Andrew Ravens
WWE has reportedly signed Marie Malenko, according to a report from Bodyslam published on Friday. The daughter of Dean Malenko and granddaughter of Boris Malenko is expected to report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando in the near future.
Malenko took part in a WWE tryout in Florida last month, and in the weeks leading up to that, she gained in-ring experience through a series of matches in Japan. She wrestled four times in February for Japanese promotions that maintain working relationships with WWE, giving her early exposure to professional competition ahead of her expected arrival at the Performance Center.
Her in-ring debut came on the February 2 edition of Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Monday Magic show, where she teamed with Sofia Sivan in a three-way tag match that was ultimately won by Great Sakuya and Alivia Rose. She returned to the Monday Magic show on February 9, this time teaming with Miyuki Takase and Sivan to pick up a tag match victory.
Malenko also competed twice for Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion during that same stretch. On February 7, she faced Seri Yamaoka in a singles match that went to a time-limit draw. The following day, she defeated Rea Seto in singles competition. The four-match run in Japan gave Malenko a competitive foundation heading into her WWE tryout and now, reportedly, a contract with the company.
Dean Malenko is widely regarded as one of the best technical wrestlers of his generation, a multi-time WCW cruiserweight champion, and a one-time member of the Four Horsemen. His father, Boris Malenko, was a respected performer and trainer throughout his career. Marie’s signing, if confirmed, would mark the latest chapter in a family legacy that spans decades in the professional wrestling business.
Not only is this a notable signing for now, but it could mark the start of WWE’s next big star should everything pan out. She has a great foundation to start from, before even getting to the Performance Center, where the company will help refine her skillset.
