Dean Malenko

On 12 August 2020 (contemporaneous reporting; some DDT lists date the related change 13 August)
Dean Malenko built his reputation as one of wrestling’s great technical specialists, famous for a calm, calculating style and formidable submission holds. His legacy includes major championship runs in ECW, WCW and WWE, followed by a backstage role with AEW. Malenko added an unusual international title to his story when he forced Sammy Guevara to tap out and captured the REW Pakistan 24/7 Championship. During the same period, he also won DDT’s Ironman Heavymetalweight title from Joey Janela, bringing the two championships into a shared 24/7 storyline. His reign ended when Orange Cassidy caught him off guard with a pinfall. Malenko is honored as an REW championship alumnus, without any claim that he competed in an REW ring.