Franklin Square, New York gained a notable presence on the independent wrestling circuit in the early 2000s, especially through USA Pro Wrestling. The promotion held its first “Big Dick Dudley Memorial Show” on June 8, 2002, in honor of the late ECW star Big Dick Dudley, with proceeds benefiting Dudley's family. The following year, on May 31, 2003, they returned for a second annual edition, again at the Franklin Square Firehouse.
Beyond the memorial events, Franklin Square hosted recurring USA Pro shows like “Halloween Heat” (October 20, 2001) and “Meltdown! 2: Turning Up The Heat” (May 14, 2004), all staged at the Franklin Square Firehouse. These events featured local talents, rising talents and former WWE, WCW and ECW stars all at once, including King Kong Bundy, The Amazing Red, Matt Striker, Simon Diamond, The Wall, Norman Smiley, Joey Matthews (Joey Mercury), Kevin Sullivan, Gangrel, Luna Vachon, Steve Corino, and Kid Kash.
Collectively, these shows helped cement Franklin Square’s Firehouse as a cornerstone venue within Long Island’s indie wrestling scene.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 14, 2025.