Dean Malenko 998636 223758166 2008-07-05T17:26:12Z Gavyn Sykes 3148594 /* Championships and accomplishments */ Source for PWI award, other m fixes {{Infobox Wrestler |name=Dean Malenko |image= |names='''Dean Malenko'''<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dean-malenko.html|title=Dean Malenko's Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref><ref name="acceleratorbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/malenko.html|title=Dean Malenko's Bio|work=Accelerator's Wrestling Rollercoaster|accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref><br />Ciclope<ref name="slamboree98"/> |height={{height|foot=5|inch=10}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |weight={{convert|212|lb|kg=st|abbr=on}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |birth_date={{birth date and age|1960|8|4}}<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="acceleratorbio"/> |death_date= |death_place= |birth_place=[[Irvington, New Jersey]] |resides=[[Lutz, Florida]] |billed=[[Tampa, Florida]]<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="acceleratorbio"/> |trainer=[[Boris Malenko]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |debut=1979<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="acceleratorbio"/> |retired=[[August 9]], [[2001]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |}} '''Dean Simon''' (born [[August 4]] [[1960]])<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="acceleratorbio"/> better known by his [[ring name]] '''Dean Malenko''', is a [[retirement|retired]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) working on its ''[[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]]'' [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] as the senior [[Road agent (professional wrestling)|road agent]].<ref name="wweroster">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/wwe-roster/|title=WWE Roster|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref> World Wrestling Entertainment was previously known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He is best known for his time with [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW), [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW) and [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW). In WWF, he was a [[List of WWF Light Heavyweight Champions|2-time]] [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship|Light Heavyweight Champion]].<ref name="lightheavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/|title=WWF Light Heavyweight Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref><ref name="malenkotitles">{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Lopez|date=[[2008-06-04]]|url=http://wrestlertitles.blogspot.com/2008/06/dean-malenko.html|title=Dean Malenko's Title History|work=Blogger|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> In WCW, he was a [[List of WWE United States Champions|1-time]] [[WWE United States Championship|United States Heavyweight Champion]],<ref name="ustitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref><ref name="malenkotitles"/> a [[List of WWE Cruiserweight Champions|4-time]] [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship|Cruiserweight Champion]]<ref name="cruiser">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/|title=WWE Cruiserweight Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref><ref name="malenkotitles"/> and a [[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|1-time]] [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|World Tag Team Champion]] with [[Chris Benoit]].<ref name="wcwtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-t.html|title=W.C.W. World Tag Team Title|work=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref><ref name="malenkotitles"/> In ECW, he was a [[List of ECW Television Champions|2-time]] [[ECW Television Championship|Television Champion]]<ref name="ecwtv">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwtvtitlehistory/|title=ECW Television Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref><ref name="malenkotitles"/> and a [[List of ECW Tag Team Champions|1-time]] [[ECW Tag Team Championship|Tag Team Champion]] with [[Chris Benoit]].<ref name="ecwtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwtaghistory/|title=ECW Tag Team Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref><ref name="malenkotitles"/> ==Career== Malenko was born into a wrestling family, and his father [[Boris Malenko]] was a prominent wrestling figure in his own right. He has wrestled all over the world and has spent much time wrestling in [[Mexico]] and [[Japan]]. He wrestled with his brother Joe from 1988 to 1992, forming a [[tag team]], until his brother retired. On [[January 24]] [[1992]], Malenko defeated "the Superstar" for the Suncoast Pro Wrestling (SPW) Southern title in [[Palmetto, Florida]]. Malenko defeated [[Jimmy Del Ray|Jimmy Backlund]] for the ICWA Light Heavyweight title on [[March 12]] 1992, in Tampa. === Extreme Championship Wrestling (1994-1995) === ====The Shooter (1994)==== He later joined [[Extreme Championship