As part of the Maryland Championship Wrestling roster, Ken Dixon (Pictured above by Craig Hunter Ross 2016) has opened up many eyes along his journey to the best he can be inside the ring. He brings with him his background working for defense contractors & various government agencies, while traveling the world as well as working in many of the current combat zones. This has helped him swing into many roles within MCW.
In a few short years, he has sharpened his skills all while adapting his style to fit the squared circle. He has built up himself and his abilities to show he belongs. In recent memory, going toe to toe with 5x MCW Champion The Bruiser as well as WWE star “Hardcore” Bob Holly proves he is up for any challenge. Charisma and star quality are two attributes that are compiled over time. In the eyes of many, Ken has already achieved these characteristics and continues to build a top notch professional portfolio.
By following the Independent Circuit and reading about the wrestlers and their storied careers, I am able to catch up with some of them and conduct an interview from time to time, which allows them to share with us their story. Recently I was able to catch up with Ken and he was gracious enough to put a halt to his busy schedule to discuss his career, future, and accomplishments. This is what he had to say.
* When did your pro wrestling career begin? Where did your training take place?
My introduction to wrestling was actually quite bumpy. However, I believe the hiccups in life help shape who we are – adapt and overcome. I started in January 2013. I enrolled at Gillbergs Pro Wrestling outside Baltimore, MD. It was undergoing some management changes and I ended up starting my training with Axl Rotten before the school closed in mid-February 2013.
From there I would show up to MCW (Maryland Championship Wrestling) and help out wherever I could. If time permitted, they would show me some things before the doors opened. I found another school locally to at least stay in “ring shape”. I met two guys who would really help get me started in Shaun Cannon & Jimmy Starz. They answered my questions when I had them and weren’t afraid to tell me what needed work. Eventually they left, and so did I.
Fortunately for me, the MCW School opened shortly after & I began training under former WWE developmental talent, Pat Brink. He helped me break some bad habits and establish a ‘right’ way of doing things. From there, I was trained — still trained by 6 time MCW Champion The Bruiser & former MCW Champion Tyler Hilton – two very well respected individuals in our area & abroad. Their advice & constructive scrutiny keeps me on my toes & always wanting to be better than I was yesterday.
* What federations have you worked for along the way?
I have been fortunate enough to work for quite a few promotions in my blossoming career. From my home in MCW (Baltimore, MD) to my second home in Primal Conflict Wrestling of Harper’s Ferry WV. I have recently been appearing for AML in North Carolina, Wildkat Sports in New Orleans, NWA Smoky Mountain in Tennessee — several promotions in Tennessee actually, Throwback Wrestling, NGW to name a few. I’ve also worked for FIP in Florida & AWE in Atlanta. There are so many great promotions out there, it’s hard to name them all when you’re trying to stay active & busy.
* What does an actual tryout for a wrestling company consist of? How long before you know if you made the cut?
When I started, you would show up and they would make you take some bumps, run the ropes, etc. Some of the trainers would be a little more aggressive to deter the more feeble applicants from wasting not only the trainer’s time, but their own when they realized they couldn’t handle it physically.
At the MCW training center, however, there aren’t a lot of “tryouts”. New students are introduced at certain points during the year & kept together to progress alongside one another. There are tryouts from time to time but most guys that are actively wrestling won’t allow their ego to take a hit to actually pursue a “tryout” to join an advanced class.
* How could you explain the life on an independent wrestler?
It can be one of the most taxing & rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve been married for 10 years, I work a full time job & I still chase the carrot of professional wrestling. I spend my weekdays working, at the gym & training to hone my skills. My weekends are spent on the road, hustling for booking and opportunities.
There isn’t a lot of free time, so it’s made me prioritize what is truly important in my life. On a positive note, however, it’s made my time with my family that much better because we are forced to make the most of it. Every moment is utilized in life and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
* Are there any funny/crazy road stories you would like to share?
Man, there are so many days, nights on the road. You really get to bond with the guys you travel with. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel with the same circle of guys and we just cut up, laugh & help each other figure out new ways to ‘wow’ a crowd. I can’t think of anything specific at the moment, but just know that it’s an environment that keeps us all in a creative state.
* Were there any obstacles on your journey to the ring? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
I really feel that if you’re not struggling with something in wrestling, you’re not trying hard enough. There are/were several things I struggled with. I broke ribs in my early days from not following instructions. Time is always an obstacle, being older than most of your counterparts has its ups & downs but as I said before, your journey shapes who you are. You have to walk in the rain to truly appreciate the sunshine.
* Do you pay attention to other federations or follow other wrestlers?
Of course! I’m always watching to see who’s doing what, where people are working & what can I do to follow in similar footsteps to be successful. Most guys are extremely personable & willing to share their experiences or help get you in touch with promoters for work. I’ve been fortunate to be around some extremely generous guys, so I just try to pay it forward.
* How has the independent scene changed over the years?
I’ve only been around for about 3 years, so I haven’t seen much of anything. However, I will say that it seems that wrestling is on a rise. The competition is picking up on TV and it’s inspired an entire scene. We’re all hungry to be the next guy signed.
* What would be your dream match?
I started training with the 2016 ROH Top Prospect Winner Lio Rush & NXT stand out Patrick Clark. Those two took to wrestling like fish in water and it was a pleasure & inspiring opportunity to train with such talented guys. I’ve never gotten an opportunity to work with them in a crowd setting. I’d love an opportunity to test myself against them.
Other than that, I’d have to say Matt Hardy & Luke Hawx. Both of them have been great sources of advice and have always given me the time when I’ve asked. I look at them as mentors and I’d thoroughly enjoy taking it to the limit with either of them.
* What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in the sport of professional wrestling?
My greatest accomplishment in wrestling so far would have to be the progress that I’ve made. I know that I have a long way to go, but I’m confident that my trainers have given me a solid foundation.
I don’t really consider any matches right now because wrestling is what it is. I’ve shared the ring with some true legends & guys I grew up watching, but I feel that MY greatest accomplishment is MY hard work & willingness to get better.
* What is your most memorable match?
The most memorable would have to be my first title win. Hoss Hagood is one of my best friends outside of the ring, and to be able to ride the highways & byways to the Primal Conflict Wrestling tag titles was awesome. We faced Drolix & Chuck Lennox of Black Wall Street in a Bull Rope Match. Those two have taught me so much as well. I’m very blessed.
* Who are/were some your favorite wrestlers and why?
As a kid, my all-time favorite was HBK. He’s such a showman. His charisma is unmatched. Triple H was always a badass too. I could feel his intensity every time he got in the ring. Chris Benoit was another who made me believe in everything he did. Incredible.
As an aspiring wrestler, my favorites have changed. Guys that have inspired me include Arn Anderson, Rick Rude, and Bruiser Brody. There are so many I could list, but those 3 specifically have helped shaped what I do in the ring and on the mic.
* What needs to be accomplished in your eyes to be able to look back and call your career a success when it’s all over?
I bust my ass every day to get the opportunities that I’ve gotten and as long as I make the most of them and take the necessary risks, I believe that I will be able to look back & feel like I made the most of my wrestling career.
***Hopefully you enjoyed this interview and learned some new and interesting things about Ken Dixon. The world of wrestling is a demanding business and the time set aside to do this interview should not be underestimated. I would like to personally thank Ken for taking the time to share with me his stories so I could share them with all of you. His time is greatly appreciated…..
***For more information you can follow Ken Dixon on the following outlets:
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