The Downfall & Return of Velveteen Dream
Read Time:6 Minute, 23 Second
Before today’s wrestling boom and renaissance, several names were seen as the industry’s future—long before Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes took the lead. Newer fans may not know, but it wasn’t long ago that Velveteen Dream was primed to take the industry mantle. But, his rise quickly turned into a nightmare.
Velveteen Dream was once the hottest prospect in the industry. Today, he is someone who is rarely spoken of in the current wrestling landscape. A myriad of controversies, and questionable decisions in his post-WWE career have led the man known as Patrick Clark to become one of the industry’s biggest “what ifs”.
Following a recent, and surprising return to the squared circle, Dream’s name is being circulated for the first time in years. These recent discussions, however, much like his career, have come with a lot of controversy. Some are seeing this as an attempt for the former NXT standout to pave his way back into the limelight. But for most, his recent events show how far his stock has plummeted.
Velveteen Dream’s Rise
Clark’s initial tenure in WWE came through the 2015 Tough Enough. WWE signed him as one of the standouts from the season. Debuting in May 2017, Velveteen Dream arrived in NXT to begin his trajectory. Even before his arrival, his gimmick felt completely new to the product. It set the stage for something that, one way or another, was bound to make an impact. His presentation, attitude, and unique, Prince-inspired aesthetic cast doubt upon his arrival. But it quickly fell silent.
After brief squash matches and promos to build his character, Dream was thrust into a series of classics that would define his gimmick. Early feuds with Aleister Black and Ricochet produced countless iconic moments and timeless matches. His later work against EC3, Adam Cole, Tommaso Ciampa, and Johnny Gargano cemented him as a top act. It all led to claiming his first WWE title, the NXT North American Championship. From here, Dream took part in several overlooked gems. Matches against Pete Dunne, Roderick Strong, Tyler Breeze, and Buddy Murphy showcased his character growth, storytelling abilities, and evolving in-ring game.
The success of this gimmick wasn’t just something fans noticed—it caught the attention of industry veterans. In an unusual turn of events, John Cena named Dream as someone he could see one day taking his place. He stated, “You know how in the Star Wars movies the old Jedis can look at the rookie Jedis and be like, ‘I think that’s the one.’ I kinda have a weird, odd midichlorian feeling about Velveteen Dream. I think there’s something special there.”
Cena’s praise and WWE backing fueled his rise—main events, titles, and a feud with Adam Cole over the NXT Championship put him on the brink of a main roster run. Then, it all came to a halt.
Allegations & Fallout
Velveteen Dream’s once-promising career came to a screeching halt in mid-2020 when allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced. Multiple individuals accused him of engaging in inappropriate conversations with minors. There were alleged screenshots and voice recordings circulating on social media. Despite Clark actively denying all accusations, the controversy intensified as individuals continued to come forward in the weeks after.
WWE initially kept him on their roster, claiming internal investigations were conducted and found no evidence of wrongdoing. However, their lack of transparency regarding the process led to skepticism. Fans and wrestlers questioned the WWE’s decision-making, especially in the wake of the 2020s Speaking Out movement. A movement created to hold abusers in the wrestling industry accountable.
Despite returning to NXT television sporadically after the accusations, Dream’s presence became increasingly sporadic. Chants from live audiences, online backlash, and fan pressure made his employment a growing PR nightmare. By 2021, WWE released him, citing disciplinary issues apparently unrelated to the allegations. However, many viewed this as a convenient way for the company to cut ties without addressing the controversy.
Following his release, Dream largely faded from the public eye, making appearances on platforms like Chris Van Vliet’s. But, he remained silent on legal matters. While most wrestlers and promotions distanced themselves from him, others like EC3, were far more vocal in their criticisms. His once hyped image took a dark turn into an avenue few would ever come back from.
The wrestling industry has a complicated history with problematic figures. Dream’s case became a litmus test for how seriously promotions took allegations compared to decades prior. His possible return raised questions about accountability, redemption, and whether fans and companies are willing to move on—or if his past will forever define his future.
The Return
Dream’s recent return, has done little to move him or anyone past what occurred a few years ago. In a surprise appearance for The Dynasty, Dream, now going by either Velveteen Man or just Patrick Clark, made his return in February of 2024. This was followed by subsequent appearances in MLW. While not identical, his gimmick from NXT carried over. But, it failed to capture the same aura he once had not long ago.
Where controversy arose, was in the realistic approach Clark was now taking his gimmick. Some of his more recent appearances shed light on his past far more than anyone expected. Linking his arrests and scandals to countless names associated with the industry, created a tone many will find uneasy. He sported attire with “Guilty by Association” on its back while spotlighting various mugshots of names like Roman Reigns, Vince McMahon, Eddie Guerrero, Jey Uso, Andre The Giant, Ric Flair, and even Donald Trump.
Clark’s attempt to blur the lines of wrestling’s controversies has done little in terms of grabbing attention, or the critical acclaim his acts were once drenched in. Instead, his efforts have been met with either indifference or blatant negativity. Crafting a gimmick that doesn’t feel smart or inventive, rather pandering to the ever-exhausting shock culture entertainment is being flooded by. Barely an eye has moved in his direction, only making him seem more desperate than creative.
The past year has done the opposite of what Clark should be aiming for—moving past controversy and into a new chapter. Instead, he keeps rehashing a dead gimmick and mixing it with wrestling scandals. It has only reinforced his reputation as a PR nightmare. Rather than standing on his own, he clings to other industry names.
Forever A Massive ‘What If’
Patrick Clark is another name on an endless list of wrestling talents who threw it all away seemingly overnight. A star that many (myself included) consider one of the best acts of the modern era. But, one that has ultimately burnt every bridge he had across the industry.
The combination of a predatory scandal, multiple arrests, backstage beef with colleagues and trying to re-hash a gimmick only to bury it deeper into the ground have gotten him here. To a point where Clark’s career is more than likely to never recover.
Wrestling is no stranger to platforming controversial figures. Hulk Hogan, Logan Paul, Jimmy Snuka, The Ultimate Warrior or New Jack aren’t just evidence of this. But, they have climbed to the top of the card despite their sketchy pasts. Dream, on the other hand, feels like a figure cast under the eye of judgment by a generation more aware of the controversies around them. The Speaking Out movement began a shift in how forgiving fans were willing to be. They handed Dream a swift, harsh rejection.
Needless to say, Velveteen Dream will forever remain a frustrating case in pro wrestling.
Happy
0 %
Sad
50 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
50 %
About Post Author
Average Rating