Wrestling|Eastern Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) on [[August 27]], [[1994]], as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] participating in a [[Professional wrestling tournament|tournament]] for the vacant [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]]. He defeated [[Osamu Nishimura]] in the quarterfinals before he ended up losing to the eventual winner [[Shane Douglas]] in the semifinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1994c.html#082794|title=NWA World Title Tournament results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-05-25|quote=Dean Malenko beat Osamu Nishimura vis submission. Shane Douglas pinned Dean Malenko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/tournaments.html#nwa|title=NWA World Title Tournament 1994|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-05-25}}</ref> Douglas would later rename his ECW title, the ''Extreme'' Championship Wrestling and the promotion was also renamed ''Extreme'' Championship Wrestling. He became known as "The [[Shoot (professional wrestling)|Shooter]]" Dean Malenko and was given a [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmick]] similar to an [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] fighter (due to his uncanny resemblance to [[Royce Gracie]]). On [[November 4]], [[1994]], he defeated [[2 Cold Scorpio]] to win his first [[ECW Television Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1994d.html#110494|title=ECW results - November 4, 1994|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-05-25|quote=Dean Malenko pinned Too Cold Scorpio to win the ECW TV Title}}</ref><ref name="ecwtv"/> ====Triple Threat / Feud with Eddie Guerrero (1995)==== {{main|Triple Threat}} In the beginning of 1995, Malenko formed a [[List of professional wrestling slang#F|faction]] '''[[Triple Threat]]''' with [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Shane Douglas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/triple-threat.html|title=Triple Threat Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-01}}</ref> On [[February 25]], [[1995]], Benoit and Malenko defeated [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] and [[Tazz|Tazmaniac]] for the [[ECW Tag Team Championship]], making Malenko a double champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995a.html#022595|title=Return of the Funker results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko beat The Tazmaniac & Sabu (10:28) to win the ECW Tag Title when Benoit pinned Sabu}}</ref><ref name="ecwtag"/> A month later, Malenko [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] the Television title back to [[2 Cold Scorpio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995a.html#031895|title=ECW results - March 18, 1995|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Too Cold Scorpio pinned Dean Malenko (13:34) to win the ECW TV Title}}</ref> On [[April 8]], he and Benoit lost the tag titles to [[The Public Enemy (professional wrestling)|The Public Enemy]] ([[Johnny Grunge]] and [[Rocco Rock]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995b.html#040895|title=Three Way Dance results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=The Public Enemy beat Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko and The Tazmaniac & Rick Steiner (19:56) in a "three way dance" to win the ECW Tag Title}}</ref> In the summer of 1995, Malenko [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with TV Champion [[Eddie Guerrero]], culminating in a match on [[July 21]] where Malenko defeated Guerrero to win his second ECW Television Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#072195|title=ECW results - July 21, 1995|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Dean Malenko pinned Eddie Guerrero to win the ECW TV Title}}</ref><ref name="ecwtv"/> Only a week later, Malenko dropped the title back to Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#072895|title=ECW results - July 28, 1995|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Eddie Guerrero pinned Dean Malenko to win the ECW TV Title}}</ref> The two continued to battle over the Television Title and fought a series of matches that led to them being offered a WCW contract.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/> His last ECW match was a [[two out of three falls match]] against Guerrero, which took place on [[August 26]]. The ended in a draw as the last fall had both men's shoulders on the mat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995c.html#082695|title=ECW results - August 26, 1995|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Dean Malenko drew Eddie Guerrero in three falls}}</ref> This would be both men's last match in ECW and they both gave -- and received -- an emotional farewell to the fans.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/> === World Championship Wrestling (1995-2000) === ====Cruiserweight Championship Feuds (1995-1996)==== In [[1995#September|September 1995]], Malenko and Benoit joined [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), where he continued to be a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]. Malenko came to be known in WCW as "The Iceman" Dean Malenko because of his cold, calculating demeanor and was also given the nickname of "The Man of 1,000 Holds".