Garden City, New York has played a modest but notable role in the fabric of professional wrestling on Long Island. In early 1980, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) brought one of its live events to Nassau Community College in Garden City. The show, held on March 10, 1980, featured future legends such as Hulk Hogan and Larry Zbyszko. Matt Cardona (WWE Superstar Zack Ryder) was documented as having attended that school within an ESPN profile.
Fast-forward several decades, speaking of Nassau Community College, professional wrestling action was hosted there twice via Create A Pro Wrestling -- as co-founded by Cardona's WWE tag team partner and current podcast co-host Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins) -- in 2018, on January 20 and April 13. Among the notables featured between the two shows were Christian Cage, PJ Black (WWE's Justin Gabriel), Pat Buck, Swoggle (Hornswoggle), Kris Statlander, Alex Reynolds, Bear Bronson, James Ellsworth, Max Caster, Brian Pillman Jr. (Lexis King), Smart Mark Sterling, VSK, and Kevin Matthews.
Beyond live matches, Garden City also intersects with wrestling celebrity activity. WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has made his home in the area and is among the stars who have appeared for fan signings at Roosevelt Field Mall. Mall events have included Foley alongside peers like Hulk Hogan, giving local fans direct access to wrestling legends. These meet‑and‑greets reinforce Garden City’s standing not just as a host for bouts but as a hub for wrestling community engagement.
Adding to Garden City’s wrestling lore is the connection to WWE tag team champion Cliff Compton, better known as one-half of Deuce & Domino. While official records do not explicitly confirm his hometown, many believe he hails from the area -- a point often cited in wrestling discussions and fan listings. As a celebrated Garden City native, Compton reinforces the notion that this suburban town has helped cultivate talent that has reached national platforms.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 14, 2025. Updated on June 18, 2025.