Westbury, New York, while not often regarded as a central hub for professional wrestling, holds a unique and layered place in the Northeast history of sports entertainment. Situated in Nassau County on Long Island, Westbury and its neighboring community of Old Westbury have hosted major wrestling promotions over the decades, providing a home for key live events and serving as a formative environment for at least one notable figure in wrestling cinema. Though overshadowed by nearby New York City arenas like Madison Square Garden, Westbury's venues have notably contributed to professional wrestling's growth and presence in the region.
In the early 1980s, World Wrestling Federation (WWF) events were documented as being held at the State University in Old Westbury, adding to the landscape of smaller, yet important, WWF venues used to test new talent, build regional fanbases, and support the expansion of Vince McMahon’s national vision. According to records from The History of WWE, this State University location hosted multiple shows in both 1983 and 1984, placing Old Westbury firmly on the map during a transformative period for WWF, just before the inaugural WrestleMania would elevate the brand globally.
The same venue is documented to have hosted an AWA live event in 1985. The card for that event included Larry Zbyszko, Outlaw Ron Bass, Bob Backlund, The Road Warriors (The Legion Of Doom), Curt Hennig (Mr. Perfect), and Sgt. Slaughter.
That same year, an event was held at Roosevelt Raceway called A Night Of Champions, as featuring Ric Flair, "Dr. D" David Shultz, Dory Funk Jr., and Carlos Colon. An official flyer from that event showing Ric Flair can be seen here. The event has also been known as "Wrestling In Westbury."
Years later, the Theater at Westbury -- also known as the Westbury Music Fair -- became a key stop for TNA Wrestling (formerly IMPACT Wrestling) during its house show tours across the United States. Between 2010 and 2013, TNA brought its brand of alternative professional wrestling to Long Island, with top stars like Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy performing in front of intimate yet passionate crowds at the storied venue. These events are archived in TNA’s show history, showcasing Westbury as a recurring market for televised and non-televised events alike.
Another venue, The Space at Westbury, added to the town's wrestling résumé in more recent years. This modern, multi-use concert hall has played host to indie wrestling events, maintaining Westbury’s active role in the ever-evolving wrestling landscape. The intimate setup of The Space offered a unique atmosphere that resonated well with wrestling fans seeking up-close experiences outside the larger arenas.
Adding a cultural layer to Westbury's wrestling connection is Barry Blaustein, a film writer and director who grew up in the town. Best known in wrestling circles for directing Beyond The Mat, the critically acclaimed and controversial 1999 documentary that offered a raw, unfiltered look into the lives of professional wrestlers, Blaustein helped reshape the mainstream perception of the industry. His Westbury roots tie the community to a pivotal moment in wrestling’s media representation, illustrating how even suburban towns can leave a lasting imprint on wrestling history through both spectacle and storytelling.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 11, 2025. Updated on June 14, 2025.