WWE 24/7 Champion Maria Kanellis is known to be active when it comes to interacting with fans on Twitter.
Recently, she had to correct a fan over their feelings about her being champion as well as Kanellis being abusive towards her husband Mike Kanellis in storylines on WWE television.
This exchange all started once WWE UK posted a photo of Maria with the title on their Twitter account which led to some responses by fans that she shouldn’t be champion because she’s pregnant.
One fan voiced their take that WWE forced her to be champion as well as her being abusive towards her husband. This proceeded to the fan to call out WWE for mocking domestic abuse towards men.
Here are the comments from WWE fans and the 24/7 champion:
NO ONE forces me to do anything except my two tiny humans. Both forced me to stop staying up late, stop eating deli meat, stop being selfish, stop taking long shower, etc… https://t.co/Isn9R8u5ao
With the launch of AEW and getting a weekly television deal with TNT that will kick off later this year, WWE has been making big money offers to talent to keep them under contract.
The married couple who is expecting their second child, joined several other stars to stay with the promotion by signing new contracts for another five years.
Last night had its highs and lows for Mike Kanellis. He won his first-ever championship in WWE when he pinned R-Truth to win the 24/7 title but then ultimately lost the belt to his pregnant wife, Maria Kanellis.
Mike sent out the following on Twitter after RAW ended.
Mike Kanellis won the 24/7 title by being the first to pile on Truth following Truth’s victory over Maverick on RAW. Then in the back, Maria insisted Mike get on his back and allow her to pin him.
Maria Kanellis Wins 24/7 Championship
Maria Kanellis became the first pregnant champion in WWE history last night (that we are aware of). She posted the following to social media after RAW ended:
Two men whose marriages have hit rough patches will meet tonight with a shot at the WWE Cruiserweight championship hanging in the balance. Maverick and Kanellis have been involved in a rivalry on 205 Live as of late which will culminate tonight in a non-sanction match.
Maria Kanellis has revealed that she, unfortunately, spent Tuesday in the emergency room of Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida.
The Superstar shared that she had been having difficulty with her second pregnancy, resulting in her confinement to the hospital.
In an Instagram post featuring the hospital, Maria wrote that “Baby number 2 is giving me a run for my money.” She divulged she had been suffering from acute vomiting, a headache, and dehydration, with bouts of throwing up between 6am to 3pm.
“I have never missed a day at WWE that wasn’t planned for in advance. But yesterday I was forced to stay away. It was a wild day! I received fluids, nausea meds, and Tylenol. They think I had a flu bug but I am feeling much better today.”
“Baby 2 is doing good and that is what matters most. I am blessed to be pregnant and to have a beautiful 15 month old. Plus, women get pregnant all the time, work jobs, have other children, keep house, go to school, travel, have a second job, no paid maternity leave, are single, adopt, and so many other things. So, I keep things in perspective even when I have a tough day or 6 weeks…. I am still incredibly BLESSED!!!”
Maria featured in a segment belittling her husband, Mike Kanellis, in front of WWE Legends on Monday night for the RAW Reunion special.
Maria Kanellis has taken to social media to give an explanation to fans as to why she and her husband, Mike Kanellis, decided to sign new contracts with the company. You can see her tweets here:
Fans circa 2009: I can’t believe they treat ditzy Maria so bad. Why are the matches so short? Why can’t a Diva be older than 35? Where are women’s rights? Fans circa 2019: I can’t believe Maria got pregnant again! How dare she have a family? She can’t work and have a family! pic.twitter.com/ZcmWBV7WLT
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) July 5, 2019
At the end of the day, WWE was where I started and it’s where I wanted to complete my career. And when they came to the table with the opportunity to have a family and a career it sealed the deal. People think they know everything but it’s all in the details. https://t.co/ad4ldTFbnm
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) July 6, 2019
Maria and Mike have been getting some push back from fans over them voicing their opinions about their lack of attention on television and the way that the 205 Live brand is presented. Whether this is their beliefs or simply portrayals of their characters remains to be seen but has annoyed some fans.
