It’s back to school time for Maria Kanellis-Bennett.
The former Knockouts Champion revealed on social media that she will be pursuing her Masters in Business Administration at the University of Illinois. Kanellis also noted that AEW has a tuition reimbursement plan to help fund her studies.
“Masters in Business Administration here I come!!! During the pandemic I started a graduate program but was unable to complete it because, life happens. I am excited to be starting this program as my sister is an alumni of UofI and so is my boss. Plus @aew has a tuition reimbursement program!!! It’s going to be difficult but it’s time for the next chapter!!! Chieeeeeeeeeeef!!!”
AEW president Tony Khan graduated from the University of Illinois in 2007.
This is actually the second time Kanellis has pursued a degree with financial help from a wrestling company. In 2013, Kanellis was one of the first recipients of WWE’s Talent Scholarship program and used the funding to obtain a degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management from Johnson & Wales University. She graduated from the program in 2017.
ROH commentator Ian Riccaboni commented on Kanellis’ announcement, writing:
“Yes! Might not remember this but: when I first came into ROH, I saw you studying & reading. We talked about never stopping learning. I took that to heart! Finishing my MBA *this fall*! It is tough but moves fast. We’re all proud of you! You got this! You’re going to kill it!”
Maria responded:
“That’s amazing!!! I think it’s contagious. It motivates me when other people are on the same path as me. We should definitely chat/scream about the struggle/beauty of it at the next show!!! And congratulations!!!”
Unfortunately, Maria has had some health concerns of late. She revealed last month that she is scheduled to have surgery in September to remove a mass on her adrenal gland.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett is moving forward with the next steps as she navigates a difficult health situation.
On Monday, Kanellis-Bennett shared to social media than a mass has been found on her adrenal gland. At this point, it’s inconclusive whether the mass is cancerous or not. She has an appointment scheduled for later this month to discuss what’s next.
Kanellis-Bennett noted that she originally asked to have her adrenal glands checked and blood work done six months ago, but insurance would not cover it. The mass later ended up being found accidentally during a different test.
“So fun story… 6 months ago I asked to get my adrenal glands checked and blood work done to check hormone levels because of symptoms I had been having. Insurance would not approve the tests. Fast forward today, I had a CT with contrast to check a mass that was found accidentally during another test, that is either on my kidney or adrenal gland. Moral of the story… listen to your body,” she wrote.
“So here is the update. Yes it is a mass on my adrenal gland. Next step is meeting with an endocrinologist surgeon. It’s inconclusive at this point, if it is cancer. In other news, I ate French fries and a concrete mixer and I feel a little better.”
“Appointment is set for July 30th at Rush Copley [Medical Center] to discuss next steps,” she wrote. “This weekend Mike has the weekend off so we are taking the kids to Indianapolis to take my mind off things and see the dinosaurs at the children’s museum.”
Kanellis-Bennett and her husband Mike Bennett made their AEW debut in 2022 and both currently perform in Ring of Honor. Bennett & Matt Taven are the ROH Tag Team Champions, while Maria manages the team of Cole Karter & Griff Garrison. Karter is out of action right now after undergoing surgery for a broken arm.
The 40-year-old member of The Kingdom took to Instagram today to announce she will be having half her thyroid removed. Kanellis noted that she has been experiencing symptoms for the past two and a half years but did not have the opportunity to deal with the issue until recently.
Kanellis wrote:
Today I am getting thyroid surgery to remove half my thyroid which includes a nodule. I’ve been have symptoms for the past 2 and a half years. Heart racing, trouble with weight loss, skin changes, exhaustion, mood changes, sore throat, anxiety, period changes, raspy voice, trouble swallowing, brain fog, calcium deficiency, amongst others. But, with having 2 kids, the Pandemic, and multiple times being fired I just didn’t have the time to really focus on it. Now, my doctor has told me that there are abnormal cells which could turn cancerous and a possibility of causing afib, which is a heart condition. So, with the full support of @aew, it’s time. Thank you to @tonyrkhan, Megha, and CD for the support!! And of course thank you to my wonderful husband @therealmichaelbennett and my amazing mother for helping us through this time!! Recovery is supposed to be about 2 weeks for the incision and about a year for the hormones to balance. I can work after 2 weeks with no restrictions. I will keep you all posted…
Maria, along with her husband Mike Bennett and his tag partner, Matt Taven, debuted for AEW at the Rampage taping from Toronto on October 13, 2022. The Kingdom is 2-0 as a tag team in the promotion although they lost to Top Flight at ROH Final Battle in December.
