It is indeed a sad day for the wrestling world as Brian Dixon, the founder of All Star Wrestling (ASW), the oldest promotion in the UK, has passed away. ASW announced his death on their Facebook page on May 28th, expressing their broken-heartedness and offering condolences.
“We are broken hearted to announce the death of Brian George Dixon
“Rest in peace”
Dixon established ASW in 1970 in Birkenhead, initially as a platform for his then-girlfriend, Mitzi Mueller, to gain exposure when she faced difficulties in getting bookings from the dominant promotion at the time, Joint Promotions. ASW quickly gained success with the emergence of Martin Ruane, who became widely known as Giant Haystacks, and later with the association between Haystacks and Big Daddy, which made them household names in the UK.
In the 1980s, ASW experienced significant growth as discontented wrestlers from Joint Promotions started joining Dixon’s company. Notable talents such as Johnny Saint, Mighty John Quinn, Mark Rocco, Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, and William Regal learned their craft in ASW during this period.
Brian Dixon achieved a major milestone in 1987 when he secured a TV deal with ITV, which aired ASW programming for two years. The exposure on television, featuring stars like Kendo Nagasaki, Rocco, and Robbie Brookside, resulted in a box office boom for ASW, with increased attendance even after the TV deal ended.
Following the TV success, Dixon continued to operate the promotion through tours of holiday camps and smaller venues. In the 2000s, ASW introduced emerging stars such as Bryan Danielson (known as Daniel Bryan) and Robbie Dynamite. ASW experienced another surge, organizing bigger shows and re-establishing connections with global promotions in Europe, Canada, Japan, and even having their wrestlers used by US promotions like IMPACT Wrestling.
While Dixon passed on road management duties to his grandson, Joseph Allmark, in 2022, he remained actively involved in running the company from the main office until his death. Brian Dixon’s influence on the UK wrestling scene cannot be overstated, and his legacy will be carried forward by All Star Wrestling and the stars who got their start there for years to come.
