Dan Murphy | 2026 James C Melby Honoree

The Cauliflower Alley Club is proud to announce that Dan Murphy will be honored with the James C. Melby Historian Award at the 60th Anniversary Reunion.

Named in honor of one of wrestling’s most respected historians, the James C. Melby Award recognizes individuals whose work has played a vital role in preserving the history, stories, and legacy of professional wrestling. This year’s honoree stands as a true embodiment of that mission.

For more than 22 years, Dan Murphy served as a Senior Writer for the Pro Wrestling Illustrated family of magazines, where he helped shape how generations of fans understood the industry. In that role, he oversaw two of wrestling’s most recognized annual benchmarks, the PWI 500 and Women’s 100 rankings, helping document the evolution of talent across eras. Over the course of his career, Murphy has written more than 2.5 million words, each one contributing to the living record of professional wrestling.

Beyond his editorial work, Murphy has authored and co-authored several acclaimed books that dive deep into the people and moments that define the business. His works include Bodyslams in Buffalo: The Complete History of Pro Wrestling in Western New York, Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women’s Wrestling (with Pat Laprade), The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers: The Masters of the Craft of Professional Wrestling (with Brian Young), and Ed Don George: The Remarkable Life of an Olympian and Pro Wrestling Champion. Each title reflects a commitment not just to documenting history, but to honoring the individuals whose contributions shaped it.

Murphy’s writing has also appeared across more than a dozen newspapers, websites, and magazines, further extending his reach and influence as one of wrestling’s most trusted historians. His work bridges generations, connecting longtime fans with the past while educating new audiences on the depth and richness of the sport.

At its core, the Cauliflower Alley Club exists to support and honor the men and women who have given their lives to professional wrestling. Preserving their stories is essential to that mission. Historians like Dan Murphy ensure that those stories are never lost, that the names, the moments, and the sacrifices remain part of the fabric of the industry.

Dan Murphy’s contributions represent the very spirit of the James C. Melby Award, dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to keeping wrestling’s history alive.

He will be formally honored at the Cauliflower Alley Club’s 60th Anniversary Reunion, taking place August 24–26, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.



For more information on the reunion and to secure your tickets, visit caulifloweralleyclub.org.