Maria is also the CEO of Women’s Wrestling Army, a promotion that ran events in Chicago and Rhode Island last year. She is a former Knockouts Champion, WWE 24/7 Champion, and won the Slammy for Diva of the Year in 2009.
According to Maria Kanellis-Bennett, she and new Ring of Honor owner Tony Khan have spoken about a role for her in the company.
At the post-Supercard of Honor media scrum, Khan was asked about her interest in being involved with the AEW owner saying he would be open to having a conversation.
On a podcast appearance with PW Ponderings, the current member of the Honor No More faction in Impact Wrestling said Khan has indeed reached out with the two trying to find time to talk about a potential future.
“I’m hopeful that happens soon. I’m thankful and appreciative that he even reached out to me because I love Ring of Honor. A piece of my soul might have died a little bit when I was released from the company last year because last year was so fulfilling and I loved working with (the women’s) division. I’m hopeful that we do find a time to communicate and a lot of our friends are trying to make sure we get in touch. I will keep everybody posted as things come into play,” she said.
She said she doesn’t want to come in and run ROH, but would “love the opportunity to come in, grow and learn as Ring of Honor grows into what it becomes in the future.”
“Every company runs differently. Whether that is producing backstage or writing or being in HR or talent relations, I’m open to any of those things. I did all of them last year. We’ll see what comes of it. I’m hopeful and excited,” she said.
Her Impact deal expires following this Saturday’s Rebellion pay-per-view.
Kanellis-Bennett was part of ROH’s Women’s Division Wednesday and last summer’s Women’s title tournament.
Women’s Wrestling Army has announced its first show.
Maria Kanellis revealed the promotion’s inaugural event will take place Sunday, May 1 from the Fete Music Hall in Providence, RI. It will be held in conjunction with Women’s Wrestling Revolution Plus.
Kanellis also noted that the show will be taped for a future air date.
The Journey Begins…. May 1st in Providence, RI @fetemusic at 7:00pm eastern in conjunction with @wwrprowrestling !!!
Kanellis is part of the Honor No More stable in Impact Wrestling at the moment. The faction is scheduled for an eight man tag team match on next week’s show against Bullet Club. Kanellis is scheduled to appear at the upcoming tapings the company is holding in Poughkeepsie, New York on April 23 and 24. She noted during an interview with WrestleFest recently, however, that she is under a per performance deal with the company and has nothing booked with them past those dates.
Maria Kanellis is forming a “Women’s Wrestling Army.”
In a social media post on Wednesday evening, Kanellis announced the formation of the “Women’s Wrestling Army.” Although it is not clear if this new project is a promotion, the website she links to in her tweet asks visitors to subscribe to an email list “to hear about upcoming shows and events.”
“The journey, it’s a thousand seemingly insignificant decisions. It’s the wrong turns, the dead ends, the climb, the process, the successes, and the failures. It’s the word, ‘no.’ The next ‘no.’ A million beating drums inside your mind that say, ‘no’. A hated word, ‘diva,’ that defined your career. Can you small-town girl, diva, turn that ‘no’ into a simple but almost unattainable word, ‘yes,’” Kanellis says in a video announcing the project.
“Yes, you can transition from small-town girl turned diva, to manager, mother, producer, to produce change, changing ever so slightly to keep up with my less-experienced contemporaries, to remain relevant with them, to create opportunities for them.”
“Let’s create an army, a women’s wrestling army,” she concludes.