Thus, when the two stars take to social media to voice their takes, fans can’t help but wonder why the married couple would be unhappy yet still sign new contracts to stay with the company for another five years.
With the launch of AEW and getting a weekly television deal with TNT that will kick off later this year, WWE has been making big money offers to talent to keep them under contract. They join several other stars to stay with the promotion.
Maria announced earlier this week that the couple was expecting their second child together. She has noted on social media that she will stay on the road with Mike as long as she can before the baby is due.
Mike and Maria Kanellis will be staying with WWE long-term. According to a report from Pro Wrestling Sheet, the couple signed new 5-year deals with the company recently.
Mike Bennett signed with WWE for the first time in 2017 along with his wife Maria, who had also been employed with the company from 2004-2010.
Kanellis has been competing on 205 Live as of late. He defeated the Brian Kendrick in his last single’s match for the brand on May 28th and also was in the 50-man battle royal at Super ShowDown.
Mike & Maria Kanellis Sign 5-Year Deals With WWE
Maria Kanelis signed with WWE in 2004 after being discovered in the Diva Search. She spent some time in WWE developmental where she won over Paul Heyman with her mind for the business.
Maria never won a title while in WWE but she was awarded the Slammy for Diva of the Year in 2009. Despite this, she was released from the company in 2010. Not long after, Maria was one of the first to receive a WWE talent scholarship. She then got a degree in sports, entertainment, and event management from Johnson and Wales University. Maria re-signed with WWE shortly after her graduation in 2017.
From 2011 to 2015, the Kanellis’ competed in ROH and NJPW. Along with partner Matt Taven, the Kingdom won ROH tag team and IWGP tag team gold. Taven and Bennett were involved in a memorable feud in Japan with Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, where Anderson developed quite the infatuation with Maria.
Maria Kanellis got fans talking and speculating about the future of her and husband Mike Kanellis with WWE.
It all started when she brought up how their contracts were up in three weeks only to respond to a fan by stating that she was referring to their gym memberships.
It turns out that is not technically the case. PWInsider reports that Maria was actually referring to their WWE contracts. As of this writing, there is no word yet on if they will re-sign with the company.
Contracts are up in 3 weeks. Just saying…
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) May 27, 2019
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) May 27, 2019
With the launch of AEW and getting a weekly television deal with TNT that will kick off later this year, WWE has been making big money offers to talent to keep them under contract.
Back in January, it was reported that the married couple had asked for WWE officials to release them from their contracts. At the time, it was reported that they’ve been unhappy with the WWE due to the way they’ve been used.
Maria and Mike made their debut as a couple on WWE television at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event in 2017. Around the time of their reported demand for a release, they were paired on 205 Live where they have been used more.
A few days ago, Maria Kanellis took to her Instagram account and uploaded a number of pictures. Since then, a number of people have decided to contact her husband, Mike Kanellis, to tell him how he should feel.
These individuals apparently don’t think it’s okay for Mike to “allow” his wife to post the kind of content she chooses to, and that he should, in essence, patrol and control her social media output.
Mike would take issue with these people, taking to Twitter in order to upload a screenshot of his response.
“It’s 2019, and I’m not sure why I still need to address this, but I will,” he states. “Whenever my wife posts photos on her social media, I get flooded with comments from men, and I use that term loosely, telling me how I feel or should feel about her posting certain photos.”
He continues, “Let me clarify, my wife’s body is hers. Her decisions and choices are hers. I don’t, nor would I ever, tell her what to do, say or post. My wife is a beautiful, smart, intelligent woman and if she want to show off her gorgeous body, then I will be cheering her on the whole way.”
“Also 99% of the time, I’m the one taking the picture,” he added. “So please stop telling me how I feel or should feel.”
Mike and Maria Kanellis made headlines recently when it was rumored that they had requested their WWE releases. In that time, Mike has been featured on 205 Live, but not necessarily in the capacity he had hoped for.