<ref name="acceleratorbio"/> On [[May 2]], [[1996]], Malenko defeated [[Shinjiro Otani]] for the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship|WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]].<ref name="cruiser"/> He held the title for two months, making successful defenses against the likes of [[Brad Armstrong (wrestler)|Brad Armstrong]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/slambore.html#96|title=Slamboree 1996: Lord of the Ring results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW Cruiserweight Champ Dean Malenko pinned Brad Armstrong (8:29)}}</ref> [[Rey Mysterio Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/gabash.html#96|title=The Great American Bash 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW Cruiserweight Champ Dean Malenko pinned Rey Misterio, Jr. (17:50)}}</ref> and [[Glen Gilberti|Disco Inferno]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#96|title=Bash at the Beach 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW Cruiserweight Champ Dean Malenko pinned Dean Malenko (12:04)}}</ref> before losing the title to Mysterio on [[July 8]] edition of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]''.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Petrie|date=[[1996-07-08]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1996/nitro070896|title=WCW Nitro: July 08, 1996|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=REY MISTERIO JR. vs. DEAN MALENKO. Misterio ties up the legs and covers for the pin, winning the Cruiserweight Title}}</ref> He defeated Mysterio Jr. for his second WCW Cruiserweight Championship at [[Halloween Havoc#1996|Halloween Havoc 1996]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#96|title=Halloween Havoc 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Dean Malenko pinned Rey Misterio, Jr. (18:32) to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title}}</ref><ref name="cruiser"/> After a successful title defense against [[Psicosis|Psychosis]] at [[WCW World War 3#1996|World War 3 1996]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#96|title=World War 3 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW Cruiserweight Champ Dean Malenko pinned Psicosis (14:33)}}</ref> Malenko lost the Cruiserweight title to [[Yoshihiro Asai|Ultimate Dragón]] at [[Starrcade (1996)|Starrcade 1996]] where Dragon's [[J-Crown|J-Crown Championship]] was also on the line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#96|title=Starrcade 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=J Crown Champ Ultimate Dragon pinned Dean Malenko (18:30) to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title}}</ref> Malenko defeated Dragón on [[January 22]], [[1997]] [[Clash of the Champions#Clash of the Champions XXXIV|edition]] of ''[[Clash of the Champions]]'' to win his third WCW Cruiserweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXXIV|title=Clash of the Champions XXXIV results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Dean Malenko beat Ultimate Dragon (15:07) via submission to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title}}</ref><ref name="cruiser"/> He would hold the belt for nearly a month before losing it to [[Sean Waltman|Syxx]] at [[SuperBrawl#SuperBrawl VII|SuperBrawl VII]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VII|title=SuperBrawl VII results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Syxx pinned Dean Malenko (11:57) to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title}}</ref> ====United States Champion (1997)==== At [[Uncensored#1997|Uncensored 1997]], Malenko defeated former ECW foe [[Eddie Guerrero]] to win the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#97|title=Uncensored 1997 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Dean Malenko pinned Eddie Guerrero (19:14) to win the WCW US Title}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454143|title=Dean Malenko's first United States Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-06-01}}</ref> After Malenko became US Champion, he [[List of professional wrestling slang#T|turned]] [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyface]] and began [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]]ing with [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|Four Horsemen]] members. At [[Spring Stampede#1997|Spring Stampede 1997]], he defended the US title against Horsemen member [[Chris Benoit]] in a match that resulted in a no contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#97|title=Spring Stampede 1997 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW U.S. Champ Dean Malenko NC Chris Benoit}}</ref> After Benoit feud ended, he feuded with another Horsemen member [[Jeff Jarrett]]. After a successful title defense against Jarrett at [[Slamboree#1997|Slamboree 1997]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/slambore.html#97|title=Slamboree 1997 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW U.S. Champ Dean Malenko pinned Jeff Jarrett (15:03) via submission}}</ref> he lost the title to Jarrett on [[June 9]], [[1997]] edition of ''Nitro'' after Eddie Guerrero interfered and turned heel.