Patchogue, New York, a village on Long Island with a rich cultural and artistic history, has had several interesting connections to the world of professional wrestling. While perhaps better known for its waterfront charm and vibrant arts scene, Patchogue has quietly built ties to pro wrestling through notable events, personalities, and pop culture intersections.
One surprising historical link traces back to Peter David, a prolific comic book writer who once lived in Patchogue. Best known for his acclaimed run on The Incredible Hulk, David played a key role in shaping the character's modern mythology. This ties directly to wrestling history: in the 1980s, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) had to license the "Hulk" name from Marvel Comics for the use of the iconic moniker “Hulk Hogan.” David’s work on the Hulk character thus indirectly connected him -- and by extension, Patchogue -- to one of wrestling’s biggest stars, who appeared in Iron Man #227.
The village’s link to pop culture extends beyond comics and wrestling through another name: Billy Idol. Though better known as a British punk rock icon, Idol briefly lived in Patchogue as a child, adding to the town’s eclectic cultural tapestry. Decades later, his 1983 hit “Rebel Yell” would find new life when it was licensed for the WWE 2K16 video game soundtrack, bringing Idol’s influence into the wrestling world once again—this time through the interactive medium of gaming that bridges fans and fighters alike.
Patchogue’s relationship with wrestling isn't just tangential or historical—it’s also live and local. In 2022, the village hosted NYWC Bourbon Brawl, a professional wrestling event held at The Better Man Distilling Company. Organized by the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC), the card featured rising stars and indie favorites such as future AEW breakout Willow Nightingale, rapper-wrestler Max Caster (also of AEW fame), local standout Jaden Valo, and The Big O (a Matt Cardona protégé) who had long been a fixture in the NYWC scene.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 20, 2025. Updated On June 23, 2025.