In an update to the reports of Mike and Maria Kanellis requesting their WWE releases, it appears the couple is not scheduled to be traveling with WWE any time soon.
According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWInsider, “Two of the talents that have been talked about quite a bit are Mike and Maria Kanellis … We are told they are not on the road for WWE this week and they are not scheduled to be on the road which seems a little weird because everyone’s on the road every week.”
The timing of this report is curious to say the least. Earlier this week, after the initial reports began circulating that Mike and Maria were on their way out of WWE, Maria Kanellis pushed back on social media. Maria denied that she asked for her release, but did not address Mike’s status. She also commented on a number of different topics, including WWE’s support for her and Mike’ road to recovery from substance abuse.
It’s worth noting that Mike and Maria’s current hiatus from WWE could be pre-approved vacation time or something totally unrelated.
There has been another interesting development that adds another level of depth to this situation. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, WWE was gearing up to premiere a new collection on the network titled, “Power Of Love Collection.” The special, which would have been hosted by Mike and Maria, is no longer being advertised.
Some fans have taken issue with the fact that Mike and Maria have been on the sidelines for the majority of their current WWE run. Mike Kanellis didn’t do much on WWE television before taking extended time off to address his addiction issues. Maria got pregnant and gave birth to their daughter, Freddie Moon Bennett.
It is unclear if Mike Bennett and/or Maria Kanellis asked for their WWE releases recently. It was reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet the couple had asked for their release but this was publicly denied by Maria.
I was not going to address this but I am getting phone calls and emails about it. I DID NOT ask for my release. Speculation and rumors are running rampant. Someone is playing all the… https://t.co/WvmvP4Z2Tz
Pro Wrestling Sheet responded that they reached out to the couple for comment but did not receive one.
In a segment on Wrestling Observer radio this morning, Dave Meltzer said the following on the Kanellis’ WWE status.
“The story (Mike & Maria asking for their release) is not wrong but it was several weeks ago and from what I understand they asked to give notice and were turned down,” Meltzer said, though it is unclear if his anonymous sources were any different than PW Sheet’s.
Maria Kanellis – Sports Entertainment Degree – Paul Heyman Endorsed
Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett would likely be scooped up fast by another promotion if they were granted their releases. Kanellis, in particular, could be someone who plays a prominent role backstage in wrestling one day.
Maria was released from WWE in 2010. She received a “WWE Talent Scholarship” to get her University degree shortly after. Maria then attended Johnson and Wales University from 2013-2017 and obtained a degree in the highly relevant to her career field of Sports Entertainment and Event Management. She was re-signed to WWE shortly after completing her degree in 2017.
Paul Heyman, who worked with Maria in OVW, has referred to her as the most underrated creative mind in the industry.
. @wrestling_page2 @RealMikeBennett I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cc – @MariaLKanellis, the most underrated creative mind in the industry, has been since 2005 when I witnessed it myself in @WWE – #OVW. #JustSaying But I digress. Oh yeah … I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU! https://t.co/suyY6K2CxG
In the wake of numerous reports surrounding WWE talent asking for their release, one Superstar has responded to the rumors.
Taking to Twitter, Maria Kanellis addressed the speculation that she and her husband, Mike Kanellis, recently requested their release from WWE.
It was actually a fan question that prompted her response. She was asked why she was excited to be included in WWE 2K19’s Rising Stars DLC pack when she had asked to leave WWE.
Despite not out-right denying the rumor, Maria did downplay it by openly mocking it.
“Everyone thinks they know everything. Hahahahaha…. it’s social media not an autobiography.”
Everyone thinks they know everything. Hahahahaha…. it’s social media not an autobiography. https://t.co/5wlyJgzfF1
Maria proceeded to clear up some misinformation surrounding both her and Mike Kanellis, setting the record straight. She addressed Mike’s substance abuse recovery, and whether or not WWE was supportive of her when she became pregnant with the couple’s daughter.
