Miller Place, New York, holds an unexpected yet meaningful connection to the world of professional wrestling through its association with rapper Tony Yayo of G-Unit fame. Yayo, a known resident of Miller Place, played an indirect but influential role in shaping one of the most iconic gestures in WWE history: John Cena’s “You can’t see me” hand wave. Cena has publicly credited Yayo as the inspiration for the move, noting that it stemmed from a dance Yayo performed in the “So Seductive” music video. What began as a playful taunt soon evolved into Cena’s signature taunt -- one that became instantly recognizable to wrestling fans around the world and helped define his character during his rise to superstardom in the mid-2000s.
While Miller Place hasn’t hosted major wrestling events or been the site of frequent promotions, its cultural footprint is significant due to this crossover between hip-hop and wrestling. Cena’s acknowledgment of Tony Yayo’s influence demonstrates how mainstream entertainment -- particularly the music scene -- has long intersected with professional wrestling. Through this connection, Miller Place joins the tapestry of Long Island towns that have, in one way or another, contributed to the ongoing story of wrestling’s reach into broader pop culture.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 18, 2025.