Kanellis currently performs in Impact Wrestling. She noted in an interview with WrestleFest recently that she is under a per performance deal with the company with nothing currently booked following the Rebellion PPV and tapings in Poughkeepsie, New York on April 23 and 24. She did not rule out a return to the promotion, however.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including AEW Dynamite from Wednesday, Roman’s battle with COVID, all the latest news and more, then Maria Kanellis joins us for a great interview talking the ROH Women’s Division documentary coming up today on Youtube! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Hero, who went under the name Kassius Ohno in WWE, announced he was gone from the company in a tweet tonight. Using the hashtag #ChrisHeroIsBack, Hero posted a video showing black and white footage of him in WWE. That footage then stopped, and footage of him in color as Chris Hero ended the video.
Dave Meltzer confirmed that Hero had been released from WWE last week. He had been with the company since 2016 after previously having a run in the company from 2011-2013. In this most recent run, he had been mainly used in the NXT undercard. He had recently been working under the NXT UK brand prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
There have been a number of cuts across all of WWE, including its corporate offices, writing staff and talent both on the main roster and on NXT. Mike and Maria Kanellis, who announced they were starting a podcast tonight, were among the main roster releases.
Maria and Mike revealed today that their baby boy was born on Monday, with Maria writing: “Carver Mars Bennett arrived yesterday 2/3/2020 at 3:07pm. 8 pounds and 20 and 1/2 inches. We are so in love!!”
Maria’s pregnancy was first announced on an episode of Raw last July. It was used as part of a storyline that was eventually dropped, with Maria humiliating Mike and questioning whether he was the father of the baby.
Both Maria and Mike signed new five-year deals with WWE last June. In October, Mike posted a statement announcing that he had requested his release from the company. He wrote that wrestling one night a week wasn’t going to cut it for him and he wasn’t okay with just collecting a paycheck.
Mike returned to the ring last month and has been teaming with Tony Nese on NXT house shows.
Maria and Mike’s daughter — Fredrica “Freddie” Moon Bennett — was born in April 2018.
The most important week in recent pro wrestling history reached strong heights before ending with an embarrassing low.
The Wednesday Night War began, with AEW Dynamite debuting on TNT opposite a stacked episode of NXT on USA. SmackDown made its move to FOX two days later and featured an appearance by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a WWE Championship change, and the debut of Cain Velasquez. Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view looked like it was only going to be a footnote, but the main event made the show memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Here’s a look at three stories that defined the week:
1. AEW wins first night of Wednesday night ratings war
Pro wrestling returned to TNT last Wednesday as the premiere of AEW Dynamite averaged 1.409 million viewers. That topped the 891,000 viewers that NXT averaged. In the 18-49 demo, AEW posted a 0.68 rating — second for the night on cable and more than double what NXT did.
Smackdown on FOX, the ratings, what they mean, how this relates to Raw, the Velasquez vs. Lesnar and Fury vs. Strowman matches is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.
This week’s Observer also covers:
How FOX did with the competition, how FOX did compared to last season’s premieres, how the show did in Canada, note on how the kickoff show did, match-by-match and how the ratings changed, who drew big and who didn’t, the usage of legends, the story behind Velasquez’s negotiations, the end of Kingston’s reign, plus match-by-match coverage.
What went wrong with Hell in a Cell, the disaster of a main event, the reactions by fans, Vince McMahon’s reactions to those reactions, how the match order hurt the show, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Wednesday night war with ratings, where both sides lost viewers the most, the fall from the first week on TNT, the average viewer age for AEW and NXT and how different the makeup is, how every segment on both shows did.
What segments were strong set with what age groups, and how teenage viewership both shows differs greatly.
Smackdown draft, 205 Live going forward, the plans for Saudi Arabia, why the cruiserweight distinction in NXT makes no sense anymore, new WWE signings, Mae Young Classic, WWE injuries, Goldberg and Matt Riddle situation, Hulk Hogan wants a match with Vince McMahon, former Miss America contestant signs with WWE, U.K. star moves to Florida, remake of “Badstreet USA,” value of WWE stock, most-watched shows on WWE Network over the past week, plus notes on every live event by the WWE main roster and NXT this past week with business notes, results and highlights.
