NEIDHART: Beyond honoured to become first woman to receive Lou Thesz Award

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To say I’m honoured to receive the Lou Thesz Award would be an understatement.

It’s something I could never have imagined when I first became involved in the crazy-but-wonderful world of professional wrestling.

Lou Thesz was a wrestling trailblazer and to be the first woman recognized by the Cauliflower Alley Club with this award is nothing short of incredible — humbling even.

Lou, widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, had a career that spanned more than seven decades. As a 15-time World Heavyweight Champion, he was known for his speed, technical skills and innovation — credited with creating iconic moves like the German suplex and the original powerbomb. Lou was the ultimate wrestler’s wrestler.

My grandfather, Stu Hart, had tremendous respect for him. Lou main-evented some of the most iconic matches within Calgary’s own Stampede Wrestling.

Outside of the ring, Lou was a pioneer and mentor. He founded schools in the U.S. to train mixed-martial artists and young wrestlers in catch wrestling. He supported aspiring wrestlers and helped elevate wrestling to mainstream popularity in places like Japan.

Lou looked out for the welfare of wrestlers and people in general. He was admired for his class, humility and genuine connections with fans. Lou’s legacy shaped the foundation of wrestling as we know it today and paved the way for new generations like myself.

That’s what makes this award so meaningful to me — to be recognized in the spirit of Lou Thesz, by the legendary members of the Cauliflower Alley Club, a respected organization that has honoured some of the greatest names in wrestling history, my grandfather included. To be seen through the eyes of those who’ve built and protected this industry is an honour I don’t take lightly.

When I first started wrestling, I never dreamed that one day I would even have a “platform” that could be used to make an impact. The wrestling world has given me so much — strength, a voice, an outlet to give back and a worldwide stage where I can promote those very things.

I have had the great privilege of doing work globally with organizations including Make-a-Wish Foundation, Connor’s Cure, Susan G. Komen and The Boys and Girls Club, among many other community outreach programs.

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Working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been an extremely fulfilling experience. As a WWE superstar, I can provide hope and grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses. It’s empowering and greatly humbling — it reminds you what really matters.

I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Connor’s Cure, a foundation dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer and honouring the legacy of an incredible little boy named Connor Michalek. He was a huge wrestling fan whose strength and spirit touched everyone around him.

Whether it’s speaking on behalf of the WWE at fundraisers or just spending time with kids and their families, every part of this work is deeply personal and incredibly meaningful.

I am thankful that I can use my personal and social platforms to help women know there is a place for us not only in sports entertainment, but everywhere. I strive to encourage my fan base to keep growing, continue to advance and become unbreakable.

In the WWE women’s division, we have to continue to build. I am wholeheartedly driven to ensure the women coming up within this industry have not only the tools they need to thrive, but also the ability to teach and train others. I’m convinced that helping others grow is one of the most powerful ways to grow yourself.

Receiving the Lou Thesz Award is not just a personal honour — it’s a reflection of every person, every child, every family whose path I’ve crossed on this journey. Lou’s legacy reminds us that wrestling at its best isn’t just about the matches — it’s about the message, the movement and the heart behind it all, no pun intended.

This award is such a special milestone in my journey. It tells me that our work — in the ring, in our communities, with children, with fans, with the next generation — MATTERS.

I’ll carry this honour forward with pride, with purpose and with the same integrity Lou lived by. Thank you — not just for this award, but for believing in what wrestling can stand for beyond the ropes.

Nattie Neidhart is a Calgary native, WWE superstar and soon-to-be Lou Thesz Award winner.