Cold Spring Harbor, New York, is best known for its ties to music and science — most famously as the namesake of Billy Joel’s debut solo album and the site of the world-renowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Yet, this small, scenic community has also found its place on the map of professional wrestling.
In 2022, Cold Spring Harbor hosted a notable independent wrestling event featuring major names like Matt Cardona, a Merrick native who rose to fame in WWE and on the indie scene, and his wife Chelsea Green, who would later go on to capture a WWE championship. The card also included Willow Nightingale, a rising star at the time who would soon break out nationally and become an AEW champion. This event highlighted how even smaller Long Island towns contribute to the development of top wrestling talent.
Adding to Cold Spring Harbor’s indirect connection to wrestling history is James Dolan, the CEO of Cablevision and a 1974 graduate of Cold Spring Harbor High School. As an owner and the chief executive of Madison Square Garden, Dolan has played a crucial role in presenting WWE live events at the iconic arena for decades. Under his leadership, MSG has also welcomed promotions like AAA, TNA, ROH, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, making it a hub for wrestling’s global and domestic showcases. While Cold Spring Harbor itself doesn’t often host wrestling, its influence through Dolan and its rare but impactful live events have helped link the town to the squared circle’s larger story.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 14, 2025.