Signing with WWE was a lifelong goal for Marie Malenko.
The daughter of former WWE/WCW/ECW wrestler Dean Malenko, Marie’s signing was officially announced this week when WWE unveiled its new class of Performance Center recruits. She was identified under the ring name Lacey Simon in the four-person class, which also includes Mason Rook (indie wrestler Will Kroos), Nicole Martinez (Nikki Blackheart), and bodybuilder Marcus Brown.
Marie made an Instagram post today sharing just how long she’s waited for this moment. She included pictures of herself as a child at WWE events with Beth Phoenix, Naomi, CM Punk, and The Bellas.
“Since birth babyyyyyy. knew what I wanted and got it,” she wrote. “Let’s get to work. Gods plan. #wwe #wwenxt #wwesuperstar #nepobaby #3rdgeneration”
She also thanked her coaches Jay Lethal, Vincent Marseglia of The Righteous, and Aleister Black’s Dark Arts Gym.
Before signing, Marie participated in a WWE tryout this February. She also picked up experience in Japan working matches for Pro Wrestling NOAH and Marigold this year.
Marie’s father Dean Malenko is part of the behind-the-scenes staff at AEW and previously worked backstage for WWE.
Of this class of recruits, Kroos is the farthest along, already having debuted on NXT by targeting the brand’s champion Tony D’Angelo. Martinez, who has impressed those in WWE, worked a dark match at NXT this Tuesday.