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