Boris Malenko

Many foreign heels in wrestling are not foreign at all. Lawrence Simon was one such athlete, but as opposed to playing the role with a shaved head and little words, he developed a character named Boris Malenko with multiple levels that was more sinister than stereotypically foreign.

Malenko was supposed to be from the Soviet Union, but he was actually from Florida. He became a master of the “Russian Chain” Match and knew how to work a crowd through in ring psychology and deliberately paced interviews. Although he was successful in multiple territories it was in his home state of Florida that his star shone brightest. After his in ring career ended, Boris Malenko would become a very successful trainer of multiple future grapplers. As the father of Dean Malenko, it could be argued that the two may have a better shot to go in together as opposed to separately, though as their career didn’t overlap it may be a hard one to justify.

Should Boris Malenko be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 57.9%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 26.3%

No opinion. - 5.3%

No way! - 5.3%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Lawrence Simon (Real Name)
Larry Simon
Larry Malenko
Otto Von Krupp
The Great Malenko
Boris “The Great” Malenko
Billed From: Multiple Places
Key Championships Held: NWA Texas Heavyweight
AWA World Tag Team w/Bob Geigel
NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight
NWA Florida Heavyweight
NWA Brass Knuckles (8)
NWA (Texas) American Heavyweight
NWA Florida Tag Team (2) 1w/Bob Roop, 1w/Johnny Walker
NWA Southeastern Heavyweight
NWA Southeastern Television
Why they will get in: He could slide in tandem with his son Dean.
Why they won't get in: Like many, he doesn’t have an extensive background with the WWE.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Received (but failed) an NWA World Heavyweight Title Shot against Buddy Rogers (7/9/61)
2. As Otto Von Krupp, wins the AWA Tag Team Titles with Bob Geigel (11/23/61)
3. Wins the coveted NWA Florida Heavyweight Title (5/16/67)
4. Beats Eddie Graham to win the NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Title for the First of many times (8/22/68)
5. Upon retirement, became the trainer for MANY future wrestling stars (1980’s)