AEW and ROH star Mike Bennett recently provided an update on his wife Maria Kanellis, who underwent surgery.

In July, Maria had revealed that she had a mass on her adrenal gland. She had revealed that the mass was borderline and doctors were concerned. Later that month, Maria said that she would be having a Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and the surgery was confirmed for October.

On October 24th, Maria’s husband Mike Bennett revealed that Maria underwent a successful procedure and thanked fans for their support.

“Maria’s surgery went well. She is staying overnight at the hospital for observation and should be released tomorrow. My wife is a badass. Thank you to everyone who’s reached out. We love y’all so very much.”

Maria is currently under a contract with AEW. In October 2022, Maria Kanellis had joined AEW alongside her husband Mike and Matt Taven. Her signing took place after she parted ways with TNA Wrestling.

However, Maria previously revealed that the deal is due to expire on October 31st. She had reached out to get clarity on her future with the company but she hasn’t “heard anything yet”. Maria had said that she’s trying not to focus too much on her health concerns or her future with AEW. She would get into the ‘spooky season’ by setting up some Halloween decorations.

Earlier this month, Kanellis revealed that she would be accepting interviews about her time and treatment in AEW after October 31st. She revealed that she would be able to start taking bookings six weeks after her surgery, which is second week in December.

The ROH World Tag Team Championships found new owners this week as Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara now hold the gold. The pair captured the title from The Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) during the latest episode of AEW Collision with Guevara delivering a Swanton Bomb on Bennett, allowing Rhodes to secure the pinfall.

The match saw plenty of action in and out of the ring. Roderick Strong, The Beast Mortos, Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, Marshall Von Erich, Ross Von Erich, Tomohiro Ishii, Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona all ran in, sparking a brawl on the outside. Of this group, only Strong directly influenced the match by hitting Rhodes with a running kick.

This victory marks the first ROH Tag Team Championship reign for both Guevara and Rhodes and makes the latter a double champion. Rhodes is also currently one-third of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions alongside The Von Erichs.

The Undisputed Kingdom’s reign as champions lasted 234 days and began at Dynamite: New Year’s Smash in December 2023. The pair won the titles as The Devil’s Masked Men and their identities were revealed at AEW Worlds End days later. As champions, Taven and Bennet had five successful title defenses. Their final successful defense came during the July 28 taping of ROH on Honor Club and saw them retain against Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean.

This is a huge win for Rhodes and Guevara, the latter of whom only recently returned following months of inaction. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on the new ROH World Tag Team Champions.

There are a lot of stories going around in the pro wrestling world, especially concerning WWE Superstar releases and the reasons behind it. Now, Maria Kanellis has stepped up to address some of those misconceptions.

Maria Kanellis Speaks Out About Her WWE Departure 

Maria Kanellis addressed the misinformation surrounding her WWE departure, clarifying several points. Contrary to some reports, her initial release in 2010 occurred when her contract expired, and she declined a renewal at one-third of her male counterparts’ salaries. 

Despite initial assurances of change upon her return, she said WWE’s treatment did not align with expectations, especially concerning family planning. She emphasized that Mike Bennett’s request for his release was separate from her situation. Contrary to rumors, WWE did not facilitate rehab for Mike, and they were misled multiple times about their storyline. 

“There are a lot of reports about things that happened when I was in WWE. Most of them are just wrong. Some are rumors circulated by WWE loyalists, bots, or ‘news’ organizations on the WWE payroll. Here are some facts: When I was “released” by WWE the first time in 2010 my contract was up and I refused to sign for one third what my male contemporaries were making. When I went back, I was told by many people I trusted that WWE had changed. WWE knew we were planning on adding to our family when we resigned. Mike asked for his release, I did not. Mike never went to WWE rehab. Nor did they pay for any rehab. We were lied to many times about our storyline and what direction it was going. I fought back against it to no avail. We were never paid millions of dollars in WWE. We had the average contract for WWE for 6 months. We are not millionaires and we don’t live in a mansion. I hope this helps people separate fact from fiction.”

https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis/status/1754337867843744198

Maria refutes claims of earning millions, highlighting their average WWE contract duration of six months and dispelling notions of a lavish lifestyle. Her aim is to provide clarity amid the mix of facts and fiction. 

