Woodmere, New York, holds a surprisingly colorful connection to professional wrestling -- spanning promotion, music, and creative influence.
Brian Gewirtz is a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling, best known for his role as a writer and producer with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). A native of Woodmere, New York, Gewirtz developed an early passion for wrestling, which would ultimately shape his career.
In 1999, Gewirtz made his official entry into WWE (then WWF) as a writer, quickly becoming known for his ability to craft compelling storylines and memorable promos. His sharp wit and creativity helped revitalize the company's television content during the "Attitude Era," a time of massive growth and cultural impact for WWE. He worked with The Rock, helping to refine the charismatic star’s persona and iconic catchphrases. Gewirtz's knack for blending humor and intensity into the scripts was a major part of the product's success during that time. He eventually rose through the ranks to become WWE’s Head Writer, a position that put him at the center of many of the company's most significant storylines throughout the early 2000s.
Though he left WWE as a full-timer in 2015 to pursue other opportunities in Hollywood, Gewirtz's legacy in the wrestling world, and his connection to his hometown of Woodmere, remains an important part of the industry’s storytelling evolution. When The Rock returned as a regular performer within WWE, so did The Rock, who he also works with as part of Seven Bucks Productions.
Jeff Beacher, reportedly raised in Woodmere, has dabbled in wrestling-style promotional stunts and even helped sponsor live events with wrestling flair in his showbiz ventures, crafting celebrity feuds that play out with theatrical intensity.
Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee once lived in Woodmere, and his storytelling ethos -- embodied in iconic characters like Spider‑Man, Iron Man, the X‑Men, and The Incredible Hulk -- has directly influenced WWE creative. More on Hulk Hogan's history with The Incredible Hulk can be found elsewhere within this LibGuide.
Dokken guitarist Jon Levin, who grew up in Woodmere, is associated with the song “Into the Fire” -- the theme for NWA Powerrr when it launched in October 2019, and the namesake for the NWA’s Into The Fire pay‑per‑view on December 14, 2019. That release marked the NWA’s first PPV since its relaunch and featured high-profile matches including Nick Aldis retaining the company's World Heavyweight Championship.
Rock singer Perry Farrell also grew up in Woodmere and later reflected in a 2019 Forbes interview on how wrestling’s storytelling, spectacle, and larger-than-life characters influenced him creatively—highlighting how these early impressions from his hometown helped shape his artistic vision.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 21, 2025.