Dean Malenko, who has worked backstage with the WWE since his retirement several years ago, informed the company recently of his decision to leave, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.

The feeling within the WWE is that this is the start of a “changing of the guard”, following on from Arn Anderson’s departure, as well as the company’s decision to sign Shane “Hurricane” Helms, Sonjay Dutt and Chris “Abyss” Parks and the re-signing of Bruce Prichard.