin Sullivan
Tommy Rich
2023Joe Malenko
Koko B. Ware
Women's Wrestling Award2021Jazz
2022Jacqueline Moore[8]
2023Mickie James[9]
2024Allison Danger[10]
Lucha Libre Award2021Rey Mysterio/[11]
2022Konnan/
2023Damian 666
2024Negro Casas[12]
Tag Team Award2021The Road Warriors
2022Rock 'n' Roll Express
2023The Nasty Boys
Rising Star Award2021Brian Pillman Jr
Maddison Miles
2022
James C. Melby Historian Award2021Greg Oliver
2023Koji Miyamoto
Posthumous Award2021Jim Londos/
2022Christine "Teeny" Jarrett
2023Killer Karl Kox
Charlie Smith Referee Award2021Art Williams
2022Billy Silverman
2023Kevin Jefferies
President’s Award2022Jerry Lawler
Courage Award2022Joyce Grable
REEL Award2023Al Burke
2024Todd Bridges[13]
Jim Ross Award2024Jim Ross[14]

2010s

AwardYearRecipient(s)Nationality
Iron Mike Mazurki Award2010Ted DiBiase[15]
2011Sgt. Slaughter[16]
2012"Stone Cold" Steve Austin[17]
2013"Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff[18]
2014Terry Taylor[19]
2015Larry "The Axe" Hennig[20]
2016Trish Stratus[21]
2017Tully Blanchard[22]
2018Baron von Raschke[23]
2019Mark Henry
Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award2010Dan Severn
Jim Ross
2011Rick Martel
Mick Foley
2012Ricky Steamboat
Wendi Richter
2013Bill Moody
2014Michael P.S. Hayes
2015Jerry Brisco
2016Arn Anderson
2017Kevin Von Erich
2018Shawn Michaels[24]
2019Dory Funk Jr.
Tony Vellano
Men's Wrestling Award2010Dean Higuchi
Rip Hawk
Roger Kirby
2011The Honky Tonk Man
Dan Kroffat
Alex Knight
2012Michelle Starr
Mike Webster
Bill DeMott
2013Jake Roberts
Matt Riviera
Adam Copeland
2014
Adam Pearce
Buddha Khan
John Cozman
2015Diamond Dallas Page
Christopher Daniels
Sinn Bodhi
The Almighty Sheik
Len Denton
2016Paul Orndorff
Ken Patera
2017Kahagas
Cuban Assassin
2018Alexis Smirnoff
Greg Valentine[25]
Tony Storm[26]
2019"Dr. D" David Schultz
Women's Wrestling Award2010Joyce Grable
2011Awesome Kong
Darling Dagmar
Rockin' Robin
2012Judy Martin
"Ivory" Lisa Moretti[27]
2013Molly Holly
Sandy Partlow[28]
2014Melissa Anderson
Debi Pelletier
2015Beth Phoenix
Gail Kim
Lisa Marie Varon
Malia Hosaka
2017Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling
2018Santana Garrett[29]
Princess Victoria[30]
2019Bambi
Jason Sanderson Humanitarian Award2010Yvonne Melcher
2012Al Burke
2013Ken Jugan
2014Sean Dunster
2015Diamond Dallas Page
2016Sue Aitchison
Red Bastien Friendship Award2010Vince Fahey
2011Darla Taylor Staggs
2012Brian Westcott
2014John Arthur Lowe
Lucha Libre Award2018Blue Demon Jr.[31]
Tag Team Award2015Demolition
2016High Flyers
2018Harlem Heat
[32]
2019Faces of Fear
Rising Star Award/Future Legend Award2010Oliver John
2011Kyle Sebastian
2012Kyle Matthews
2013Bobby Sharp
2014Santana Garrett[33]
2015Wes Brisco
2018Kevin Kross[34]
James C. Melby Historian Award2010Vance Nevada
2011Tom Burke
2013George Schire
2015Dennis Brent
2017Dave Meltzer
2018Don Luce[35]
2019Mike Rodgers
Charlie Smith Referee’s Award2016James Beard
2017Bobby Simmons
2018Mickie Henson[36]
2019Scrappy McGowan[37]
Posthumous Award2010Lee Fields
George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski
2011Michel Martel
2015Bruiser Brody
2018Roy McClarty
2019Larry Matysik
REEL Award2010Magic Schwarz
2012Dan Haggerty
2015Terry Funk
2016Pepper Martin/
Golden Ear Award2010Tom Andrew
2013David Cantu
2014Jesse Hernandez
Manager's Award2011Bruno Lauer
2015Jimmy Hart
Announcer’s Award2012Bill Kersten
2016Lance Russell
Family Award2011Gilbert Family
2015Romero Family
Trainer’s Award2014Ron Hutchison
International Award2010Pat Barrett
2011
Husband and Wife Award2014Beau James and Misty James

