Dean Malenko Signs With AEW
Four time Cruiserweight champ joins Cody and co. as coach.
Legendary light-heavyweight Dean Malenko has became the latest former WWE staffer to defect to AEW.
The new promotion released a press statement yesterday announcing that 'The Iceman' has signed a multiple-year deal as a coach and senior producer, a position he is expected to assume immediately.
Malenko had served a similar role behind the scenes at WWE following his retirement from the ring in 2001. He quit the company last month - presumably with one eye on an AEW offer.
Speaking of his new opportunity, Malenko said:
"It's not often you get [one] later in your career to be part of building something from the ground floor. The freedom to be able to contribute uninhibited will only lend itself to foster creativity and produce an outstanding product. I’m excited about what the future holds for AEW, and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey."
Lauding his latest acquisition, AEW Executive VP Cody Rhodes noted Malenko was "a massive force behind some of today's biggest wrestling stars," and "the perfect fit for our sports-centric mentality."
Malenko will feature at this weekend's Starrcast event, ahead of today's Double or Nothing.