Islip, New York has a rich and fascinating connection to professional wrestling history, serving as a frequent host for events spanning from the golden age of the sport through the modern independent scene. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Islip welcomed multiple NWA-sanctioned shows, featuring some of the most legendary names of the era. These cards showcased iconic talents such as Bruno Sammartino, Killer Kowalski (who would later train Triple H, Frankie Kazarian and Aron Stevens), The Tolos Brothers, Angelo Savoldi, The Great Antonio, Antonino Rocca, Dr. Jerry Graham, and Swede Hanson. These events not only thrilled local fans but also cemented Islip’s place in the touring loop of the NWA during a time when professional wrestling was expanding its reach across the United States. You can see records of these historic shows here.
In the 1980s, as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) expanded nationally, Islip again became a stop for major stars. A 1984 WWF event featured headliners like Bob Backlund, Mr. Fuji, Afa (who is the father of Roman Reigns), Tony Garea, and Chief Jay Strongbow. This show reflected the WWF’s strategy of bringing its larger-than-life personalities to local arenas and gymnasiums, fostering community engagement while building its brand dominance across the northeast.
The town’s wrestling legacy continued into the 1990s with a diverse mix of promotions. A 1991 UWF show at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip boasted a stacked lineup that included Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Paul Orndorff, Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, Bob Orton (father of Randy Orton), David Sammartino (son of Bruno Sammartino), Cactus Jack (who would become Mick Foley), and Louie Spicolli (later known as Rad Radford). In 1997, USA Pro Wrestling brought a show to Islip, packed with legendary names. The card featured Greg "The Hammer" Valentine once again, alongside Hercules, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, One Man Gang, Demolition Ax, Tito Santana, and Iron Mike Sharpe.
The 2010s and 2020s saw Islip thrive as a hub for the Victory Pro Wrestling (VPW) and New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) circuits. These promotions regularly brought rising stars to local venues, many of whom would go on to national prominence. Standouts such as Tony Nese, Alex Reynolds, John Silver, Willow Nightingale, Bear Bronson, and Jaden Valo all competed in an Islip ring before finding their way to AEW television programming.
AEW star Kris Statlander has a documented association with West Islip. She trained at Create‑A‑Pro Wrestling Academy in nearby Hicksville under Pat Buck and Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins), reportedly in 2016 becoming the academy’s first female graduate. She debuted that November under the name “Liza Viero” before venturing onto the independent scene. Statlander’s ascent on the indie circuit included capturing a variety of titles, including the VPW Women’s Championship (twice), NYWC Starlet Championship, IndependentWrestling.TV Championship, CAP TV Championship, AAW Women’s Championship, and WSU World and Spirit Championships.
Signing with AEW in late 2019, she made an immediate impact -- winning a #1 contendership on Dynamite, challenging for the Women’s World title twice, earning copious praise, and becoming a key part of the Best Friends faction alongside fellow Long Island native Trent Beretta. After overcoming multiple ACL injuries, she made a triumphant return at the 2023 Double Or Nothing event of AEW, defeating Jade Cargill to end Cargill's 60‑match unbeaten streak and clinch the AEW TBS Championship. This reign included what would become the longest women’s match in AEW history, as taking place at Full Gear versus Mercedes Mone (former WWE Superstar Sasha Banks).
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 14, 2025. Updated on June 23, 2025.