WWE has signed Marie Malenko, the daughter of Dean Malenko and granddaughter of Boris Malenko, according to Bodyslam. She is expected to report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando shortly.
Malenko took part in a WWE tryout in Florida last month before the signing was completed. Ahead of and alongside that process, she competed four times in February for Japanese promotions that maintain relationships with WWE, gaining early in-ring experience on an international stage.
She made her professional wrestling debut on the February 2 edition of Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Monday Magic show, teaming with Sofia Sivan in a three-way tag match that was 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 team victory.
Malenko also worked two dates for Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion. On February 7 she faced Seri Yamaoka in a singles match that ended in a time-limit draw, and on February 8 she defeated Rea Seto in singles competition.
The Malenko name carries significant weight in professional wrestling. Dean Malenko is a former WWE Cruiserweight and Light Heavyweight Champion and one of the most respected technical wrestlers of his generation. Boris Malenko, Marie’s grandfather, was a prominent professional wrestler and trainer whose students included a number of influential performers during the territorial era of wrestling.
WWE has not made an official announcement regarding Marie Malenko’s signing.
📢 2/2 Shinjuku Backstage
Marie Malenko & Sofia Sivan:
Malenko: “So how do you think my first match in Japan went?”
Sivan: “Listen, Malenko, it was a very tough match, very tough opponents, but you gave I to all you had, and we gave it as good as we got it. Next time, game… pic.twitter.com/38b5hu7kUr
— PRO WRESTLING NOAH (@noahglobal) February 2, 2026
