Ronkonkoma, New York located at the heart of Long Island, has become an unexpected stronghold for professional wrestling over the past two decades. Since 2007, this Suffolk County town has hosted a variety of live wrestling events through several prominent and independent promotions, including FTW (Fight the World Wrestling), NYWC (New York Wrestling Connection), EVOLVE (currently part of the WWE developmental system), VPW (Victory Pro Wrestling), PWS (Pro Wrestling Syndicate), and Championship Entertainment Productions (CEP). These shows transformed local venues -- such as fire halls, school gyms, and community centers -- into battlegrounds for some of wrestling’s biggest names and most promising talents before they hit the national stage.
One of the most historic cards took place on May 31, 2015, when EVOLVE Wrestling held an event at the Ronkonkoma Fire Department Hall. The card was stacked with future international stars including Ethan Page, Johnny Gargano, Rich Swann, Speedball Mike Bailey, Roderick Strong, TJ Perkins (TJP), and Drew Galloway (now globally recognized as WWE's Drew McIntyre). This lineup represents a moment in time when the indie circuit was flourishing with talent that would go on to headline WWE, AEW, Impact, and NJPW shows, marking Ronkonkoma as a meaningful stop in their early careers.
Even before that, Ronkonkoma had established its place in hardcore wrestling history. On October 26, 2007, FTW brought in ECW icon Sabu and former WCW personality Jason Knight for a night of extreme action. Over the years, PWS events in Ronkonkoma built on this legacy by drawing in legendary names from wrestling’s past, such as Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, and X-Pac, while also showcasing future stars like Eddie Kingston, John Silver, and Pat Buck. These cards were a dynamic mix of nostalgia and next-generation talent, featuring figures like Low Ki, Tony Nese, and even Necro Butcher, who gained cult fame through the film The Wrestler. The town also hosted Reby Sky, who would go on to marry (and manage) Matt Hardy in various promotions.
From a community-level perspective, these wrestling events have made Ronkonkoma a regional destination for fans of both old-school legends and rising indie stars. The town's venues may be modest, but the history built within them reflects a deep and ongoing love for the sport. Ronkonkoma continues to punch above its weight, serving as a proving ground for the next generation while honoring the legacy of those who laid the groundwork for pro wrestling's cultural dominance.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 20, 2025.