What’s Next For Maria Kanellis

When it comes to what she’s doing now, Maria replied to a fan to say how proud she is of her current work in ROH. 

“I love what I am doing. I have watched the tag team division in @ringofhonor get better and better since July of last year. These guys are working their asses off to represent the division that has given us some of the Best Tag Team Wrestling in the world. I can’t wait to see what it looks like in a year.”

https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis/status/1754341660253675586

SE Scoops will have continued coverage of ROH, AEW, WWE, TNA and every other company making waves in the pro wrestling world. We will have to see what Maria Kanellis says next, but she certainly addressed some popular rumors in this situation. 

The Kingdom has become the newest team to be All Elite, after signing full-time deals with AEW.

The group currently consists of Matt Taven, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis-Bennett and debuted for AEW during the October 14, episode of Rampage.

The group has previously worked in Ring of Honor and recently finished up with Impact Wrestling.

All-Elite

Despite debuting close to two weeks ago, The Kingdom were not signed to AEW at that time.

Fightful Select reports that Taven and Bennett lost the Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championships during the Bound for Glory tapings, but the match hasn’t aired yet.

This means that given delay, the group were in canon, still Impact’s top team when they appeared on Rampage.

The report adds that all three members of The Kingdom have signed multi-year deals with AEW.

WWE

Before appearing on the October 14, Rampage, it was reported that WWE had been interested in signing Matt Taven.

In their report, Fightful notes that both Mike and Maria had conversations with WWE, but clearly did not reach an agreement.

It is not currently known if a firm offer was made by Head of Talent Relations Triple H.

All three signings had been part of Impact’s Honor No More stable, alongside Vincent, who was backstage at a recent Monday Night Raw.

Friends

The Kingdom debuted by challenging FTR for the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Championships, but the two groups aren’t enemies.

In fact, Fightful’s report noted that it was FTR who were pushing backstage for Taven and the Bennetts to be hired.

While Maria has openly discussed helping Tony Khan with the ROH Women’s division, she is contracted solely as an on-screen performer.

Impact Wrestling’s roster has shrunk after the most recent tapings, as four stars have reportedly finished with the company.

Impact held its eighteenth annual Bound for Glory this week, and has confirmed the date and location for their next pay-per-view Hard to Kill 2023.

Departures

PW Insider reports that Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis-Bennett, Vincent, and Matt Taven are believed to have finished with the company.

Bennett, like his wife, returned to Impact this past January at the Hard to Kill pay per view, after being released from WWE in 2020.

Bennett’s departure, as well as Taven’s, is unusual as the pair are in their first reigns as Impact World Tag Team Champions.

Vincent also joined Impact Wrestling at Hard to Kill 2022, alongside Bennett, Kanellis and Taven.

Honor No More

The four departing wrestlers all debuted at the same time, and as part of a group, later dubbed by Kanellis-Bennett as ‘Honor no More’ in January 2022

The group, which included PCO, came about during Ring of Honor’s hiatus (which ended in April 2022,) and consisted of prominent former ROH talent.

Later that month, Kenny King, a former ROH and Impact Wrestling star, returned to the latter promotion and joined Honor No More.

The following month, Eddie Edwards would be revealed as the group’s leader.

The recent Bound for Glory event saw a mixed result for Honor No More, as Bennett and Taven retained their tag titles on the show against the Motor City Machine Guns.

On the other side of things, PCO would fail to win the Call Your Shot Gauntlet and Edwards would be unsuccessful against Impact World Champion Josh Alexander.

Mike Bennett is a man who has rediscovered his passion for professional wrestling. Performing in Ring of Honor, Bennett stands on the precipice of history. His goal to take the ROH Pure Championship away from Jonathan Gresham.

The former WWE wrestler has come a long way from the misused figure he cut during his three years there. During his time in WWE, Mike Bennett, along with his wife Maria Bennett (kayfabe Kanellis) wrestled on Smackdown, RAW and 205 Live. Yet, he was never a regular figure, and often just used to feed the larger lions that were climbing the ladder.