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Petrie|date=[[1997-06-09]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?1997/nitro060997|title=WCW Nitro: June 09, 1997|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=JEFF JARRETT vs. DEAN MALENKO. Eddy Guerrero hops over the rail at ringside and climbs the ropes. He looks, then nails Malenko with the Frog Splash. Jarrett slaps on the Figure Four and Malenko quickly submits. Jarrett wins the United States Heavyweight Title in notable, but unsatisfying fashion}}</ref> Malenko eventually aligned with Jarrett and the two faced Benoit and [[Steve McMichael]] in an [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team matches|elimination tag team match]] at [[Road Wild#1997|Road Wild 1997]], where Benoit and McMichael won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#97|title=Road Wild 1997 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Steve McMichael & Chris Benoit beat Jeff Jarrett & Dean Malenko (9:36) in an "elimination" match}}</ref> Shortly after, Jarrett and Malenko separated and had a match at [[Fall Brawl#1997|Fall Brawl 1997: WarGames]] where Malenko was defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#97|title=Fall Brawl 1997: WarGames results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Jeff Jarrett beat Dean Malenko (14:53) via submission}}</ref> ====Return to Cruiserweight Division (1998)==== At [[World War 3#1997|World War 3 1997]], Malenko participated in a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)#World War 3|60-man, three-ring battle royal]] won by [[Scott Hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#97|title=World War 3 1997 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=Scott Hall won a "three ring battle royal" (29:48)}}</ref> At [[Starrcade (1997)|Starrcade 1997]], he challenged Guerrero for the Cruiserweight Title but ended up losing the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#97|title=Starrcade 1997 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-01|quote=WCW Cruiserweight Champ Eddie Guerrero pinned Dean Malenko (14:57)}}</ref> In mid-1998, Malenko engaged in a [[Heat (professional wrestling)|heat]]ed [[feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Chris Jericho]]. To better Malenko's claims, Jericho boasted that he was "The Man of 1,004 Holds" and the two had a final showdown at [[Uncensored#1998|Uncensored 1998]] for the Cruiserweight title. After a long match, Jericho came out on top, leaving the otherwise subdued Malenko in an unusual fit of frustration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#98|title=Uncensored 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-02|quote=WCW Cruiserweight Champ Chris Jericho beat Dean Malenko (14:42) via submission}}</ref> [[Gene Okerlund]] then confronted Malenko post match, aggressively citing his many losses in the past several months and asking where he would go from this point. Malenko replied simply, "Home," and would not be seen on WCW TV for two months.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/> At [[Slamboree#1998|Slamboree 1998]], Jericho held a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|Battle Royal]] for a shot at his Cruiserweight Championship. The [[Lucha libre#wrestling mask|masked]] wrestler [[Manuel Ortiz|Ciclope]] surprisingly won. He then removed the mask, revealing himself to be Dean Malenko and defeating Jericho for his fourth and final WCW Cruiserweight Championship, thus becoming the first-ever wrestler to win the Cruiserweight title four times.<ref name="slamboree98">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/slambore.html#98|title=Slamboree 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-02|quote=Ciclope (Dean Malenko) won a "cruiserweight battle royal" (8:27). Dean Malenko beat Chris Jericho (7:02) via submission to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title}}</ref><ref name="malenkocruiser4">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/30445413212111221411121|title=Dean Malenko's fourth Cruiserweight Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref> Malenko was stripped of the title due to Malenko not earning the title shot as himself.<ref name="malenkocruiser4"/> At [[The Great American Bash#1998|The Great American Bash 1998]], Malenko and Jericho faced each other in a match for the vacant Cruiserweight title. Malenko lost by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]], making Jericho the champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/gabash.html#98|title=The Great American Bash 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-03|quote=Chris Jericho beat Dean Malenko (13:52) via DQ to win the vacant WCW Cruiserweight Title}}</ref> At [[Bash at the Beach#1998|Bash at the Beach 1998]], Malenko interfered in Jericho's title defense against [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.]] allowing Mysterio to pin Jericho for the title.