“Social Media Fact Check: Mike NEVER went to rehap ANYWHERE. He was on the road with me rehabbing. We were on house shows. He never took time off to rehab. He worked through it.”
Social Media Fact Check: Mike NEVER went to rehap ANYWHERE. He was on the road with me rehabbing. We were on house shows. He never took time off to rehab. He worked through it.
Mike and Maria Kanellis are looking for their exits from the WWE based on a recent report published by Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet. According to the report, the married couple has recently asked for WWE officials to release them from their contracts.
It should be noted that in the past, the company doesn’t grant requests for releases from talent but rather makes them sit at home while still paying them until their contracts expire. Thus, if news of their departures doesn’t surface in the near future, that’s the reason behind it.
Satin also reported that they’ve been unhappy with the WWE due to the way they’ve been used. After taking a while to make their decision, they informed the company that they wanted out of their contracts a few weeks ago.
Mike has also started selling new shirts on Pro Wrestling Tees. By looking at his match stat on CageMatch.net, he has only wrestled on SmackDown Live just four times since signing with the company back in April of 2017. The other appearances have been at live events and working Main Event tapings.
If you recall, Maria and Mike made their debut as a couple on WWE television at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event in 2017 by cutting a promo about how everyone would know what the Power Of Love was all about. When Maria announced that they were expecting, she was taken off the road with the company. They had their first child, daughter Freddie Moon. They were recently paired on 205 Live.
Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder have each taken a shot at Matt Taven recently. Dawson had posted and then deleted a Tweet about Taven having allegedly stolen tanning lotion at a WWE tryout several years ago. Wilder then posted the following response to seeing a similar looking move performed by the Kingdom at Honor Reigns Supreme last night.
Taven’s former stablemate in the Kingdom, Maria Kanellis, responded to Dash’s comments.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes and had to pay dearly for them. I don’t know what you are trying to prove but I know from experience that our business is a very small world. Be careful who you step on on the way up the ladder b/c they will be the same people you pass on the way down. https://t.co/xOPiYCJo3b
Matt Taven, Mike Bennett/Kanellis, & Maria Kanellis
Matt Taven is a former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion along with Mike Kanellis/Bennett. Along with Maria, the Kingdom won NJPW’s heavyweight tag titles during the course of a feud with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows. Some say Anderson was not able to keep his mind on the match during this rivalry due to his infatuation with Maria.
Currently, Matt Taven is the leader of a new version of the Kingdom in ROH. TK O’Ryan and Vinnie Marseglia make up the other members of the trio.
#FTR
The Revival seem frustrated these days. In recent months, they’ve had to deal with “Lucha House Rules” and several instances of suspect officiating. Last week, the Revival lost a championship match even though Dawson’s foot was on the rope during the pin.
Dash Wilder applied to trademark “#FTR” on New Year’s day. The team has been wearing the term on the back of their trunks recently.
During a Q&A session on Twitter on Saturday, Maria Kanellis answered questions on her relationship with The Bella Twins, her return to the ring at WWE Evolution, if she’s interested in wrestling more, her current run in WWE, and more. Below are some of the highlights:
Don’t know what you are talking about. I work for WWE now. Past is prolong. I’m on chapter 14 years. Me and the Twins talk babies now. Love me some twin magic. But that Jimmy Fallon thing was freaky.???? https://t.co/wJxfUfQXDF
While watching Brie and Nikki Bella on Raw in July 2013, Maria Kanellis claimed in a since-deleted tweet that they blocked her from returning to WWE earlier that year, writing, “I was offered a @wwe contract and the Bellas made sure I didn’t get it. I’m not bitter. I just don’t like people that mess with my career.”
