Bret Hart named 2026 Lou Thesz Award honoree

Professional wrestling legend Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart has been named the recipient of the 2026 Lou Thesz Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC). The honor will be presented during the CAC 60: The Diamond Anniversary Reunion, scheduled for August 24–26, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The Lou Thesz Award recognizes individuals for technical excellence, integrity, sportsmanship, leadership, and lasting contributions to the professional wrestling industry. Adding a familial dimension to the ceremony, last year’s recipient, Natalya ‘Nattie’ Neidhart, will present the award to Hart.

During the presentation, Neidhart praised Hart as a ‘true artist’ and a performer whom wrestlers studied for his storytelling and precision. Hart expressed that receiving the award is one of the true highlights of his career.