<ref name="beach98">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98|title=Bash at the Beach 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-03|quote=Rey Misterio, Jr. pinned Chris Jericho (6:00) to apparently win the WCW Cruiserweight Title. However, the title was returned to Jericho due to interference by Dean Malenko}}</ref> However, the title was returned to Jericho because of interference by Malenko.<ref name="beach98"/> Malenko was [[kayfabe|fired]] but returned at [[Road Wild#1998|Road Wild 1998]] as the [[Professional wrestling match types#Special Guest Referee|special guest referee]] during Jericho's defense against [[Juventud Guerrera]].<ref name="roadwild98">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98|title=Road Wild 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-03|quote=Juventud Guerrera pinned Chris Jericho (16:24) to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title. Dean Malenko was the guest referee}}</ref> Juventud won the match and the title.<ref name="roadwild98"/> ====Four Horsemen / The Revolution (1999-2000)==== {{main|Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)}} In [[1998#September|September 1998]], Malenko became a part of the [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)#The final incarnation|final incarnation]] of [[Ric Flair]]'s '''[[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|Four Horsemen]]''' [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/f/four-horsemen.html|title=Four Horsemen Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-03}}</ref> They feuded with the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|nWo]], particularly [[Eric Bischoff]]. Malenko and Benoit also battled the [[West Texas Rednecks]] ([[Curt Hennig]] and [[Barry Windham]]) during this period. At [[SuperBrawl#SuperBrawl IX|SuperBrawl IX]], they lost to Rednecks in the finals of a [[tag team]] tournament for the vacant World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#IX|title=SuperBrawl IX results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-03|quote=Barry Windham & Curt Hennig beat Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko (1:52) to win the vacant WCW Tag Title when Windham pinned Malenko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/tagtitle.html#worldtag99|title=WCW Tag Team Title Tournament 1999|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-03}}</ref> However, at [[Uncensored#1999|Uncensored 1999]], they defeated Rednecks in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Lumberjack match|lumberjack match]] to win the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99|title=Uncensored 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-03|quote=Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko beat Curt Hennig & Barry Windham (16:58) to win the WCW Tag Title when Benoit pinned Windham}}</ref><ref name="wcwtag"/> Two weeks later, they lost the titles to [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.]] and [[Peter Gruner|Billy Kidman]].<ref>{{cite web|date=[[1999-03-29]]|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999034m.htm|title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 03/29/99|work=DDT Digest|accessdate=2008-06-03|quote=WCW World Tag Team Champions Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko vs. WCW World Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman. Raven runs in and Evenflows Malenko. Rey covers for the win and the belts}}</ref> {{main|Revolution (professional wrestling)}} After the Horsemen were finally disbanded in [[1999#May|May 1999]] due to Flair's abuse of power, Malenko joined up with [[Shane Douglas]]' faction, '''[[Revolution (professional wrestling)|The Revolution]]''', which was formed in [[1999#July|July 1999]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/revolution.html|title=Revolution Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> They [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[David Flair]], [[Diamond Dallas Page]] and [[Chris Kanyon]]. At [[Bash at the Beach#1999|Bash at the Beach 1999]], Malenko challenged David for the US title but lost the match. They battled many teams throughout the year including West Texas Rednecks, [[The First Family (professional wrestling)|First Family]], [[Filthy Animals]] and [[Varsity Club]]. Malenko's last WCW match was a "[[Catch wrestling|catch-as-catch-can]]" match with [[Peter Gruner|Billy Kidman]] at ''[[Souled Out#2000|Souled Out]]''. Early on, Malenko instinctively left the ring to regroup and was disqualified under the match stipulations because his feet hit the arena floor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/nwoppv.html#00|title=Souled Out 2000 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=Billy Kidman beat Dean Malenko (2:36) in a "catch-as-catch-can" match. Malenko lost by touching the floor}}</ref> === World Wrestling Federation (2000-2001) === ====The Radicalz / Light Heavyweight Champion (2000)==== {{main|The Radicalz}} After being granted his release from WCW the night after his last WCW match, Malenko signed with the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) and debuted on [[January 31]] [[2000]] edition of ''[[WWE Raw|RAW is WAR]]''. Malenko first appeared in the crowd with the infamous '''[[The Radicalz|Radicalz]]''' - himself, [[Chris Benoit]], [[Perry Saturn]], and [[Eddie Guerrero]] - who all made exits from WCW at the same time.