Jeff Hardy’s recent arrest and a look back at his other issues over the years.
A full report on the UFC show from Australia, the record crowd, business notes, and a look at Israel Adesanya.
The situation with Dragon Lee going forward as well as where WWE and AEW may fit in, his being pulled from the New Japan tour as well as a look at this year’s Junior heavyweight tag team tournament that starts this coming week.
A full report on the debut of NWA Power, the new Internet television show Billy Corgan and Dave Lagana have put out, glory days of Georgia Championship Wrestling and its ratings, a look at Nick Aldis as NWA champion, business notes and economic realities regarding the company as well as what kind of Youtube numbers the different shows are doing.
Full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
Additional notes by Joseph Currier
WWE
A special preview of WWE Backstage will air tonight following the Astros-Yankees ALCS game on Fox Sports 1. Triple H will be on the show to announce a trade between Raw and SmackDown. Renee Young and Booker T will be joined by Paige and Christian. Shawn Michaels and Sting will also be on the show to break down their favorite match.
On Twitter, Eric Bischoff commented on Bruce Prichard replacing him as the executive director of SmackDown: “Bruce is a great producer, good friend and I am certain he is going to thrive in his position. He’s going to be working with a great team of the most dedicated and hard working people I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know.” WWE has confirmed that Bischoff is no longer with the company.
Cain Velasquez on Ariel Helwani’s show mentioned that WWE is allowing him to work one more AAA date.
Maria Kanellis on Instagram noted that she has not asked for release and attempted to clear up misconceptions about her and Mike’s situation: “1. Family first. 2. I love and support my husband. 3. I make no apologies for either of my pregnancies. 4. Mike never went to rehab nor did WWE pay for it. 5. Mikes addiction was from about September 2013-July 2017. 6. We debuted in June 2017. 7. He never took time off. 8. I have not asked for my release. 9. You can unfollow me at anytime if you don’t like what I stand for. 10. Suck it. P.S. Have a nice day!”
Roman Reigns spoke to Forbes about how fans reacted to the finish of Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend at Hell in a Cell: “I think you should express your opinions, but it doesn’t hurt anybody if you have a shred of respect. Have a little respect for the performers who were out there killing themselves for you. I didn’t like the Hell in a Cell finish either, but I wasn’t about to cuss some guys out who got hit in the head over and over. Bray Wyatt put his health on the line to entertain some fans to the best of his ability. I didn’t like it, but I respect Bray’s effort and willingness to go out there and do what you have to do. So, if you can, just a little bit of respect.
Tommaso Ciampa tweeted about returning to the ring against Angel Garza on tomorrow’s episode of NXT: “I had neck surgery on March 7th. At the time, I was told that my estimated return date was March 7th, 2020. Tomorrow, I have my first match back. That’s 142 days ahead of protocol. Good luck, Garza.”
WWE posted an AOP video with them reacting to not being picked in the WWE Draft. In the promo, AOP said they’re going to take their frustrations out on somebody sooner than later.
AEW uploaded The Lucha Bros, Jack Evans & Angelico vs. Private Party & Best Friends from AEW Dark with Spanish commentary from Alex Abrahantes and Dasha Kuret (formerly Dasha Fuentes in WWE).
A segment with The Street Profits and Maria Kanellis is set for tonight’s post-Clash of Champions episode of Raw.
WWE.com has announced that The Street Profits will host the gender reveal party for Maria’s child tonight: “RSVP now because you do not want to miss it when Maria Kanellis reveals her child’s gender at a special Gender Reveal party tonight, hosted by The Street Profits. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford invite you to be a part of the festivities live tonight on Raw.”