“It was one of those things where I felt like WWE kinda beat the love out of wrestling for me. I’d always loved wrestling, I loved what it was, I loved performing but then when I got there, I got to the point where I was like, “I don’t like this.”” Bennett said, talking to Metro.co.uk.

Mike Bennett is Back In Love With Wrestling Thanks to Ring of Honor

Mike Bennett is back wrestling with Ring of Honor, his second stint with the company. He says this time he appreciates the company for all the things he realized he took for granted, or overlooked previously.

 “When I was in Ring of Honor the first time, I don’t think I truly appreciate the opportunity I was given. I was young and stuff. You can always chalk it up to that. I don’t think I ever took a moment to be like, “Oh my God, I have a good spot in this great company that has produced mega stars,””

With his newfound love of wrestling, Mike Bennett has learned to enjoy the art of wrestling. Embracing the range of styles and cultures that can be found in different rings around the globe. He will be looking to kick his resurgence into overdrive this week by taking the crown from Gresham. Cementing himself as the main event guy in Ring of Honor.

ROH star and former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett recently spoke to The Shining Wizards Podcast. The former WWE 24/7 Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including his release from WWE and subsequent lack of contact from All Elite Wrestling.

“You know, they didn’t reach out to me,” Bennett began, talking about AEW. “Wrestling is very like ‘brother, brother.’ You talk to some people, you put out feelers.  Everything was always put out there, but nothing was ever like attacked.”

“I think always in my head, with Taven, it was always Ring of Honor” Bennett continued. ” I never really wanted to go anywhere else. You obviously, if you’re a businessman, and a smart businessman, you put everything out to everybody because you never want to put all your eggs in one basket.”

“But you know, when I got fired, one of the first people to reach out to me was Delirious” Bennett added. “He just sent me a winky emoji on Twitter.  It was just one of those ‘Hey I got ya,” you know?’ That always meant a lot to me because Delirious took over the book when I first started in ROH.”

“We have always had a very good relationship, and it’s always meant a lot to me” the former WWE Superstar noted. “So when I got that, it was just kind of like ‘I got you pal.’ It was one of these things where I was going to put out these feelers, but I know where I’m going and I know where I want to go. So it wasn’t really like attacking anything head on.”

Do you think that AEW will be contacting any of the talent released this week? Let us know in the comments

Mike Bennett was one of the names to be released by WWE as part of their coronavirus budget cuts and since then he has made his return to the independent circuit and ROH.

However, returning to the ring outside of the company wasn’t always in his mind and according to the former WWE star, he had even considered retirement after getting fired from the company.

Bennett recently had an interview with Scott Fishman of TV Insider and opening up about his release from the company; he revealed that at first he contemplated if he wanted to keep wrestling:

“When I got fired, I contemplated if I wanted to keep wrestling; I don’t know what the post-coronavirus pro wrestling world is going to look like. I have a 2-year-old and, when we got fired; my son was 2 months old.

I’m so thankful to have my wife to lean on. She’s my biggest supporter.” said Mike “We had constant talks after the kids went to bed and figured it out. You become parents, adults, and figure out life.”

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The ROH star also provided an update on his wife and fellow former WWE star Maria Kanellis revealing that she is back in school, pursuing her master’s degree.

Regarding a potential in ring return for the famale star, Mike Bennett said that Maria loves the industry and she will be back when she feels the time is right. You can check out his full interview at this link.

Former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett/Kanellis recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The former WWE 24/7 Champion discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, including the ‘whirlwind’ of being in WWE.

Mike Bennett will also be returning to Ring of Honor next weekend at Final Battle 2020. This will be his first appearance for the Sinclair Broadcasting brand since he left at Final Battle 5 years ago to join NJPW, IMPACT and then WWE.

Mike Bennett on ROH and WWE

“I’ve done a lot of reflecting lately, just because of the situation we’re in and where I’m at in my life” Mike Bennett began on Busted Open. “And it’s really crazy to me, to think that five years ago I left Ring of Honor? Within those five years, I essentially lived an entire lifetime.”

Bennett would elaborate further, saying “I went and I did New Japan. I did IMPACT and I did WWE. Which, if you’ve spent even a year at WWE? You know the weight, the toll, and then just the learning experience. This isn’t a negative at all, it’s just the goal, the whirlwind of WWE always feels like a lifetime, because of everything that’s going on there.”

