Las Vegas, NV - The Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) is thrilled to announce the introduction of two prestigious new awards for its 58th Annual Reunion. These awards, the Karl Lauer Independent Promoters Award and the Jim Ross Announcers Award, will be presented at the 58th Annual CAC Reunion, taking place at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV from August 19th to 21st, 2024.
The Karl Lauer Independent Promoters Award:
This award honors the memory and contributions of CAC cornerstone, the late, Karl Lauer. In addition to spending decades of his life building and sustaining the CAC's foundation, Karl also was a successful professional wrestling promoter in the state of California and, later, an inspector for the Missouri State Athletic Commission where he often attended professional wrestling events. Karl began his promoting career in the late 1970's when he began helping Gory Gurrero promote weekly shows. Later, Karl would form California Pro Wrestling, producing wrestling shows at the famed Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, the Showboat Hotel in Las Vegas and various spot shows throughout California.
The CAC aims to ensure that Karl Lauer's impact on the wrestling world endures long after his passing. The Karl Lauer Independent Promoters Award serves as a fitting tribute to his memory, recognizing independent wrestling promoters who follow in his footsteps by contributing to the sport's growth and success.
Here is the official criteria to be a recipient of the Karl Lauer Independent Promoters Award:
Must be or have been a promoter of wrestling events. The nominee must be highly recognized and respected by the talent they employed or booked. He or she may have promoted in the territory days or to date (current). They must be willing to travel to our CAC reunion to accept the nomination at their own expense, as all honorees, volunteers and members of the CAC do, unless they are sponsored by another organization or person. The award nominee must be, or have been a promoter of wrestling events for a minimum of 6 events per year, for at least 3 years. If the award is given “posthumously,” a relative or close friend must attend the reunion and be willing to accept the award on the nominees behalf.
The Jim Ross Announcers Award:
Jim Ross, often referred to as "Good Ol' JR," is one of the most iconic voices in the history of professional wrestling. With a career spanning decades, Jim Ross has brought passion and authenticity to his commentary, enhancing the wrestling fan experience. This award celebrates the outstanding contributions of wrestling announcers who, like Jim Ross, have enriched the wrestling world with their remarkable storytelling and commentary skills.
One of Jim Ross's most significant contributions to professional wrestling is his unwavering commitment to storytelling and character development. His compelling commentary and deep understanding of the sport's nuances elevated wrestling broadcasts to a whole new level. His signature catchphrases, such as "Business is about to pick up!" and "Stone Cold! Stone Cold!" became synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.
Ross's impact on the wrestling community extended beyond the commentator's desk. He also played a pivotal role behind the scenes, serving as WWE's head of talent relations, where he scouted and signed numerous wrestling talents who would go on to become major stars.
In recognition of Jim Ross's exceptional contributions to professional wrestling, the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) is proud to introduce the Jim Ross Announcers Award. This award celebrates wrestling announcers who, like Jim Ross, have left an indelible mark on the sport through their storytelling and commentary skills. The Jim Ross Announcers Award acknowledges and honors those who continue to enhance the wrestling fan experience by bringing the action to life through their words.
Jim Ross's enduring legacy in professional wrestling and his passion for the sport make him a fitting namesake for this prestigious award. His dedication and talent have left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry, and the Jim Ross Announcers Award will serve as a lasting tribute to his contributions.
Here is the official criteria to become a recipient of the Jim Ross Announcers Award:
Must be or have been, a wrestling commentator that is/was highly recognized and respected by his or her peers, as well as the audience they served. He or she may have worked in the territory days or to date (current). They must be willing to travel to our CAC reunion to accept the nomination at their own expense, as all honorees, volunteers and members of the CAC do, unless they are sponsored by another organization or person. If the award is given “posthumously,” a relative or close friend must attend the reunion and be willing to accept the award on the nominees behalf. The award nominee must have worked full-time in the professional wrestling industry for at least 3 years.
These two new awards will become a significant part of the CAC Reunion, recognizing and honoring exceptional individuals within the wrestling industry. Join us at the 58th Annual CAC Reunion in Las Vegas, NV, as we acknowledge those who have shaped and continue to shape the world of professional wrestling.