Riverhead, New York, a quiet town on Long Island, holds a somber yet significant place in professional wrestling history. In 1990, the community was shaken by the tragic death of veteran wrestler and trainer Mark Tendler, who was murdered near The Crazy Clown, a local attraction known for its bizarre and haunting atmosphere. Tendler’s death sent ripples through the wrestling world, not only because of the violent nature of the crime but also due to his impact on the next generation of wrestlers. His passing marked a grim chapter in the sport’s underground legacy, drawing attention to the often overlooked struggles faced by performers outside the mainstream spotlight.
Tendler’s influence extended far beyond his in-ring career, as learned from a Bill Apter interview taped in August 2020. Tendler -- who wrestled for WWWF, All Japan Pro Wrestling and the Hawaiian territory of NWA after a career as a boxer -- was instrumental in training several future stars, most notably Mick Foley and The Sandman. Long Island native Foley would go on to become a wrestling icon under personas like Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 21, 2025.