Then Mike Bennett would address how he felt his run in WWE went. Bennett has stated in the past that he didn’t enjoy his creative in WWE, but he feels as though he has grown ‘as a man’ over the past 3 years; dealing with drug addiction and raising a family.

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“I’ve grown so much in my career. The last three years might have been a little shoddy and a little kind of not the direction I hoped it would go? But as a human? As a man, as a dad and as a husband? Through these past five years I’ve grown up an insane amount. I had two kids, I bought a house, my relationship with my wife is the best it’s ever been. That is what I’m most proud of.”

Are you looking forward to seeing Mike Bennett back in ROH? Do you think that he could return to WWE at some point? Let us know in the comments

Mike Bennett ended his long run with ROH back in 2015 to explore the wrestling world and according to the former champion; it was the ‘biggest mistake of his life’ professionally.

The former WWE star recently appeared on Trending With Taven, which is a new ROH show hosted by Matt Taven where he talked about things like his return to ROH and more.

While discussing his departure from the promotion in 2015, Bennett claimed that leaving Ring Of Honor was the biggest mistake of his professional life:

“What happened five years ago, professionally was the biggest mistake of my life. Hands down. Without a doubt, that was the biggest mistake of my life.

Personally, I had to do it. I had to find out who I was as a man. I had to go prove that Mike Bennett on his own could be Mike Bennett on his own. But hindsight’s always 20/20, and you look back, and you go, ‘What were you thinking? Why?’ I had everything I wanted right here.”

• Also Read: Cezar Bononi Reveals How Much He Was Making In NXT

Later in the interview, the former Impact star explained how he has changed since then and he said that he doesn’t take things for granted anymore.

Mike Bennett joined ROH in 2008 and had a good run but he left the promotion in 2015 after his contract expired. He tried making his name in promotions such as Impact Wrestling and WWE after his release before eventually returning to ROH earlier this month.

Former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett has reflected on his WWE tenure in a recent interview with The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast. He also vented his frustrations with Vince McMahon concerning how his wife, Maria Kanellis, was treated by the company.

Bennett explained how it didn’t bother him when WWE decided he would debut with his wife’s last name. He noted how he was aware that trying to use his own name would be an issue because of how WWE wants to own the rights to everything.

“But when they told me it was Mike Kanellis, my first thought as a worker is that it is really good heat because I know a lot of people will be upset that a man took his wife’s name,” Bennett explained. “It really didn’t bother me because in my head, a name is a name and I will let my talents speak for itself and if this is a way to get heat from the crowd instantly right out of the gate, sure, no problem, I’ll do it.”

He did, however, have an issue with WWE’s lack of follow-through. He stressed how they didn’t deliver a payoff with the decision, ultimately turning the gimmick into a “novelty act.”

Mike Bennett On How Vince McMahon & WWE Treated Maria Kanellis

Regarding Vince McMahon, Bennett stressed how Vince would always be nice to a person’s face. However, “[…] some of the things he’s done lately, it is hard for me to wrap my brain around. It’s hard for me to be ok with the way he treated my wife.”

Bennett explained how he asked for his WWE release as he was ready to go, noting how he asked for it 8 months before the coronavirus pandemic. He stressed how he wanted to go. Maria, however, didn’t.

“As far as getting released, I knew I was getting released. I wanted to go. My wife didn’t,” Bennett said. “We talked to them time and time again about firing me but not firing her. I wanted my release, she did not want her release. We were adamant that we were two separate talents and you should treat us differently.”

Mike Bennett argued how WWE releasing a woman on maternity leave after years of service during a pandemic was a “lousy” thing to do to a person.

Former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Formerly Mike Kanellis, Bennett would discuss a number of topics from his time with WWE. These topics would include creative meetings with Vince McMahon, appearing for NWA and his battle with addiction.

Mike Bennett on First Impressions

“Here’s the thing that I learned when I got sober, is you have to hold yourself accountable” Mike Bennett began on the show. “One of the big things I’ve started doing is…there’s this mantra that I kind of live by. It may not be your fault, but it is now your responsibility. That’s something that I’ve kind of had not only in life and that’s what helped me with my addiction, but just in general.”

