Long Island's Professional Wrestling History & Landmarks: Rockville Centre

Rockville Centre, New York has played a unique role in the world of professional wrestling, contributing through its residents and local institutions.

One of the most significant connections is through Stanley Weston, a publisher who founded several influential wrestling magazines, including Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Inside Wrestling, and The Wrestler. These publications, often referred to as "Apter mags" after longtime editor Bill Apter, were instrumental in promoting wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s. They provided in-depth coverage, colorful storytelling, and kayfabe-driven articles that helped elevate the mystique of professional wrestling worldwide.

One of the key creations of the "Apter mags" was the PWI 500, a detailed ranking of the top 500 wrestlers in the world. Pro Wrestling Illustrated has published the list every year since its inception.

Below is an undated photo of 55 Maple Avenue, where Weston's publications were known to have been put together:

Another major figure from Rockville Centre is Howard Stern, the legendary radio personality who grew up in the town and attended South Side High School. Stern’s show became a surprising hub for wrestling interviews during the 1990s and 2000s. Hulk Hogan’s infamous interview on The Howard Stern Show was later used as evidence during Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker Media. The Iron Sheik became a recurring guest, frequently appearing in colorful and outrageous segments.

Other wrestling stars like Vince McMahon, Triple H, Goldust (Dustin Rhodes), Booker T, and John Cena were interviewed or featured in talked-about segments, helping to bring wrestling personalities even further into the mainstream pop culture conversation.

Max Caster, a professional wrestler and rapper currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), also hails from Rockville Centre. Known for his dynamic performances and his witty, often provocative freestyle raps, Caster has become one of AEW’s standout talents, holding championships including the AEW World Tag Team Championship and the AEW World Trios Championship. Adding a hometown connection to his career, Caster has filmed video content in Rockville Centre for AEW programming, weaving his roots into his professional narrative and bringing some national wrestling spotlight back to his hometown. Below is an AEW trading card which confirms Caster's ties to Rockville Centre.

Comedian Amy Schumer, another Rockville Centre native, has an indirect but significant connection to the wrestling world. Her past relationship with WWE star Dolph Ziggler was a topic discussed on The Howard Stern Show. Schumer later adapted elements of her relationship with Ziggler into her 2015 film Trainwreck, specifically through the character portrayed by John Cena. Cena’s comedic and self-deprecating performance in the film helped him break out as a major film star beyond his WWE fame, marking a key moment in his transition into Hollywood.

Overall, through media, film, and direct wrestling contributions, Rockville Centre has left an unmistakable mark on professional wrestling history and culture.

Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 4, 2025.