Tommy Dreamer Gets Hall of Fame Nod in Poughkeepsie

The MJN Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, is diving headfirst into the wrestling nostalgia vault with the launch of its very own Wrestling Hall of Fame—a new initiative aimed at celebrating the legends, trailblazers, and unforgettable moments that unfolded in the building’s ring over the decades.

This isn't just another hall of fame—this one is local, personal, and specific to the venue itself. For fans who grew up watching wrestling in the Hudson Valley, the MJN Center (formerly the Mid-Hudson Civic Center) has always been more than just a stop on the circuit. It’s where Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, and Roddy Piper made their presence felt. It’s where Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and countless others connected with the crowd on a different level. It's even where some wrestlers—like Matt Hardy and Orton—met their future wives. That’s the kind of strange, real-life lore that only venues like this can claim.

“Wrestling has always been part of the heartbeat of Poughkeepsie, and the MJN Center has been at the center of it since the ‘70s,” said Zeidan Nesheiwat, President of the MJN Center.

The Hall of Fame’s first inductee will be none other than Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer, a true hardcore icon and the heart and soul of ECW, has a long and deep connection to the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. From his early appearances with ECW to his work with WWE and Impact Wrestling, Dreamer has helped define multiple generations of hardcore wrestling.

“I’ve wrestled in every state in the U.S. and internationally, but Poughkeepsie has always been one of my favorite places,” Dreamer said. “Being inducted into this Hall of Fame is an honor—especially because it’s connected to a building that’s meant so much to my career.”

Dreamer will be inducted at a live ceremony will take place at Awesome Championship Wrestling’s Aftershock event on Saturday, May 17th.

“Creating a Hall of Fame here is about preserving that history and honoring the people who made it happen,” said Vik Dalishus, co-owner of ACW.

Following this inaugural year, the MJN Center plans to announce new inductees annually, ensuring that Poughkeepsie’s wrestling history continues to be celebrated for years to come.

Doors open at 5:30 PM on May 17, with bell time at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now at thisisacw.com.

Wrestling is woven deep into the fabric of Poughkeepsie, and this new Hall of Fame finally gives that legacy a home worthy of its place in the story of professional wrestling.