Manhasset, New York, may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of pro wrestling hubs, but the town has an intriguing connection to the world of sports entertainment through the figures it has produced and the pop culture that has intersected with WWE. Most notably, Manhasset is the birthplace of Chris Jericho -- one of the most decorated and influential wrestlers in modern history, who is also the singer of the metal band Fozzy. Although Jericho was raised primarily in Winnipeg, Canada, his Long Island roots connect him to a legacy of performers with Manhasset origins. His last name, Jericho, was famously inspired by a song by German metal band Helloween, not the town itself, but his birthplace still marks a unique trivia point in wrestling lore.
Beyond Jericho, Manhasset also boasts ties to the music world -- specifically rock and metal artists whose work has found a home in WWE programming. Staind guitarist Mike Mushok was born in the town, and Staind's music became a staple of early-2000s WWE storytelling. The band’s track “Take It” was prominently featured in the first season of WWE Tough Enough, helping define the show’s edgy, emotional tone. Later, their ballad “So Far Away” was used in tribute packages, including one notably tied to Cody Rhodes on Monday Night Raw, showcasing how music from Manhasset-born talent has become intertwined with wrestling’s emotional narrative style.
Another Manhasset-born personality with WWE connections is Summer Rae (a.k.a. Danielle Moinet), who rose to fame as a WWE Superstar and a star of Total Divas. Although she grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, her birthplace adds to the town's wrestling-adjacent lineage. Similarly, Skid Row guitarist Scotti Hill hails from Manhasset, and his band’s music -- especially the anthemic “Youth Gone Wild” -- was featured in the WWE 2K16 video game. Skid Row’s other guitarist, Dave "Snake" Sabo, a Long Island resident in recent years, is also known for his deep love of professional wrestling, often attending events and engaging with the fanbase.
Adding to this patchwork of wrestling relevance is NFL legend and longtime New York broadcaster Boomer Esiason, another reported Manhasset native. On his popular WFAN morning radio show, Esiason has occasionally weighed in on WWE, sometimes clashing with co-host Gregg Giannotti over the legitimacy of wrestling as a "sport." One memorable exchange involved Esiason arguing that WWE outcomes should not be included in sports news because they are predetermined, a sentiment that sparked discussion among fans and blurred the lines between sports journalism and entertainment.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 18, 2025.