2000s

AwardYearRecipient(s)Nationality
Iron Mike Mazurki Award2000Ray "Thunder" Stern
2001Stu Hart[38]
2002Walter "Killer" Kowalski[39]
2003Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon[40]
2004Bobby "The Brain" Heenan[41]
2005Terry Funk[42]
2006Harley Race[43]
2007Don Leo Jonathan/[44]
2008Bret Hart[45]
2009Nick Bockwinkel[46]
Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award2000Fr. Bill Olivas
2001Ted Lewin
2002Mike Chapman
2003Angelo Savoldi/
2004Antonio Inoki
Danny Hodge
2005Jack Brisco
Les Thatcher
2006Verne Gagne
Eddie Sharkey
2007Danny Hodge
Bob Geigel
2008Steve Williams
Pat Patterson/
2009Bob Roop
Reggie Parks
Men's Wrestling Award2008Haruka Eigen
Ronnie Garvin
The Wrestling Guerreros/
Paul "Butcher" Vachon
2009The Cormier Family
Art Crews
Akio Sato
Bill Sky
Women's Wrestling Award2008Betty Niccoli
2009Princess Jasmine
Luna Vachon/
Red Bastien Friendship Award2008Joyce Paustian
2009Shuhei Aoki
Future Legend Award2000Kurt Angle
2001Donovan Morgan
2002Chris Benoit/
2003Steve Fender
2004"Cheerleader" Melissa Anderson
2005Frankie Kazarian
2006Mariko Yoshida
2007Takeshi Morishima
2008Ricky Landell
2009Trevor Murdoch
James C. Melby Historian Award2008Scott Teal
2009Stephen Yohe
Posthumous Award2002Nell Stewart
Hercules Cortez
2003Rhonda Singh
2004Wild Bull Curry
2006Bobby Shane
Vivian Vachon
2007Yukon Eric
Betty Jo Hawkins
2008Orville Brown
2009George Gordienko
Eddie Sullivan
REEL Award2000Stan Shaw
Tommy "Butch" Bond
Joe Don Baker
Joe Roselius
Marion Ross
Robert Forster
2001Roddy Piper
Mimi Lesseos
Don Stroud
2002Alan Koss
2007Rock Riddle
2009Scott Schwartz
Gulf Coast/CAC Honorees2000Sputnik Monroe
2001Corsica Joe/
Sarah Lee
2002The Fields Brothers
2003Bob Roop
2004Don Fargo/
2005"Exotic" Adrian Sweet
2006Karl Roach
Skandar Akbar
Martial Arts Honorees2001Gokor Chivichyan/
2002Juan Hernandez
2006Mike Martelle
Family Award2000The Dusek Brothers Riot Squad
(Emil Dusek, Ernie Dusek, Joe Dusek and Rudy Dusek)
2005The Ortons
(Barry Orton, Bob Orton and Bob Orton Jr.)
Scholarship Award2002Nick Ackerman
2007Frankie Buenafuente
Boxing Honorees2000Gene Fullmer
Eddie Futch
Willie Bean
Maurice "Dub" Harris
Andy Price
Russell G. Rodriguez
2001Richard Sandoval
Cornelius Boza-Edwards
Jose Flores
Paul Banke

1990s

1999

Other honorees included Ken Patera, Jack Donovan and Bob Geigel.

