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WWE Superstar Natalya Neidhart Makes Pro Wrestling History
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While professional wrestling is recognized today by casual fans as simply WWE, there is a long history of various promotions, organizations, and wrestlers that have left their mark on the business.
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One group that recognizes such individuals is Cauliflower Alley Club. Nearly 60 years old, CAC is dedicated "to financially assist CAC members and non-members that made a full-time living in the wrestling industry for at least 3 years, who have fallen on difficult financial times."
Always remember and never forget the genuine reason the Cauliflower Alley Club exists. To financially assist those in the wrestling industry that have fallen on difficult financial times. Your help is needed & always greatly appreciated. Please join today — Cauliflower Alley Club (@CACReunion) September 11, 2024
Additionally, CAC honors those that has contributed to the business in various fashions. This includes the Lou Thesz Award, which has gone to iconic names like Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Antonio Inoki, and Shawn Michaels.
Now, the lifetime achievement award is going to current WWE Superstar Natalya Neidhart: the first woman to ever receive the honor.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Natalya is introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Natalya is introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
Alex Bierens"The Cauliflower Alley Club is proud to welcome 'The Queen of Harts' Natalya Neidhart into the CAC Hall of Fame as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Lou Thesz Award," CAC announced on their official website.
"A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Natalya has carved out a legacy defined by excellence, resilience, and historic firsts.
"From her deep amateur wrestling roots to her world-renowned technical prowess and mastery of submission wrestling, she has carried the Hart family legacy with unmatched pride—while building a powerhouse legacy of her own."
Natalya Neidhart will receive the Lou Thesz Award at this year's reunion—making her the first female pro wrestler ever to earn this prestigious honor.
Aug 18–20, 2025 at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Get your tickets👇 @NatbyNature — Cauliflower Alley Club (@CACReunion) June 8, 2025
"As a competitor, mentor, and role model, she has elevated the business both inside and outside the ring, and her contributions continue to influence generations to come.
"We are honored beyond words to announce that Natalya Neidhart is the first female professional wrestler to ever receive the Lou Thesz Award—a recognition reserved for those who exemplify technical brilliance, leadership, and multi-faceted contributions to the industry."
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"This is such a special honor to follow so many great people who have received this award before me," Neidhart shared on social media.
"Wrestling has given me every single thing I have in my life, something I've never taken for granted. Being the first woman to receive The Lou Thesz award makes me excited to continue building in a business I love so much."
This is such a special honor to follow so many great people who have received this award before me. Wrestling has given me every single thing I have in my life, something I've never taken for granted. Being the first woman to receive The Lou Thesz award makes me excited to… — Nattie (@NatbyNature) June 8, 2025
Often going simply as Natalya, Neidhart has been wrestling professionally since 2000.
Following in her father's footsteps, Neidhart joined WWE in 2007 and quickly became one of its most consistent and talented Superstars.
During her tenure with the company, Neidhart has won the Divas Championship, the SmackDown Women's Championship, and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Tamina.
Neidhart holds six Guinness World Records, including most matches for a female WWE wrestler (1,514) and most wins for a female WWE wrestler (663).
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