“The Great Malenko” – Master Technician, Fearless Villain, and Influential Trainer
About Boris Malenko
Boris Malenko, known to fans as “The Great Malenko”, was a pivotal figure in Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF). A ruthless heel with unmatched technical prowess and fierce charisma, Malenko left an indelible mark both in the ring and behind the scenes as one of Florida wrestling’s most respected trainers.
Early Life and Wrestling Roots
Born Larry Simon in New Jersey, Boris Malenko adopted his Russian persona during the height of Cold War tensions, drawing massive heat from American crowds. With a background in amateur wrestling, he quickly developed a mat-based style that combined old-school grappling with villainous showmanship.
Career in Championship Wrestling from Florida
In the 1960s and ’70s, Malenko became one of the top stars of CWF, feuding with legends such as Eddie Graham, Wahoo McDaniel, and Jack Brisco. His promos, delivered with thick “Russian” gravitas, helped make him one of the most hated—and respected—men in the territory.
- Multiple-time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion
- Notorious feuds with Joe Scarpa and Eddie Graham
- Featured in headline bouts at the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa
Legacy as a Trainer
After retiring from active competition, Malenko became one of the most influential trainers in the country. He trained his sons, Dean Malenko and Joe Malenko, along with future stars like Norman Smiley and many others who went on to succeed in WCW, WWE, and Japan. His training style emphasized psychology, technical mastery, and credibility in the ring.
Legacy & Recognition
Boris Malenko’s legacy lives on in the technical style of modern wrestling. As the father of Dean Malenko—a WCW Cruiserweight legend and respected WWE agent—his influence continues to shape the wrestling world decades after his prime. He was posthumously honored in numerous wrestling halls of fame and remains a revered figure in Florida wrestling history.