<ref name="radicalz">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/radicalz.html|title=Radicalz Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> While not having as much success in the WWF, Malenko was a force in the [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]]'s [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|light heavyweight division]]. Along with Benoit, Saturn, and Guerrero, he had some measure of success as part of The Radicalz. On [[March 13]] edition of ''RAW is WAR'', Malenko defeated [[Mr. Águila|Essa Rios]] for his first [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman|date=[[2000-03-13]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw031300|title=Raw is War: March 13, 2000|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=ESSA RIOS (with Lita) v. DEAN MALENKO (with Eric Guerrero) for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Malenko stops and covers - 1, 2, 3!! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a NEW World Light Heavyweight Champion}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/357188|title=Dean Malenko's first Light Heavyweight Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> In [[2000#April|April 2000]], he [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[Scott Garland (professional wrestler)|Scotty Too Hotty]] who was the new challenger for his Light Heavyweight title. He [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] the title to Scotty on [[April 17]] edition of ''RAW is WAR''<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman|date=[[2000-04-17]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw041700|title=Raw is War: April 17, 2000|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=SCOTTY TOO HOTTY v. DEAN MALENKO for the Light Heavyweight championship. Hotty rolls Malenko and hooks his legs with his own - 1, 2, 3!!!!! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a NEW World Light Heavyweight champion}}</ref> before he won his second WWF Light Heavyweight Championship from Scotty on [[April 27]] edition of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman|date=[[2000-04-27]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/smackdown042700|title=WWF Smackdown: April 27, 2000|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=DEAN MALENKO v. SCOTTY TOO HOTTY for the Light Heavyweight championship. Malenko falls to his knees and anchors himself on the second rope. Sparks somehow misses this and counts to 3. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new light heavyweight champion}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/357236|title=Dean Malenko's second Light Heavyweight Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> At [[Backlash#2000|Backlash 2000]], Malenko successfully defended the title against Scotty, thus ending the feud between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2000/results/|title=Backlash 2000 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=Cruiserweight Champion Dean Malenko def. Scotty 2 Hotty}}</ref> Later that year, with Benoit having drifted away from the group, Malenko engaged in a feud with Guerrero and Saturn which stemmed from Guerrero's on-screen relationship with [[Chyna]] and a number of losses suffered when working as a tag team with Saturn.<ref name="radicalz"/> The feud led to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] at [[WWE Judgment Day#2000|Judgment Day 2000]] where Guerrero retained the [[WWF European Championship]] against both Malenko and Saturn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2000/results/|title=Judgment Day 2000 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote='''WWE European Championship:''' Eddie Guerrero def. Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn in a Triangle Match to retain}}</ref> After a brief absence from [[television|TV]], Malenko returned to reform The Radicalz with Benoit, Guerrero, and Perry Saturn.<ref name="radicalz"/> Around this time, Malenko briefly became known as '''Double Ho Seven''', a [[parody]] of the fictional character, [[James Bond]]. The [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmick]] was born out of a match with [[Charles Wright (wrestler)|The Godfather]], who offered one of his female escorts to Malenko instead of wrestling him. Malenko gladly accepted his opponent's offer. As Double Ho Seven, Malenko competed for the affections of [[Amy Dumas|Lita]] and feuded with her [[tag team]] the [[Hardy Boyz]]. He even offered Lita a title match for his Light Heavyweight Championship, but under the condition that if she lost she would be obliged to go on a date with him.