If the right opportunity comes along. Why not? Freddie needs to see me. This world is too crazy for me not to fight. https://t.co/M1NzaeVgcR
Sure, I’ll take that Wrestlemania main event check. I used to hate wrestling because I was paid less to do the same work. Now, we have the opportunity. I’m not afraid to work and be rewarded so bring it on. https://t.co/jdkrrguANj
I was so calm. It was weird. I’ve never been that relaxed in the ring. Freddie was watching and I did not want her to be nervous. So I did my job. https://t.co/Xei76Z1HBW
Hahaha… I belong in WWE, now. The first time I was too young and dumb. But, all my Indy boys and girls helped me grow up and now I’m fearless. I stand on the shoulders of greater men and women. With Honor, an impact, and the kings of pro wrestling. https://t.co/nJhVynKFmT
I don’t think about it. BUT, I have tons of help. We moved to my hometown to have my entire family around. No moms balance it. We just don’t have another choice. https://t.co/hpPbywvXZh
Two WWE RAW Superstars have made to the move to the 205 Live brand. WWE was taping this week’s episode of the cruiserweight show on Tuesday night in Indianapolis, IN at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse before SmackDown Live went live on the USA Network.
During the taping, which will air on the WWE Network on Wednesday night, Mike and Maria Kanellis made their debut on the brand once Mike interrupted a match between Lince Dorado and Lio Rush.
If you recall, Maria and Mike made their debut as a couple on WWE television at last year’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event by cutting a promo about how everyone would know what the Power Of Love was all about.
It’s been an exciting time for the married couple since then as Mike is now approaching one-year of sobriety and they had their first child, daughter Freddie Moon. When Maria announced that they were expecting, she was taken off the road with the sports entertainment company.
She was last seen on WWE television during the RAW 25 Anniversary show back on January 22, 2018 where WWE honored her as well as Jacqueline, Trish Stratus, Bella Twins, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Lilian Garcia, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Terri Runnels as women who contributed to the company’s success.
Maria Kanellis has been cleared to return to the ring.
After suffering a broken wrist last month while training for a return to the ring, Maria revealed on her podcast (Mike and Maria in Wonderland, which she co-hosts with her husband, Mike Kanellis), that her doctor cleared her on Wednesday to “come back to the WWE.”
Maria then shows off her healed wrist and says, “I will be back.”
Mike adds, “Who knows when.”
Maria revealed the news at around the 48-minute mark of her podcast, which you can also find on iTunes.
After parting ways with WWE in February 2010, Maria embarked on a search for “the perfect partner,” only to find one in her husband, Mike. Maria returned to WWE in June 2017 alongside Mike as part of SmackDown LIVE, where they vowed to educate everyone on the power of love. Maria, however, went on a leave of absence from WWE after announcing a year ago this week that she’s pregnant.
The couple welcomed their first daughter, Fredrica Moon, back in April. The very same month, Mike joined Raw through the Superstar Shake-up. Although Mike still has yet to wrestle on Monday Night Raw, he’s had a number of matches on WWE Main Event.
It’s unclear whether Maria will join Mike on Raw since WWE.com still has her listed as a member of SmackDown LIVE. When Maria revealed that she had suffered a broken wrist, her goal was to recover in time to wrestle at WWE’s first all-women’s pay-per-view event, WWE Evolution, on October 28.
– Paige isn’t the only WWE star to change up her look this past week as Alicia Fox did as well.
After accompanying Alexa Bliss on Raw last Monday, Fox bleached most of her hair blonde. She showed off her new look at live events over the weekend and on Instagram.
https://instagram.com/p/Bnc_i-Pgu95/
https://instagram.com/p/BnhJjG2hWAO/
– Maria Kanellis revealed on Instagram on August 9 that she suffered a broken wrist while training for her in-ring return and would be in a cast for six weeks. In an update on the situation, Kanellis revealed on Friday that she is no longer wearing a cast.
https://instagram.com/p/BncYatuAosf/
Kanellis has indicated that she would like to wrestle at WWE’s first all-women’s pay-per-view event, WWE Evolution, on October 28.
– Zelina Vega is Lilian Garcia’s next guest on Chasing Glory with Lilian Garcia and the interview promises to be emotional. You can listen to it today via LilianGarcia.com.
