Dean Malenko Starrcast III Panel Report: Malenko on His Friendship With Chris Benoit, Why He Left WWE, Vince McMahon Having a Very Compassionate Side

– 411mania was in attendance for today’s Dean Malenko panel at Starrcast III. You can see highlights below, as well as live tweets from our coverage of the event.

Former WCW announcer and newly signed AEW announcer and producer Tony Schiavone served as the moderator for the panel. Malenko reflected on his time in ECW, and how he informed Paul Heyman in his time there that he wouldn’t wrestle matches after any blood matches or “dip my hands in glass”-type matches.

During the discussion, Malenko did briefly discuss Chris Benoit. Not wanting to elaborate more on the Benoit family tragedy, Malenko stated that Benoit was a “very good friend” but that was “as far as I’ll go with it.” Also, Malenko praised Benoit’s abilities in the ring as being ahead of his time and one of the “best ever.”

Malenko also put over his former Radicalz stablemate, the late WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero, stating, “Eddie Guerrero could be a face. Eddie could be a heel. He was special because he could do everything.” He had high praise for Rey Mysterio, who is still on the WWE roster to this day, saying that there “will never be another Rey Mysterio.”

Regarding his time in WWE, Dean Malenko discussed his transition into becoming an agent, which started in 2001 when his in-ring career was winding down. Pat Patterson was actually the one who asked him to become an agent for WWE. Additionally, he spoke about working for Vince McMahon. In fact, he only had positive things to say about working for McMahon, adding that Vince actually has a very “compassionate side” that few ever mention or talk about.

As for why Malenko ultimately quit WWE and joined AEW, the move was motivated for health reasons and being able to spend more time with his family, along with a lighter schedule.

Also, Malenko put over the AEW roster, noting, “It’s an exciting time for wrestling fans.” He listed Kenny Omega, MJF, and Darby Allin as AEW wrestlers he is currently keeping his eye on.

Remember to stay tuned to the 411wrestling Twitter feed for more live tweets, updates, and coverage from Starrcast III and AEW All Out Weekend.

The Iceman Cometh. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII pic.twitter.com/xxl66E3PzS

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

.@tonyschiavone24 said that the nWo made WCW popular but the cruiserweights were the stars. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII pic.twitter.com/jRicJtGN6f

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Malenko said that he told @HeymanHustle he wouldn't follow blood matches or "dip my hands in glass" and Heyman respected that. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Dean says Chris Benoit was a very good friend but that's "as far as I'll go with it." Adds that he was ahead of his time and one of the best ever in the ring. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Malenko: "Eddie Guerrero could be a face. Eddie could be a heel. He was special because he could do everything." #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Dean enjoys today's talent, specifically the Lucha Bros, but there "will never be another Rey Mysterio." #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Dean said that it was Pat Patterson who approached him about becoming an agent in WWE in 2001 and he decided to go for it then instead of wait for his contact to run out. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Malenko says while there are stories about Vince McMahon, he doesn't have anything bad to say. Adds Vince has a compassionate side no one talks about. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Dean left WWE for AEW, his health, a lighter schedule and to spend time with his family. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII pic.twitter.com/vTbYn77S43

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Dean said AEW is the right move for him. He's trying to familiarize himself with the roster and says "we've got some really good, talented guys. It's an exciting time for wrestling fans." #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Dean Malenko is actually really funny. He didn't talk in wrestling on purpose because he wanted to be different. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

Malenko lists Kenny Omega, MJF and Darby Allin as AEW wrestlers he has his eye on. #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019

And that's it! Women of AEW panel coming up! #Starrcast #StarrcastIII

— 411 Wrestling (@411wrestling) August 30, 2019