Bennett would then recant his early days when WWE, shortly after being signed along with Maria Kanellis. The couple debuted in 2017 at the Money In The Bank PPV. “So I showed up at WWE, it was my dream job. It’s what I always wanted to do. But, I showed up not in the best shape. I showed up addicted to drugs and I showed up not ready to go. And so, first impressions are a big deal.”

Vince McMahon

“If the first impression that Vince [McMahon] or anybody else got there was, well? ‘He’s had three months to sit at home before we brought him there AND he’s not in the best shape of his life!? What has he been doing!?'” Bennett continued. “And then ‘we sign this guy who’s addicted to drugs!? Maybe we need to look at our vetting process a little bit better!?’ You add all those things together? And I think there’s a percentage of the failures that falls on me.”

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Mike Bennett would also discuss the angles that he was put in on WWE programming. Originally, Bennett and Maria Kanellis were portrayed as a performer/manager pairing, however that shifted to a ‘cuckold’ style angle, with Mike having to ‘submit’ to his wife. “It might not be my fault but it is my responsibility. Now was there bad creative along the way? Of course there was, but I tried to make the most of it. I tried to do the best I could; with what I was given.”

“I actually liked the challenge of that crazy RAW angle of like submitting to my wife all the time” Bennett continued. “I was like, ‘let’s see if we can get something out of this. Because who knows? Maybe this could be the best thing that ever happened to me.'”

Do you think that Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis deserved a better shot in WWE? Let us know in the comments

Former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Formerly Mike Kanellis, Bennett would discuss a number of topics from his time with WWE. These topics would include creative meetings with Vince McMahon, appearing for NWA and his battle with addiction.

“I had many good conversations with Vince [McMahon]” Mike Bennett began on the show. “After we [Mike and Maria] had our first child? I remember going into Vince’s office and I just said to him, ‘look if this isn’t working out? If I’m not what you thought I was or whatever or you just don’t see anything? Release me.”

Mike Bennett on Vince McMahon

“I said ‘just let me go for a couple years and maybe I’ll come back and we’ll figure this out'” Bennett would continue. “And he straight up told me, he said, ‘I’ve seen your work I think you’re good. We just have to find the right storyline that fits. We just have to find the right place for you. I’ve got a million guys right now.'”

Mike Bennett would then discuss his own personal views on the WWE Chairman. “One thing I respect about Vince? He was always brutally honest with me. He never sugar coated anything, I respected that. It was other people in that company that would sugarcoat things for me or just try to do things, but Vince? If I went to him directly? He always straight up told me what was going on.”

Vince McMahon Getting ‘distracted’

Bennett would finish by saying that his creative meetings with McMahon were beneficial, but that it was easy for McMahon to get distracted. “We did have those conversations and we had many opportunities where me and Maria went in there and we pitched stuff. Vince always seemed open to it, he was very respectful about everything.”

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“Then they just didn’t materialise, and I know how that works. I know I’ll go in there and I’ll tell Vince one thing he might like it…but then Roman [Reigns] goes in there, Seth [Rollins] goes in there and Bray [Wyatt] goes in there right after me. And he [Vince] probably doesn’t remember it after that, which sucks. It sucks for a smaller guys, we’re trying to get our names up there, but it at the end of the day? It’s just how that company works.”

Do you think that Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis deserved a better shot in WWE? Let us know in the comments

Former WWE Superstars Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis-Bennett have opened up about their initial push being cut short upon their debut in 2017. The two recently joined ROHStrong Podcast where they addressed their Money in the Bank experience. They shared how they had so much initial excitement at portraying a heel couple on screen.

Maria revealed how once they had signed their contracts, WWE simply didn’t utilize them. Instead, the couple “sat at home from March until June.”

She explained how WWE didn’t contact them until June, which caused her to become suspicious:

“We had no contact until June. I already felt like something was fishy because if you were that excited about us ,why didn’t you bring us out at Wrestlemania?”