Girlllllll, I can’t wait for everyone to hear your story tomorrow on #ChasingGlory @Zelina_VegaWWE ! Not sure there will be a dry eye in the world ?. SO powerful. Thank you for opening up as much as you did! ???? https://t.co/GjG3JrneCe
Here’s a reminder about tomorrow’s special and emotional episode with #LaMuñeca @Zelina_VegaWWE as she is my next guest on #ChasingGlory ! Real, Raw & Inspiring doesn’t even begin to describe it. So fire up your #podcast apps and join us TOMORROW!! pic.twitter.com/eTuKXF5jRv
Maria Kannelis was discovered in the 2004 Diva Search. Her first stint in WWE was during a time when the Divas Championship played a prominent role. If Maria had her way, the title would be brought out of retirement.
Earlier this week, Maria made comments that she’d like to see the return of the Butterfly-winged belt. Last night, Maria went into greater detail regarding how she would use the title:
I want to see it as a third title. As a symbol of never forgetting our history. Respecting it. Learning from it. As a statement about redefining the meaning of a Divas Championship where the women can define their worth as performers. Make every match for it an Ironman. #divahttps://t.co/s6w1mBVpZ8
Paul Heyman Praises Maria Kanellis As An “Underrated Creative Mind”
Paul Heyman offered praise for his former pupil recently as well. Maria and Heyman were in OVW together and each has consistently praised the other in statements since.
. @wrestling_page2 @RealMikeBennett I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cc – @MariaLKanellis, the most underrated creative mind in the industry, has been since 2005 when I witnessed it myself in @WWE – #OVW. #JustSaying But I digress. Oh yeah … I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU! https://t.co/suyY6K2CxG
Heyman’s comments regarding Maria are not without supporting evidence. 3 years after her WWE release in 2011, Maria applied to the WWE Talent Scholarship Fund. The fund awards scholarship money to ex WWE talent who apply and wish to continue their education. Paul Burchill and Michael Thompson have also received scholarships from the fund.
Maria was approved for a scholarship and received a highly relevant degree considering her field. She graduated with a degree in Sports, Entertainment and Event Management from Johnson and Wales University in 2017. Two months after she graduated her and Michael Bennett debuted at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
Although she is now back from maternity leave, Maria is on the sidelines with an injured wrist at the moment.
Paul Heyman has given some high praise to Maria Kanellis. On his official Twitter account, Maria’s husband, Mike Kanellis, had an interaction with a fan and in that discussion, Mike dared the fan to ask Heyman what he thought of Maria.
This is when Heyman gave the praise to her by stating that he thinks she is “the most underrated creative mind in the industry” and “has been since 2005 when I witnessed it myself in WWE.” You can see his tweet here:
. @wrestling_page2 @RealMikeBennett I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cc – @MariaLKanellis, the most underrated creative mind in the industry, has been since 2005 when I witnessed it myself in @WWE – #OVW. #JustSaying But I digress. Oh yeah … I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU! https://t.co/suyY6K2CxG
If you recall, Maria and Mike made their debut as a couple on WWE television at last year’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event by cutting a promo about how everyone would know what the Power Of Love was all about.
It’s been an exciting time for the married couple since then as Mike is now approaching one-year of sobriety and they had their first child, daughter Freddie Moon. When Maria announced that they were expecting, she was taken off the road with the sports entertainment company.
She was last seen on WWE television during the RAW 25 Anniversary show back on January 22, 2018 where WWE honored her as well as Jacqueline, Trish Stratus, Bella Twins, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Lilian Garcia, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Terri Runnels as women who contributed to the company’s success.
Earlier this month, Kanellis revealed that she suffered a broken wrist while training for her return to the ring and would be in a cast for six weeks. Kanellis added that she will be recovered in time for the WWE Evolution pay-per-view on October 28.
Maria Kanellis wants to bring back the Divas Championship. The title was retired at WrestleMania 32 when Charlotte Flair won the new WWE Women’s Championship.