<ref name="RAW - Malenko vs Lita">{{cite web|author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman|date=[[2000-12-04]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2000/raw120400|title=Raw is War: December 04, 2000|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=WWF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: LITA v. DEAN MALENKO IS NOT JAMES BOND - belt vs. date. Lita climbing back up...going for the scary rana, but Malenko catches her with the POWERbomb. Texas cloverleaf is academic...as is Lita tapping}}</ref> Lita accepted and almost caught Malenko by a few nearfalls throughout the match, but in the end lost the match by submitting to his signature Cloverleaf.<ref name="RAW - Malenko vs Lita"/> ====Reunion with Saturn / Retirement (2001)==== Malenko's feud with [[Hardy Boyz]] and [[Amy Dumas|Lita]] continued in early 2001, culminating with Lita [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] him (with some assistance from [[Matt Hardy]]) in a match on [[February 19]] [[2001]] edition of ''RAW is WAR''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher Robin Zimmerman|date=[[2001-02-19]]|url=http://www.otherarena.com/htm/cgi-bin/history.cgi?2001/raw021901|title=Raw is War: February 19, 2001|work=The Other Arena|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=LITA v. DEAN MALENKO. MATT HARDY is out from the crowd - ducking a swing of the chair - gutshot, Malenko drops the chair - Hardy with the WHACK - Lita crawls over to Malenko...Doan comes to - 1, 2, 3}}</ref> He also briefly feuded with [[Jacqueline Moore|Jacqueline]] and [[Lisa Moretti|Ivory]], who were disgusted by his lecherous ways. A title feud with [[Mike Lockwood|Crash Holly]] would begin after Crash interfered in a two-on-one [[intergender wrestling|intergender]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] between Malenko, and both Jacqueline and Ivory, costing him the match.<ref name="res2001">{{cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/01.htm|title=WWF Show Results 2001|work=Angelfire|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> After holding the Light Heavyweight Championship for nearly twelve months, Malenko lost the title to Crash on [[March 18]] edition of ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night HEAT]]''.<ref>{{cite web|date=[[2001-03-18]]|url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/heat/010318.htm|title=Sunday Night Heat: March 18, 2001|work=pWwew - Everything Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=The first match on HEAT was a Light Heavyweight Championship match, as Dean Malenko defended his title against Crash Holly, who was led to the ring by his cousin Molly. Crash snuck into the ring, with the Light Heavyweight Championship, distracting the referee, and allowing Molly to hit Dean with a somersault splash from the top rope! Crash then rolled up Malenko to become the new Light Heavyweight Champion}}</ref> After both Benoit and Guerrero drifted away from the Radicalz, Malenko teamed with Saturn for a few weeks before quietly disappearing off television as the [[World Championship Wrestling|WCW]]/[[Extreme Championship Wrestling|ECW]] [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion]] storyline began in summer 2001.<ref name="res2001"/> ===Retirement and WWE appearances=== Malenko's final wrestling match took place at [[Brian Pillman Memorial Show#4th Annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show|4th Annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show]] in [[2001#August|August 2001]]. In his final match, Malenko teamed with longtime friend [[Perry Saturn]] and defeated [[Scott Levy|Raven]] and [[Peter Polaco|Justin Credible]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/pillman.html#4th|title=4th Annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-06-04|quote=Perry Saturn & Dean Malenko beat Justin Credible & Raven when Malenko forced Credible to submit}}</ref> Malenko appeared in the ring along with other legendary wrestlers during a segment of the [[WWE Raw#Return to USA Network|WWE Homecoming]] edition of RAW on [[October 3]], [[2005]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051003.html|title=RAW results - October 3, 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> His friend [[Eddie Guerrero]] died on [[November 13]] [[2005]] and Malenko made a special appearance on the [[November 14]] edition of ''RAW'' alongside Chris Benoit, speaking about Eddie's death and talking about the memories they had shared together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051114.html|title=RAW results - November 14, 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> The following Friday on ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'', Malenko once again appeared after a match between [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Triple H]], and the three embraced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051118.html|title=SmackDown! results - November 18, 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> After the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|2006 