Dean Malenko Gifts Shinjiro Otani With WCW Cruiserweight Title

Dean Malenko has given Shinjiro Otani the WCW Cruiserweight Title belt that he competed for back in 1996. Otani posted to Twitter on Wednesday to share a photo of himself with the title, writing:

“I received the best gift from Dean Malenko

The WCW Cruiserweight belt that I fought and competed for with Malenko in 1996

Referee Tayama, my senior from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, brought it to me on behalf of Malenko

I’ve gained another precious treasure

I can feel the strength surging within me

Let’s do this!”

Otani challenged Malenko for the title back in May of 1996.

ディーン・マレンコ選手から最高のプレゼントが届いた

僕が1996年にマレンコ選手と闘い争ったWCWクルーザー級のベルト

新日本プロレス時代の先輩である田山レフェリーがマレンコさんから預かり僕に届けて下さった

僕の大切な宝物がひとつ増えた

みるみる力が湧いてきた

頑張るぞー🔥
#pwzero1… pic.twitter.com/Lv9JqpmCu9

— 大谷 晋二郎『』 (@otani_shinjiro) June 11, 2025