Mike Bennett & Maria Kanellis At Money In The Bank 2017

Upon their appearance at Money in the Bank, the couple were confident in their new characters and direction. According to them, they got a “great reaction” when they stepped out from behind the curtain. However, despite the immediate heel heat, their momentum would be almost immediately stopped.

Bennett shared how Vince McMahon apparently didn’t see the reaction they received. This led to their push being “pretty much all but dropped.”

The couple added how they were meant to be on the next episode of SmackDown. Bennett recalled how they were written into the show only to be cut entirely. It was at this point that he reveals they both went felt how “that’s it, we’re done.”

Mike Bennett stressed how the three years with WWE was a “waste of time and a mess.” However, he acknowledged the lessons and personal growth he achieved are things he wouldn’t ever trade.

The couple recently shared insight into their negative experiences in WWE. Mike Bennett revealed how WWE never supported him or paid for his addiction recovery. Instead, he credited Maria with helping him through to sobriety. Maria, meanwhile, gave fans alleged information over what WWE said and promised them as they deliberated over re-signing with the company.

The couple joined several other Superstars to be released earlier this year as a cost-cutting decision. WWE attributed its decision to the coronavirus pandemic having impacted upon business.

Former WWE Superstars Mike Bennett and his wife Maria Kanellis-Bennett have opened up to fans about their experiences with WWE prior to being released.

Bennett revealed via Twitter that, despite its drug testing policy and insistence that it puts talents health and wellbeing first and foremost, WWE never paid or supported his recovery journey.

He explained how he never went to rehab and instead “My wife was my rehab.” Bennett noted how he recovered on the road while adhering to WWE’s travel schedule. According to him, WWE “never paid for my rehab” and “never reached out” to him during his recovery from addiction.

Bennett shared how “Not a single person in management ever contacted me to see if I needed help or if I was doing ok in my recovery.All credit goes to my wife”

Bennett stressed how he isn’t saying WWE had an obligation to reach out to him. However, when people claim his rehab was paid for, it undermines and takes away all the hard work and support Maria provided. Those false claims are something that will “never be ok” with him.

Maria Kanellis Shares Insight Into Her Experience

Maria Kanellis-Bennett also opened up on Twitter. She shared what she and Mike were allegedly told and promised by WWE. Maria has previously called out WWE over its decision to release her and Mike amidst a global pandemic so soon after her giving birth.

Her series of Tweets seem to indicate what they were told by WWE as they contemplated re-signing with the company. Both Maria and Mike would sign multi-year contracts in 2019.

Fans speculated that the pair signed with WWE knowing Maria was pregnant. This would have allowed them to make money while at home after their baby was born. This was not the case, however, as Maria was not aware she was pregnant until after signing her new WWE contract.

According to Maria, she was told and promised the following:

“Think about your family. – @wwe”

“We want to make sure your family is taken care of. -@wwe”

“Look at the position (she) put you in by naming you. – @wwe”

“Don’t you think you’d remember something like that. – @WWE”

“(He) still wants to sign you to this. -@WWE”

“We used to get away with a lot, we can’t get away with (that) anymore. -@WWE”

“It would be good for your career…. -@WWE”

Maria explained how she’s not “spilling tea” or spreading gossip with her series of tweets. Instead, she wanted to give fans insight into what she and Mike were told and experienced.

The couple joined several other Superstars to be released earlier this year as a cost-cutting decision. WWE attributed its decision to the coronavirus pandemic having impacted upon business.

The last year has been an eventful one for Mike Bennett, aka Mike Kanellis. He recently celebrated the birth of his first child along with his wife, Maria. The 32-year-old has also been open about his recent battles with pain medication, however.

The former IWGP heavyweight tag-team champion recently posted the following message to his social media channels:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSFyibhAnZ/?hl=en&taken-by=therealmichaelbennett

Mike Kanellis/Bennett

Mike and Maria Kanellis signed with WWE in 2017 and debuted at the Money in the Bank PPV that summer. Previously, Bennett and Kanellis had a brief stint in Impact Wrestling. Bennett won the X-Division championship during this time.