1998

Other honorees included Danny Hodge, Fred Blassie, Dory Funk, Jr. and Dan Severn

1997

Other honorees included:

1996

Other honorees included:

1995

Other honorees included:

1994

Other honorees included:

1993

Other honorees included Verne Gagne, “Cowboy” Bob Ellis, Kinji Shibuya, Wendi Richter, Barbi Dahl and Peggy Patterson.

1992

Other honorees included Maurice Vachon, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Rey Urbano, Johnny James, Gene Kiniski, Pepper Gomez, Penny Banner, Debbie Combs, Belle Starr, Donna Christantello and Diamond Lil.[47]

Presidents

PortraitName
Term of officeCountry of origin
Took officeLeft office
1Mike Mazurki
19651990/
United States
2Archie Moore
19911992 United States
3Lou Thesz
19922000 United States
4Red Bastien
20012007 United States
5Nick Bockwinkel
20072014 United States
6B. Brian Blair
2014Incumbent United States

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Unpredictability rules at Cauliflower Alley Club. April 20, 2010. Oliver. Greg. May 4, 2018. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
  2. Web site: Cauliflower Alley Club set for a big 50th bash . April 4, 2015 . Smith . Caleb . July 28, 2021 . Slam! Sports . Canadian Online Explorer.
  3. Web site: That's entertainment! CAC banquet ranges from songs to stories to spoofs. April 22, 2007. Johnson. Steven. May 4, 2018. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
  4. Web site: 2023 Winners. Cauliflower Alley Club. September 5, 2023.
  5. Web site: 2023-05-28 . CM Punk Honored with Coveted 2023 Iron Mike Mazurki Award by Cauliflower Alley Club . 2023-09-01 . www.caulifloweralleyclub.org . en.
  6. Web site: STING TO RECEIVE CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB'S HIGHEST HONOR THIS AUGUST PWInsider.com . 2024-03-22 . www.pwinsider.com.
  7. Web site: We are proud to announce the Lou Thesz Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and he is Rob Van Dam! RVD is a former WWE, TNA, and ECW Heavyweight champion, not to mention his training in multiple martial arts disciplines. We look forward to RVD joining us in April and hope you will be too! Congrats RVD!. Cauliflower Alley Club on Facebook. February 7, 2020. September 26, 2020.
  8. Web site: Cauliflower Alley Club To Honor Jacqueline Moore . PWInsider.com . 2022-06-06 . 2022-08-10.
  9. Web site: The CAC Congratulates Mickie James: 2023 Women's Wrestling Honoree . May 28, 2023 .
  10. https://411mania.com/wrestling/allison-danger-2024-womens-wrestling-award-cauliflower-alley-club/
  11. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Cauliflower Alley Club cancels 2020 reunion. Slam Wrestling. July 16, 2020. September 27, 2020.
  12. https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/negro-casas-to-receive-2024-lucha-libre-award
  13. https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/lights-camera-action-todd-bridges-takes-center-stage-as-the-cac-s-2024-reel-award-honoree
  14. Web site: JIM ROSS TO BE HONORED BY CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB WITH INAUGURAL...JIM ROSS AWARD! PWInsider.com . 2024-06-21 . www.pwinsider.com.
  15. Web site: Johnson. Steve. Ross, DiBiase lead parade of honorees at CAC banquet. Slam Wrestling. April 22, 2010. September 27, 2020.
  16. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Lifetime honoree Foley captivates at CAC Baloney Blowout. Slam Wrestling. April 20, 2011. September 27, 2020.
  17. Web site: Johnson. Steve. Austin, Steamboat delight at Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. Slam Wrestling. April 18, 2012. September 27, 2020.
  18. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Jake The Snake turns CAC banquet into a sobering experience. Slam Wrestling. April 18, 2013. September 27, 2020.
  19. Web site: Johnson. Steve. 'Odd noise' highlights Cauliflower Alley Club awards. Slam Wrestling. June 5, 2014. September 27, 2020.
  20. Web site: Johnson. Steve. Many years of hard work pay off for Dennis Brent with CAC's historian award. Slam Wrestling. April 5, 2015. September 27, 2020.
  21. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Trish brings Stratusfaction, Orndorffs bring tears to CAC banquet. Slam Wrestling. April 14, 2016. September 27, 2020.
  22. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Tully Blanchard main events 52nd Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. Slam Wrestling. May 4, 2017. September 27, 2020.
  23. Web site: Baron von Raschke to be Honored This Year Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053420/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/baron-von-raschke-to-be-honored-this-year/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  24. Web site: Lee. Joseph. Shawn Michaels To Be Honored By Cauliflower Alley Club This April. 411Mania. February 10, 2018. September 27, 2020.