Maria revealed her pregnancy on the July 1 episode of Raw, with her beginning a storyline where she’s been demeaning her husband, Mike Kanellis. The pregnancy is legitimate and this will be Maria and Mike’s second child.
The Street Profits also made their main roster debut on that July 1 Raw episode. They’ve been featured in backstage segments but have yet to wrestle on the main roster.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee. The show will feature fallout from Clash of Champions, along with Chad Gable facing Baron Corbin in the King of the Ring tournament finals.
Mike and Maria Kanellis have re-signed with WWE, confirmed by our Dave Meltzer.
Pro Wrestling Sheet was first to report the deals, while Fightful reported the contract will extend their WWE run by five years which Meltzer also confirmed.
Maria’s second run with the company, and Mike’s first, kicked off at Money in the Bank in June 2017. September of that year saw the couple announce that they were expecting their first child.
Maria took a leave of absence after the August 29, 2017, SmackDown and Mike went from an undercard act to largely absent from television. Maria made a special appearance at the Raw 25th Anniversary show in January 2018, and the couple welcomed the birth of their daughter in April 2018.
Mike saw his television drought end end later that month as he became a regular on Main Event after being shifted to the Raw brand in the first Superstar Shake-up. Maria returned to television as Mike’s manager in October 2018, and their act moved to 205 Live.
More returns are set for the battle royal that will be taking place at WWE Evolution.
WWE announced today that Alundra Blayze (Madusa), Ivory, Molly Holly, Michelle McCool, and Kelly Kelly will be returning for the battle royal. Maria Kanellis, who joined 205 Live this month as Mike Kanellis’ manager, will also be returning to action in the battle royal.
Ember Moon, Nia Jax, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Alicia Fox, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Asuka, Carmella, Naomi, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Lana, and Torrie Wilson were the first group of wrestlers announced for the battle royal. The winner of it will receive a future title shot.
The Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York will host Evolution on October 28. Here’s the updated card:
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Nikki Bella
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Charlotte Flair in a last woman standing match
Alexa Bliss & Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus & Lita
NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane defending against Shayna Baszler
Battle royal for a future title shot (Ember Moon, Nia Jax, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Alicia Fox, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Asuka, Carmella, Naomi, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Lana, Torrie Wilson, Alundra Blayze, Ivory, Molly Holly, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, and Maria Kanellis announced thus far)
Maria Kanellis will be returning to WWE television tomorrow on 205 Live.
During a match between Lince Dorado and Lio Rush taped before tonight’s episode of SmackDown, Maria Kanellis made her return, distracting Dorado. Mike Kanellis then attacked Dorado from behind for the disqualification. It seems like going forward, both will be appearing for the 205 Live brand.
Aside from an appearance during the 25th anniversary of Raw, Maria Kanellis hasn’t been on television since September of last year, taking a leave of absence as she became pregnant with her and Mike’s first child. She gave birth to a girl in April and had been training at the WWE Performance Center prior to her return. She injured her wrist back in August during training and had to spend six weeks in a cast.
Mike Kanellis hasn’t been used on television much during Maria’s leave of abscense. Originally part of the SmackDown roster, he was moved to Raw as part of the Superstar Shake-Up earlier this year and has mostly been wrestling during the Main Event tapings.
Maria Kanellis has suffered a bit of a setback while training for her return to television.
Kanellis posted on Instagram today that she suffered a broken wrist while training in the ring. She wrote that she’ll have to be in a cast for six weeks but teased being involved with WWE’s Evolution pay-per-view: “I broke my wrist training in the ring to come back… 6 weeks in a cast. Do the math… still have time before #Evolution”
Evolution will take place at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York on October 28.
Kanellis headed to the WWE Performance Center at the beginning of this month to start training for a comeback. She announced last September that her and Mike Bennett (Mike Kanellis) were expecting their first child, and they welcomed the birth of their daughter on April 4.
Kanellis returned to WWE and Bennett debuted at Money in the Bank 2017. Bennett moved to Raw in this year’s roster shakeup and has mostly been wrestling on house shows and Main Event.