Bennett wrestled for several years in Ring of Honor, even winning the top prospects tournament in 2011. He would form a successful team with Matt Taven and win titles in both ROH and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Bennett and Taven were involved in a memorable feud over the tag titles with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows when Anderson seemed to fall hopelessly in love with Maria. Anderson’s infatuation with Maria allowed Taven and Bennett to defeat them for the belts.

Since debuting in WWE, Bennett has taken Maria’s last name.

At last week’s Greatest Royal Rumble, Bennett was eliminated in near-record setting fashion. While he didn’t last long in the actual match, he did get a few laughs for his entrance. Bennett opted to mime his normal entrance with Maria even though Maria was not there.

A fan recently Tweeted at SmackDown Live star Mike Kanellis asking about his current status with WWE. He was also asked if he would appear in the men’s Royal Rumble match later this month. This led to an exchange between Kanellis and a few other users over if he has failed during his WWE run. Even Road Dogg chimed in on the action to defend Kanellis. Here’s the full exchange:

Where in the World is @RealMikeBennett will he be in the #RoyalRumbleMatch

— Talib Andre (@talibandre) January 4, 2018

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949013008419827714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/GizmodoTroll/status/949311774448324608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949325714494492672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/GizmodoTroll/status/949335252345999361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949336593306972161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/jkin30/status/949334773981302786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/jkin30/status/949335267969658880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949337005145706496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

He doesn't mean you're a failure, you only did those things because you got good money to do almost nothing, you barely appeared on tv and only had one throw-away storyline is his point. Every other match was pointless tag matches or jobbing.

— ? (@billyr09) January 5, 2018

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949379382031847424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/NiceGuyRy22/status/949468768492707841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949472452995928064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

They’ll never get it Mike and they have the luxury of not having to get it.

— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) January 6, 2018

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/949720113783214081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Former Ring Of Honor (ROH) and Impact Wrestling stars Mike Bennett (who now goes by Mike Kanellis in WWE) and Maria Kanellis have made their ways to the WWE. The pair made their debut in a brief segment at the Money In The Bank pay-per-view (PPV) earlier this month shortly before the main event. Mike Bennett recently joined former WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’d Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about he and Maria’s arrival in WWE.

During the interview, Mike explained how WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens helped him sign with the company. Bennett say she contacted Paul Heyman about a potential WWE run, who connected him with Triple H. Hunter told Bennett that someone would be in touch with him shortly, however, he never heard anything back for weeks. In that time Bennett was leaning towards signing back with Impact, until Owens caught wind of that decision and decided to call Mike up and convince him to wait things out:

“What are you guys doing? I heard you guys were resigning with TNA, I don’t think you should do that. That is a stupid idea. You should come here.”

Owens convinced Bennett to wait about a week before making a decision, and in that time, William Regal called Mike and Maria up and offered them a spot right up on the main roster.

You can listen to the interview by clicking here.

As we reported earlier today, former Ring of Honor/Impact stars Maria & Mike Bennett are expected to debut in WWE sooner rather than later.

Maria and Mike have been seen earlier today with Epico seemingly arriving for the Money in the Bank show tonight.

Do you think that they will debut tonight? Let us know in the comments.

https://twitter.com/faceswrestling/status/876400049336582145

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, former Ring of Honor/IMPACT stars Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis are set to make their WWE debuts next week.

This will be Maria’s second stint in WWE after leaving in 2010, she then spent 4 years in Ring of Honor between 2011-2015, this also included various appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling alongside Bennett. Their well promoted run in IMPACT lasted just over a year, their departure was officially announced on March 1st this year.

https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/875833436279320579

Pro wrestling power couple Mike Bennett and wife Maria Kanellis are set to join WWE soon, according to a report by Wade Keller at PWTorch.com.

Although WWE is in the process of beefing up the NXT roster with talent like Drew Galloway, Kassius Ohno and Aleister Black Keller’s report states that “The Miracle” and Maria will be joining SmackDown Live.

Aside from winding down their independent bookings, the couple has been turning down guest spots on multiple podcast, another indication that they could be WWE-bound.

With news that SmackDown Live’s Kevin Owens is rebooting the ‘United States Champion Open Challenge’ – we can’t think of a better opportunity for the Bennetts to make a big splash on the main roster.

