When it comes to legends in professional wrestling, it’s easy to fixate on the names who were able to become World Champions. However, while the likes of Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Sting, The Rock and more would be headlining cards – it was the likes of Dean Malenko who would hold wrestling cards together. Malenko remains in the industry to this day, working as a backstage coach in All Elite Wrestling – but AEW commentator Tony Schiavone has revealed that Malenko is not in the best shape.
Dean Malenko Has Parkinsons, Diabetes, and Had A Heart Attack
While speaking on his “When It Happened” podcast about Starcade 1996, Schiavone would speak about the health of his close friend.
“His health is not good. We had him on Starrcast in Chicago. No one had really talked about it, but he mentioned that he had Parkinson’s. He’s also had a heart attack. He’s got diabetes. So he’s had some serious, serious health problems, but he’s still a part of AEW backstage.”
At Starcade 1996, Malenko would open the show as he defended the WCW World Crusierweight Championship against Ultimo Dragon – with it considered to be the best match of the night. Malenko would retire in 2001, but came out of retirement for a dark match with Mistico in 2007. Tragically, footage of this match has never been released in any form online.
Malenko Helps To Set Up The Big AEW Main Events
When it comes to Malenko’s duties in AEW, Schiavone would reveal that he’s often got a hand in major matches for the company.
“They always make sure that he’s, of the big matches when you see like Moxley or Danielson or one of those main events, big main events, Dean is always the coach. One of the reasons that they have Dean as the coach for it is he doesn’t put up with any bullsh*t at all. I’m glad to see him still working, but I’m very sad about his health problems that he’s had these days.”
We here at TheOvertimer wish Malenko all the best going into 2023, and hope he’s able to keep contributing to the industry he loves. What are some of your favorite Dean Malenko moments?
Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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