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Former WCW wrestler Ian "Doc" Dean, a British star best known as one half of the Liverpool Lads tag team during the World of Sport era in Great Britain, has passed away at the age of 48 last night. The reported cause of death is a heart attack.
Dean was a regular tag team partner of current WWE NXT Coach Robbie Brookside and toured all over the world with him. That, naturally led to a feud between the two sides.
In Britain itself, Dean was a regular for All Star Wrestling and featured on ITV's World of Sport series. He was considered a very good in-ring worker and during the time period after World of Sport was canceled, was among the best performers on the British scene alongside Dave Finley, Danny Boy Collins and Brookside.
Dean competed in the Super J tournament for New Japan Pro Wrestling and at one point in the late 1990s, was signed to WCW, although he was mostly used in enhancement roles, including a reunion of his team with Brookside.
Dean retired officially in 1998, remaining in the United States and opening a plumbing company in Florida.
A number of stars from the British wrestling scene took to social media to pay tribute to Dean:
RIP Ian Doc Dean. I met you in 1984, you were dressed in a Doctors coat, a pair of rubber boots and a helmet. From then on we drove down every road and sailed the 7 seas. The great times will always be with me forever. I shall miss you my dear friend. Forever with me.x pic.twitter.com/XyZsQQHBAW
— Robby Brookside (@RobbyBrookside) August 14, 2018
Totally heartbroken @RobbyBrookside and Ian Doc Dean were such a huge part of my early career in the 90s, I managed the superflys against robby and Doc 2 days before I found out I was 7 months pregnant with @RealPaigeWWE thank you for all your help doc, love you always RIP ????
— SarayaKnight (@RealsarayaK) August 14, 2018
I can’t profess to have been fortunate enough to meet Doc Dean, but I know many of my peers were influenced by his work, the reputation he carved out and the legacy and friendships he created in the British wrestling scene. Thoughts go out to his friends and family at this time.
— El Ligero (@Ligero1) August 14, 2018
V Doc Dean Dubai 1990. The night the Doc threw up in front of 3000 people. The voice of Brian Dixon (refereeing) shouting “ooow it stinks”. The Doc really never had any shame at all. pic.twitter.com/PqghGt3MUV
— Robby Brookside (@RobbyBrookside) August 10, 2018
Sad to hear the passing of Doc Dean. Was never fortunate enough to meet him but no one can deny his influence & impact on the British Wresting scene. ‘The Liverpool Lads’ tag team move is a staple in British Wrestling to this very day. RIP.
— Marty Scurll (@MartyScurll) August 14, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of Doc Dean. One of the men who kept British Wrestling alive during the days when World Of Sport was taken off television. My thoughts go out to his family & friends
— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) August 14, 2018
Very sad to hear of the passing of my old friend Ian “Doc” I’ve known him since 1986 and spent the next sew years traveling with him. He came to WCW , it didn’t work out, but he stayed in Orlando and made it his home.We had our ups and downs , unfortunately..
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 14, 2018
downs the last several years but I hoped one day he’d sort his life out and myself ,Doc and @RobbyBrookside would all get back together and have more laughs. My best wishes to Kate, Adam and the rest of his family.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 14, 2018
It’s with unbelievable sadness that my son Adam’s Dad Ian “Doc” Dean passed away last night in his home in Florida, he was 48 years old. He will be coming home to us and back to his home of Liverpool. Love you with all of my heart. ?????? pic.twitter.com/9Eo2dlDWPi
— Klondyke Kate (@Klondyke_Kate) August 14, 2018
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