The Velveteen Dream is a name that stands out in the world of professional wrestling, known not just for his in-ring abilities but for his flamboyant persona and striking charisma. His unique style and confidence made him one of the most talked-about performers in WWE’s NXT brand during his rise to fame. With so many fans still curious about his background, one frequently asked question is: how old is Velveteen Dream? Knowing his age helps fans better understand his career timeline, his achievements, and how young he was when he gained attention in such a competitive industry.
Real Name and Age of Velveteen Dream
Velveteen Dream is the ring name of Patrick Clark Jr., a professional wrestler born on August 19, 1995. That makes him29 years oldas of 2025. Despite being under 30, Clark has already experienced the highs and lows of a wrestling career that started when he was just a teenager.
Being born in 1995 places Velveteen Dream among the generation of wrestlers who grew up watching legends like John Cena, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels. His age means he entered the business at a time when social media and performance-based training schools were shaping a new wave of wrestlers, and he took full advantage of those modern tools to launch his career.
Early Life and Passion for Wrestling
Childhood and Influences
Patrick Clark Jr. was born and raised in Washington, D.C. From an early age, he developed a deep love for professional wrestling. Like many fans who later turned pro, he grew up watching WWE programming and idolized many of the superstars from the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era.
Training at a Young Age
Clark began training for wrestling seriously in his late teens. He studied at the Maryland Championship Wrestling school, where he learned the fundamentals of in-ring performance. By the age of 19, he had already caught the eye of scouts and was ready to make a name for himself in the industry.
Rise to Fame on WWE Tough Enough
Television Breakthrough
One of Clark’s first major moments in the spotlight came when he appeared on the sixth season of WWE’s reality competition show,Tough Enough, in 2015. At just 19 years old, he showed maturity beyond his years and quickly gained popularity among fans.
Post-Tough Enough Contract
Although he didn’t win the competition, WWE saw potential in Clark and signed him to a developmental deal. This move proved to be a turning point in his career and allowed him to begin training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
The Birth of Velveteen Dream
Creating the Character
In 2017, Clark debuted his new character, the Velveteen Dream. Inspired by artists like Prince, the Dream was flamboyant, mysterious, and full of attitude. It was a bold departure from traditional wrestling characters, and fans were immediately drawn to his over-the-top presentation and theatrical performances.
Character Success in NXT
Velveteen Dream’s rise in NXT was fast. He feuded with some of the brand’s top names, including Aleister Black, Ricochet, and Johnny Gargano. His performances in the ring and his dedication to character work helped him become one of NXT’s most popular figures. He even captured the NXT North American Championship, solidifying his place in the brand’s history.
Achievements at a Young Age
By his early 20s, Velveteen Dream had already accomplished more than many wrestlers do in a lifetime. Some highlights of his career include:
- Being the youngest contestant onTough EnoughSeason 6
- Winning the NXT North American Championship
- Main-eventing NXT TakeOver events
- Receiving praise from wrestling legends for his unique character
All of these achievements occurred while Clark was still in his early-to-mid twenties, showing that age was never a limitation for him. His creativity and athleticism made him stand out, even among more experienced performers.
Controversy and Career Setbacks
Challenges in the Public Eye
Despite his early success, Velveteen Dream’s career has not been without controversy. In recent years, allegations and personal issues have led to a decline in his public image and a pause in his wrestling career. These events have been highly discussed within the wrestling community, and they had an impact on his presence in WWE and beyond.
Absence from Wrestling
Since 2021, Patrick Clark has not been active in any major wrestling promotion. At the age of 29, he is currently at a career crossroads, with many fans wondering if and when he might return to the ring. While his age suggests he still has time for a comeback, the future remains uncertain.
Legacy and Impact Despite His Age
Influencing a New Generation
Even though his career has been complicated, Velveteen Dream’s influence can’t be denied. He proved that character work still matters in wrestling and that bold, artistic choices can help a performer break through. His entrance style, promos, and gear design were all part of a fresh approach that inspired younger wrestlers to embrace their creativity.
Still Time to Evolve
At just 29 years old, Patrick Clark Jr. could still return to professional wrestling and carve out a new chapter in his career. Many wrestlers hit their peak in their 30s or even 40s, so time is still on his side if he chooses to return and rebuild his legacy.
So, how old is Velveteen Dream? As of 2025, he is 29 years old, born on August 19, 1995. Despite his relatively young age, he has already lived through a dramatic rise to fame and public scrutiny, both inside and outside the ring. His early success, bold persona, and undeniable talent made him a standout performer in WWE NXT. Whether he decides to return to wrestling or pursue another path, the Velveteen Dream has left an imprint on the industry that will not be forgotten. His age reminds us that youth is both an advantage and a responsibility in the spotlight, and it will be interesting to see what the next chapter brings for Patrick Clark Jr.