When asked on Twitter recently, Kanellis said the one thing she would change about the Women’s Evolution is to bring back the now-retired title.
Kanellis would explain her position in later Tweets.
“There are few people that truly understand what the Divas title was supposed to be,” she continued. “It was supposed to be another title to fight for, just like there are today, not the only title. But people criticize that don’t understand and that’s just ignorance.”
Maria Kanellis and the Divas Championship
This isn’t the first time this summer that Maria has jumped to defend the term “Diva”. After Charlotte used the term to demean Carmella on a recent episode of Smackdown, Maria issued a warning to the current Smackdown Women’s Champion.
“Real Diva. Be careful disparaging the women that fought for what you are getting,” Maria wrote on IG. “Experience is more of a bitch then entitlement ever will be.”
Maria continued to talk about the Divas era of Women’s Wrestling in WWE. She might be looking to build a future angle or she might be expressing her real opinion. As she is a “Paul Heyman Girl”, she’s likely doing both.
“We were in the trenches together in full makeup, dresses, and heels every day, every show,” she continued. “Still fighting with babies, careers, husbands, and a stigma. Is it better to fight for the system or the spot?”
The term Diva has been retired by WWE and carries a negative connotation, but Maria Kanellis is not running away from her former moniker.
This weekend at the Barclays Center from Brooklyn, New York, a SmackDown Live Women’s Title match will take place. Carmella will defend her title against Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat match.
Recently, Flair took a jab at Carmella by calling her a “Diva.” This is in reference to the old term used to describe the women competitors of WWE. The term was dropped in the midst of the WWE’s Women’s Revolution. Now female WWE stars are simply referred to as “Superstars” like everyone else.
Carmella owned up to the jab from Charlotte and embraced the “Diva” term. This prompted Maria Kanellis to jump to Carmella’s defense. Maria took part in a Divas Search back in 2004. She came in fifth place but was subsequently signed to WWE.
Defending The “Diva” Term
Women’s professional wrestling wasn’t as prominently featured during Maria’s heyday inside the ring. She eventually made her exit from the company in 2010. Kanellis took to Instagram to defend the “Diva” term in a lengthy post:
“Real Diva. Be careful disparaging the women that fought for what you are getting. Experience is more of a bitch then, entitlement ever will be. We were Divas for a reason, We had to be.
“We all matter in the marathon called the Evolution of Women Superstars. And it’s not over. I see you. I’m with you. We were in the trenches together in full makeup, dresses and heels everyday, every show.
“Still fighting with babies, careers, husbands, and a stigma. Is it better to fight for the system or the spot? Both. Love you. Together we push the system forward, apart we forget our past. Those that forget their past repeat it.”
– Maria Kanellis’ plan for returning to WWE television could be put on hold as the SmackDown LIVE Superstar recently broke her wrist.
Kanellis revealed the injury today in a post on Instagram.
https://instagram.com/p/BmRCupOAezh/
Kanellis also posted an X-ray photo and said she broke her wrist while training in the ring for her return. The injury will require her to wear a cast for six weeks.
https://instagram.com/p/BmRQWnSAmCI/
Kanellis has been training at the WWE Performance Center since last week to get back into shape after giving birth in April to her first child, Fredrica “Freddie” Moon Bennett.
– Former WWE Superstar Kaitlyn, who is among the 32 competitors in the 2018 Mae Young Classic, talked about how she feels today after working yesterday’s tapings at Full Sail Live in Orlando, Florida.
Its been quite some time since Mike and Maria Kanellis have been on WWE TV together as a duo.
Last September Kanellis was taken off the road when she became pregnant with she and Mike’s first child. Their daughter, Fredrica “Freddie” Moon Bennett, was born on April 3rd, 2018. Maria will report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando next week.
Mike Kanellis has still been working sporadically since Maria was sent home, but mostly on Main Event tapings and hasn’t been prominently featured on WWE TV. Maria recently took to Twitter to update fans on her status, and said right now she’s focused on getting back into shape after her pregnancy.
