Velveteen Dream was released from WWE in 2021, and he hasn’t made any noise for another pro wrestling company since. That being said, headlines about the former NXT North American Champion were not hard to come by as arrests and other allegations followed him. Now, he is onto his next venture, and he’s advocating to preserve rural America.
Velveteen Dream’s Next Phase
According to Star Exponent, Patrick Clark frequently visits Culpeper to reunite with family and appreciates its rural ambiance. Recently settling in the county for three months, he is introduced as the cousin of Don Haight, a Stevensburg farmer advocating for local farmer programs and the preservation of the county’s rural essence.
Although Clark originally hailed from Washington D.C, he has seemingly found a new home in Culpepper, and he loves the vibe there. During the February 6th Culpeper County Board of Supervisors meeting, he urged the board to prioritize the collective desires of the county’s residents and suggested potential drawbacks of implementing large-scale solar power.
While expressing apprehension about technological and political changes, he cautioned against external influences jeopardizing Culpeper’s distinct identity.
“I’m afraid that there is a technological and a political gentrification that may occur if we allow outside forces to corrupt Culpeper.”
“Culpeper has this sweet nature to it, sweet as black garlic if you will. It’s got this nature that I’m afraid is going to be corrupted if you all let personal interest affect the decisions that affect the citizens of Culpeper.”
Clark also noted the backing the board receives from residents on this issue, drawing a parallel to his own encounter with dwindling support.
“I lost my job because I took for granted the support that was given to me by the people who paid good money to see me perform.”
In May 2017, Clark debuted a new Prince-inspired persona on NXT named Velveteen Dream. He gained traction and clinched the NXT North American Championship once. However, after a lengthy hiatus due to WWE’s investigation into allegations of Clark’s misconduct involving children, he was released from WWE in May 2021.
Allegations Against Patrick Clark
Patrick Clark was making reference to the allegations that surrounded his WWE departure. In April 2020, there were allegations of misconduct involving minors against Clark. He denied these allegations, and the WWE conducted an investigation, which found no evidence supporting the claims. He was never formally charged.
Allegations of drug use and setting up a camera in a bathroom to snap photos of male Superstars without consent were also made. His name has been ripe with controversy, and he has addressed these accusations in the past.
WWE tried to use Velveteen Dream on television after that, with Triple H even saying that they determined that nothing out of line happened after concluding an investiation. Still, #FireVelveteenDream popped up and trended on Twitter every time he made an appearance on television.