Royal Rumble]], he was seen congratulating [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] on his Rumble victory. At [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance 2007]], he appeared in a backstage segment watching [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance07.html|title=Vengeance: Night of Champions results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> On the [[Chris Benoit]] memorial episode of Monday Night RAW, he talked about the life of Chris Benoit. He was very sad since two of his close friends, Eddie and Benoit were both dead, but said he was happy that they were together again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070625.html|title=RAW results - June 25, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> Dean then made an appearance on the [[March 31]] [[2008]] edition of ''Raw'' to join [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|The Four Horsemen]] and other WWE superstars in a farewell tribute to Ric Flair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080331.html|title=RAW results - March 31, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> ==In wrestling== *'''Finishing and signature moves''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **'''[[Professional wrestling holds#Cloverleaf|Cloverleaf]]''' **[[Powerbomb#Double underhook powerbomb|'''Double underhook powerbomb''']], often immediately transitioned into the '''Cloverleaf''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **[[Brainbuster]] **[[Professional wrestling holds#Figure four leglock|Figure four leglock]] **[[Professional wrestling throws#Gutbuster|Gutbuster]], sometimes from the [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|second rope]] **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Leg lariat|Leg lariat]] **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Spinning heel kick|Spinning heel kick]] **[[Backbreaker#Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker|Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker]] *'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]''' **[[Debra Marshall|Debra]] *'''[[Nickname]]s''' **The Man of 1,000 Holds **The Shooter **The Iceman **Double Ho Seven *'''Moves he innovated'''{{Fact|date=June 2008}} **[[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Dudley Death Drop|Dudley Death Drop (3-D)]] **[[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Crippler Crossface]] ==Personal life== On [[March 31]], [[1996]], Dean married Julie Hittinger. They have two children, daughter Larissa ([[December 25]] [[1997]]), and son Preston Dean (April 2002). Larrisa was named after Dean's father, whose real name was Larry Simon.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0539357/bio Dean Malenko - Biography<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Championships and accomplishments== *'''[[Extreme Championship Wrestling]]'''<ref name="malenkotitles"/> **[[ECW Television Championship]] ([[List of ECW Television Champions|2 times]])<ref name="ecwtv"/> **[[ECW Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ECW Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref name="ecwtag"/> - with [[Chris Benoit]] *'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''' **PWI ranked him # '''1''' in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 1997.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50097.htm|accessdate=2008-07-05|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 1997|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> *'''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'''<ref name="malenkotitles"/> **[[WWE Cruiserweight Championship|WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE Cruiserweight Champions|4 times]])<ref name="cruiser"/> **[[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|1 time]])<ref name="ustitle"/> **[[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref name="wcwtag"/> - with Chris Benoit *'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]]'''<ref name="malenkotitles"/> **[[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWF Light Heavyweight Champions|2 times]])<ref name="lightheavyweight"/> *'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]''' **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1995) <small>vs. [[Eddie Guerrero]]</small> **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Technical Wrestler|Best Technical Wrestler]] (1996, 1997) *'''Other Titles''' **ICWA Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time) **SPW Southern Championship (1 time) ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}} *{{imdb name|id=0539357|name=Dean Malenko}} *[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dean-malenko.html Profile at the Online World of Wrestling] {{DEFAULTSORT:Malenko, Dean}} [[Category:1960 births]] [[Category:American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Jewish professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Tampa, Florida]] [[Category:World Wrestling Council]] [[de:Dean Malenko]] [[fr:Dean Malenko]] [[it:Dean Simon]] [[ja:ディーン・マレンコ]]