  25. Web site: Greg Valentine To Receive a 2018 Men's Wrestling Award Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053520/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/greg-valentine-to-receive-a-2018-mens-wrestling-award/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  26. Web site: Tony Storm To Be Honored in 2018 Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053551/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/tony-storm-to-be-honored-in-2018/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  27. Web site: Ivory to be Honored at Cauliflower Alley Club Next Year. Diva Dirt. October 6, 2011. September 26, 2020. October 26, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201026194342/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2011/10/06/ivory-to-be-honored-at-cauliflower-alley-club-next-year/. dead.
  28. Web site: Tomas. Ben. Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion 2013 Part 3. SoCalUNCENSORED.com. April 29, 2013.
  29. Web site: Santana Garrett Honored for the Second Time Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053553/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/santana-garrett-honored-for-the-second-time/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  30. Web site: Princess Victoria is a 2018 Honoree Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-02-23. https://web.archive.org/web/20180227164210/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/princess-victoria-is-a-2018-honoree/. 2018-02-27. dead.
  31. Web site: 1st Lucha Libre Award to be Presented Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053424/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/1st-licha-libre-award-to-be-presented/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  32. Web site: Harlem Heat Will Be Honored in Las Vegas Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20180828211233/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/harlem-heat-will-be-honored-in-las-vegas/. 2018-08-28. dead.
  33. Web site: Murphy. Dan. Santana Garrett — TNA's Brittany — named CAC Future Legend. Slam Wrestling. June 4, 2014. September 30, 2020.
  34. Web site: Kevin Kross to Receive the 2018 Rising Star Award Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20181119153353/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/kevin-kross-to-receive-the-2018-rising-star-award/. 2018-11-19. dead.
  35. Web site: Historian Don Luce to be Recognized at the CAC Reunion Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053232/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/historian-don-luce-to-be-recognized-at-the-cac-reunion/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  36. Web site: Long-time Referee to be Honored in Las Vegas Cauliflower Alley Club. www.caulifloweralleyclub.org. 2018-01-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053449/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/long-time-referee-to-be-honored-in-las-vegas/. 2017-12-22. dead.
  37. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Mark Henry provides laughs and challenges at CAC banquet. Slam Wrestling. May 2, 2019. September 27, 2020.
  38. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Stu Hart honoured by his peers. Slam Wrestling. February 11, 2001. September 27, 2020.
  39. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Kowalski gets top CAC award. Slam Wrestling. February 10, 2002. September 27, 2020.
  40. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Mad Dog gets top CAC honour. Slam Wrestling. April 6, 2003. September 27, 2020.
  41. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Heenan given CAC's top honor. Slam Wrestling. April 18, 2004. September 27, 2020.
  42. Web site: Hemmings. Jamie. Terry Funk honored by his peers at CAC. Slam Wrestling. April 19, 2005. September 27, 2020.
  43. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Race & Hennig go over at Cauliflower Alley Club Banquet. Slam Wrestling. June 11, 2006. September 27, 2020.
  44. Web site: Nation. Ryan. Don Leo Jonathan earned CAC's top honour. Slam Wrestling. April 18, 2007. September 27, 2020.
  45. Web site: Johns. Fred. In awe at my first Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. Slam Wrestling. June 10, 2008. September 27, 2020.
  46. Web site: Oliver. Greg. Top CAC award goes to top CAC man Nick Bockwinkel. Slam Wrestling. April 16, 2009. September 27, 2020.
  47. Web site: Honorees. Cauliflower Alley Club. September 27, 2020. July 6, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220706161143/https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/awards/honorees. dead.

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