Monday afternoon, NWA announced the newest addition to the NWA Women’s Invitational Cup: Debbie Malenko.

Trained by legend Boris Malenko, Debbie Malenko has been out of action after a prominent leg injury took her out of consistent booking for nearly 30 years, ending what most considered a promising joshi career.

As a staple in the joshi scene, Malenko was often the only foreigner booked on All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) shows. She spent three years with the promotion before her injury removed her from action, wrestling the likes of Aja Kong, Bull Nakano, and Manami Toyota.

Malenko also competed in matches for several lucha promotions, and various freelance shows in both Mexico and Japan.

Other women announced for the NWA Women’s Invitational Cup include Chelsea Green, Lady Frost, Jamie Senegal, and Tootie Lynn. There still remains four women to announce for the tournament.

Also announced for EmPowerrr, Deonna Purrazzo will defend her Impact Knockouts Championship against Melina, and Kamille will defend her NWA World Women’s Championship against AEW’s Leyla Hirsch.

The NWA Women’s Invitational Cup will take place at th all-women’s pay-per-view EmPowerrr, scheduled for Saturday, August 28 at 8pm EST, live from Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis. Buy your tickets for the event here. Fans can also stream the event live on FITE here.

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