CAC: More Relevant Than Ever

It’s a changing world. As we continue to navigate our way through the fall, the significant historic events that have unfolded this year will likely leave a lasting legacy, and an impact for future generations. For many, global circumstances in 2020 have pushed our limits and tested our resolve, as we tentatively begin to look forward and make a positive contribution to the ‘new normal’ way of life. But what has become abundantly clear over the last annum is the tremendous strength that humankind can find through unity. And this is very much a core value at the heart of the Cauliflower Alley Club. The aggressive pandemic of COVID-19 has changed our very notion of day-to-day life, and restricted much of our fraternity to a confined existence. This was an essential measure responsibly taken to prevent exposure to this deadly virus, and curtail its resultant spread. Yet despite facing the isolation in the home, the community built by the CAC online network has provided an important social outlet for our members during times of great despair and loneliness, a challenging side-effect imposed on us by lockdown.

The Ring of Friendship is much more than a mere motto for the CAC. Indeed, many within our community made it their duty to reach out and ensure that the most vulnerable of us are not excluded from important social interaction during this trying time in human history. It is this sense of inclusion that is more relevant now than ever. Since its formation, the Cauliflower Alley Club has continued to evolve beyond its original admittance of actors, professional boxers and wrestlers, into a much greater network. With the addition of every new member, the CAC continues to realise the vision set out by ‘Iron’ Mike Mazurki when he founded the Club in 1965. His intention was to create a fraternity of acceptance without cultural boundaries, and this has been further enhanced by the teams of Board members who have built upon this original notion.

Today, the CAC welcomes members from all four corners of the world. It is this diversity which enriches our community; it brings real vibrancy to our Reunion, discussion boards and online forums, where our members can share their memories and varied life experiences. We value the efforts of everyone who contributes. In 1992, the CAC Awards were introduced into the festivities of the annual Reunion. These inaugural awards established a tradition of celebrating diversity, with a list of pro wrestling honourees including Penny Banner, Donna Christantello, Debbie Combs, Pepper Gomez, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Johnny James, Gene Kiniski, Diamond Lil, Belle Starr, Rey Urbano and Maurice Vachon. The boxing honWoody Strode

ourees included Jimmy Casino, Fabela Chavez, Clarence Henry, Dave Maier and Jimmy Roybal. Headlining the festivities was legendary NFL star and actor Woody Strode, who earned double top honours in the Iron Mike Mazurki Award and Reel Award categories. In the years that have followed, CAC Awards ceremonies have continued to recognise the ground-breaking efforts of its deserving honourees, while serving as a celebratory reminder of the tremendous gender, ethnic and age diversity that flourishes within the world of professional wrestling. As an art form that is built upon memorable characters and marketability, it is essential that all minority groups are represented. Not only is it the morally right thing to do, it makes smart business sense. We want to encourage the best and brightest to every industry, and inclusion is the only way ensure that this is possible. As members of the CAC, it is our united mission to ensure the Ring of Friendship continues to thrive greater than it ever has. As members, we are all ambassadors of the ideals set out by Mazurki when he first established our organisation. Indeed, as custodians of the standards set by our illustrious predecessors, we each have a shared responsibility to ensure that our club remains a truly inclusive and accessible one.

As a collective, that can be our lasting legacy.

BRADLEY CRAIG

Aberdeen, Scotland

British wrestling historian and founder of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame for Scotland. He is also the co-author of “Through the Shattered Glass”, the autobiography of Jeanie Clarke.