Agent Confidential - Spirit Squad By Dean Malenko

The Rated [R] Ryan

Agent Confidential - Spirit Squad
By Dean Malenko
May 18, 2006

Agent Confidential is a new WWE.com weekly feature that offers fans insight into the minds of some of the most influential people within WWE - the agents. The WWE agent is directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of all live event shows. In addition, agents play a critical role in the creative and athletic aspect of WWE's television shows. Each week, a different agent will write a piece for WWE.com's Agent Confidential. The premiere edition was done by Dean Malenko

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first heard the concept of getting five guys together and putting them in cheerleading roles. I didn’t really know if that idea would work or not. But after watching the Spirit Squad for the past couple months, I think all five guys have really risen to the occasion. They have taken this concept, grasped it and made it their own. All five guys have made the most out of the opportunity they have been given.

A lot of times, guys really don’t know how to take their persona and make it their own. These guys, however, have had no problem. They have taken the Spirit Squad and ran with it and it’s become very successful for all of them. Their ability to do this is what really makes them stand out from other young guys in the past, in my opinion.

As an agent and someone who has been in the business for quite some time, it’s refreshing to see guys get an opportunity at such a young age and see them take it and embrace it. On a nightly basis, these guys go out and give 100 percent whether it’s a live event, television event or pay-per-view. And behind the scenes, they are all really good at coming up with creative ideas and trying to better themselves and their cheerleading personas. They do the whole cheerleading concept well and it’s something that has never been done before in the industry. It’s very innovative and refreshing.

There a couple of guys in the group who stand out to me. One is Kenny. I think Ken could be a breakout performer on his own someday. When I watch him in the ring, I see a 20-year-old kid who has a lot of natural ability. Over the last couple of weeks, he has had the luxury of being in main-event roles with guys such as Shawn Michaels and Triple H. He’s very fortunate to be in the ring with those guys, which can only help him down the line in his career in this industry. They are very experienced and he’s able to obtain valuable knowledge from them which is very hard to get. He’s also got a lot of natural ability. He reminds me a lot of myself and other guys of my era when we were given opportunities. From a fan’s perspective, Kenny’s a guy that they can expect to see as one of the top guys in years to come. Being 20 years old, he has a lot of years ahead of him in his career – not that the other four Spirit Squad members don’t – but by watching Kenny perform on his own in singles action, I think he’s the one guy who is the standout player in that group. They really all work well together, though, and I see nothing but success for all five of those guys.

They are still inexperienced, though, and it takes a long time to be a really good pro; but the future is nothing short of bright for all of them. It takes a lot of ring experience and work in front of crowds. But when I look at them, I see five young guys, all under the age of 25, that are four or five years ahead of the game. At the rate they’re going and if they all stay on the same track, they are five guys that are really going to make it big in this business.

(more on Malenko):

WWE Agent Dean Malenko

While he was never the biggest or flashiest wrestler to step in the ring, Dean Malenko has long been considered one of the best to ever lace up the boots. The “Man of 1000 Holds” achieved success all over the world, wrestling in Japan, Mexico, and later in the United States for ECW, WCW and eventually WWE.

In the mid 90s, Malenko made his mark in Extreme Championship Wrestling. While there he achieved championship status, winning both the World Television and World Tag Team Championships. In 1996, Malenko brought his talents to WCW. Dean excelled in the Monday night spotlight, becoming a four-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and a one-time United States Champion. While in WCW, Malenko recorded some of the more memorable rivalries of the 90s with fellow Superstars Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit and Rey Mysterio. Later, Malenko enjoyed perhaps the highlight of his career, when together they were asked to join the legendary Four Horsemen. As a member of the Horsemen, Malenko, along with his longtime friend Chris Benoit became World Tag Team Champions, cementing his status on the wrestling landscape. In January 2000, Malenko made a dramatic move, leaving WCW for WWE. In short order, Malenko added to his championship resume, becoming a two-time WWE Light Heavyweight Champion.

In late 2001, Malenko hung up his boots and retired from in-ring competition. Years later, he is still considered to be one of the greatest technicians to ever step foot in the squared circle. Today, Dean Malenko is still with WWE, working in a backstage role as a talent agent, helping to guide the Superstars of the future.
From WWE,com

Guardian Devil

Nice post there Ry, good to hear from the "Ice Man" for once.

Luke-E

great post and good read. thanks.

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