– Cody Rhodes defeated Mike Bennett over the weekend to capture the NEW Heavyweight Championship. Bennett had a short title reign and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter states that Bennett and Maria are taking their talents elsewhere and have been “very secretive” about it, which typically indicates WWE.

Bennett and Maria were among the talents who left Impact Wrestling prior to the most recent tapings. Maria started working for WWE back in 2004 when she participated in the RAW Diva Search. She remained with the company through 2010. Since then, she’s worked for ROH, NJPW, TNA and various independent promotions.

New "@newwrestling1 HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION"

*upcoming shows*
4-15-2017 Bethany, CT
4-23-2017 Pocono Summit, PA
5-26-2017 Newburgh, NY pic.twitter.com/NpNRUwwTT1

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) March 19, 2017

– In the ongoing battle over the likeness of Matt Hardy’s ‘Broken Universe,’ Anthem Sports and Entertainment is going through all the ‘Broken’ videos on the Impact Wrestling Youtube channel and adding the ™ trademark symbol to phrases like ‘Broken Matt’ and ‘Broken Brilliance.’ We’re not lawyers but doesn’t seem like these actions will mean much of anything when this dispute winds up in court.

Oh my god, Impact is going back and adding TM at the end of every Hardy mention on their YouTube as if it gives them a legal standing… pic.twitter.com/Jhry4exx7T

— Will Henderson (@willh94) March 23, 2017

Because you’re wondering what Reby Hardy feels about this:

https://twitter.com/rebyhardy/status/844721684254932993

“The Miracle” Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis are the latest performers to depart TNA Wrestling, according to PWInsider. They join Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy and Drew Galloway as notable talents who left this week.

TNA officials have been trying to sign the couple over the past several weeks. They reportedly reached an agreement, but Bennett and Kanellis decided it was time to move on. They’re not expected to work this week’s Impact Wrestling tapings from Orlando.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRB36FIF6co/

Below is the updated card for tomorrow’s TNA “One Night Only: Live! January 2017” pay-per-view event from Universal Studios in Orlando. The event will air via traditional pay-per-view platforms and the Fite app.

TNA will return to pay-per-view on Friday night with “One Night Only: Live!” from Universal Studios in Orlando. The following matches have been announced:

– The Broken Hardys defend the TNA Tag Team Championships against Eli Drake and a partner of his choosing

– DJZ defends the TNA X Division Championship in a Fatal 4 Way against opponents to-be-announced

– Rosemary defends the TNA Knockouts Championship against Sienna

– Impact Grand Champion Moose battles with Mike Bennett in a No Holds Barred Match

ONO will air via all standard pay-per-view outlets and the FITE app.

Update: Eddie Edwards will defend the TNA World Title against EC3 in tonight’s main event:

Breaking: The World Title hangs in the balance LIVE tonight on Pay Per View! @TheEddieEdwards defends against @EthanCarterTNA TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/CqxxUiF0lX

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 6, 2017

Just hours after her husband, Mike Bennett, appeared to make it clear what he thinks of today’s TNA news, Maria Kanellis Bennett tweeted a multi-part message on Monday night not long after Raw started:

https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis/status/793242751961862145

https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis/status/793243837074374656

https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis/status/793244585803804672

Granted, she’s not retiring right away. Still, it’s not like retirement tours are new in the wrestling business, either.

Analysis: As noted earlier in the post about Mike Bennett’s tweet, the married couple came into TNA under the new type of contract that the company started offering this year. The idea was for TNA to be able to offset good guaranteed money by booking talent out to independent promotions, but it appears that the prices being charged by the promotion were not competitive enough to get most indies to bite.

With wrestler paychecks being late and/or bouncing at least twice over the court of the last three pay periods, you can see why someone in TNA would become disillusioned with the business, especially when both halves of a marriage are having the same pay issues. If you have options, and Maria clearly feels like she does, then maybe a way out sounds awfully good right now.

While she never turned into  great mechanical pro wrestler, Maria absolutely doesn’t get enough credit for how good a performer she has become in all other facets.. In one sense, it will be a shame to see her go, but I hope she does great in the next stage of her life and we should all respect her decision, especially under the current circumstances for TNA roster members.