She also offered her thoughts on the WWE’s recent announcement of their first ever all-female PPV event, Evolution. Maria noted it’s what her generation of female talent was fighting for from 2004 – 2010.
A fan asked Maria if she’d be able to return in time for the Evolution PPV, and she said she’s ready to return right now:
To all the amazing women, I worked with during my first run in WWE, this is what we fought so hard for. As did, the women before me and the current roster. No one knows or understands the… https://t.co/6hogdvixDk
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) July 24, 2018
The Mae Young Classic is the biggest topic as it will begin next month. Already confirmed for the Classic is returning former Divas Champ Kaitlyn. More on that here.
Could former Diva of The Year, Maria Kanellis, be next on a list for returns for the Classic?
Mike and Maria had their child back in April and it seems Maria is ready to get back in the ring as soon as August. The same month the Classic takes place which is also in Florida. All hints point to an in-ring return.
As stated earlier, Maria most known accomplishment was being Diva Of The Year in 2009. Her wrestling ability would be more prominent in her ROH days as she was best known as a valet in her WWE career. It will be interesting to see if Maria still has the fortitude to work in the ring if she does return.
Sound Off In The Comments Below, Do You Want To See Maria In The Mae Young Classic?
Longtime pro wrestling referee Charles Robinson heard the reaction from fans who were in attendance for Sunday’s (June 17, 2018) WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view event in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena on the WWE Network. For the majority of the night, they were a great crowd that was heavily invested in the matches.
However, there was one match that they did not want to see, which was Roman Reigns vs. Jinder Mahal. Thus, it resulted in fans hijacking the match with random chants. Robinson took to Twitter to give his take on the situation.
“For as great a town that Chicago is for wrestling (one of the best ever), it is really disappointing that they can be so disrespectful when guys like @JinderMahal and @WWERomanReigns are busting there butts and giving us a great match.”
For as great a town that Chicago is for wrestling (one of the best ever), it is really disappointing that they can be so disrespectful when guys like @JinderMahal and @WWERomanReigns are busting there butts and giving us a great match.
Maria Kanellis was backstage at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. If you recall, Maria and Mike Bennett made their debut as a couple on WWE television at last year’s MITB event by cutting a promo about how everyone would know what the Power Of Love was all about.
It’s been an exciting time for the married couple since then as Mike is now approaching one-year of sobriety and they had their first child, daughter Freddie Moon. When Maria announced that they were expecting, she was taken off the road with the sports entertainment company.
Kanellis wrote the following on her official Instagram account:
“One year after our debut… Happy Father’s Day!! Freddie is getting ready to stick her tongue out,” Maria wrote in an Instagram post with the three of them backstage at the Allstate Arena. Although Mike wasn’t booked this year for Money In The Bank it was still looked like a special night for all of them.”
According to a report from Austin Kellerman, the trial for CM Punk and Colt Cabana against WWE doctor Chris Amann has been delayed. It was set to take place this morning but apparently the case was reassigned to a new judge, Judge Elizabeth Budzinski, thus the reason for the delay:
WWE Superstar Maria Kanellis recently took to Instagram to post a lengthy comment to her critics. Here’s what she had to say:
“Tell me again how I don’t belong, how I don’t deserve it, how I am talentless… thanks for the inspiration a-holes. I worked in WWE for 5 and a half years before working on the Indy’s. I could have quit after WWE. Married some rich dude ‘to take care of me.’ I didn’t. I worked my ass off. My house was foreclosed on in 2012. My reality show got dropped. I kept working.
“So, I graduated with honors with a bachelors degree. My husband had a drug addiction. So, I fought for my marriage. I got pregnant. So, I started a business. I had a baby… so, now I’m working my way back. I’m not done. ‘Fans’ keep running your mouths. And I’ll say thank you because one of my favorite things to do is prove people wrong. ‘Fans’ forget I love this business. I love wrestling. I love managing. And I’m not done.”