Marie Malenko is part of WWE’s newest Performance Center class, and she made it clear this has been a lifelong goal after the announcement became public.
WWE unveiled its latest group of Performance Center recruits this week, introducing Marie Malenko, Mason Rook, Nicole Martinez and Marcus Brown as the newest names entering the company’s developmental system. Marie, the daughter of wrestling legend Dean Malenko, will now compete under the ring name “Lacey Simon.”
Marie reacted on social media by sharing photos of herself growing up around WWE and reflected on finally reaching this moment.
“since birth babyyyyyy. knew what I wanted and got it. let’s get to work. Gods plan.”
Marie already had wrestling experience before signing with WWE, including competing for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan after attending a WWE tryout earlier this year.
Her signing immediately drew attention across wrestling circles because of her family connection. Dean Malenko remains one of the most respected names in wrestling history and currently works behind the scenes for AEW.
Meanwhile, Mason Rook had already started building momentum after appearing on WWE NXT television in recent weeks. Nicole Martinez may also be familiar to some fans from the independent scene under the name Nikki Blackheart, while Marcus Brown joins WWE from the bodybuilding world after previously attending a WWE tryout during 2025.
WWE continues leaning heavily into recruiting athletes and wrestlers from different backgrounds as the company builds its next generation of talent through the Performance Center system.
What do you think about Marie Malenko signing with WWE, and do you think she can become a breakout star under the name Lacey Simon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
