Maria Kanellis

Former Diva Maria and husband Mike Bennett are set to arrive in WWE soon. There is speculation that the two could debut on either Smackdown or NXT in the next few weeks.

Some WWE fans might not be familiar with Mike. Here’s a refresher on both of their careers.

***UPDATE***

Mike and Maria Bennett Kanellis debuted during Money in the Bank

https://twitter.com/BulletClubItal/status/876608567947792385

Who is Mike Bennett?

Bennett got his start wrestling in New England in 2002 before finally getting his break with Ring of Honor in 2008. He worked on the mid-card for a few years and notably was involved in a botched spot that broke BJ Whitmer’s neck.

He also teamed with Bob Evans, Eddie Edwards, and wrestled Jerry Lynn in his final ROH match.

His career picked up once Maria came to ROH. The two eventually joined “The Kingdom” with Matt Taven and Adam Cole. Taven and Bennett would win both the ROH and the IWGP (New Japan Pro Wrestling) Tag Belts. This team ended when the Bennetts left for TNA.

They were in TNA for a little over a year, during which time Bennett won the X-Division Championship and challenged for the Heavyweight title on several occasions.

What has Maria been up to?

Maria left WWE in 2010 and began teaming up with then-boyfriend Mike in various promotions, most notably Ring of Honor and then TNA.  She was branded the “First Lady of ROH” and while in TNA won the Knockouts Championship.

She even made a little history in New Japan Pro Wrestling when she teamed up with The Kingdom to take on the Bullet Club and Amber Gallows in the first NJPW match to involved women since 2002!

Besides wrestling, Maria got her college degree, acted in a few movies, and released an album.

What to expect in WWE

Bennett is a great talent and has great heel charisma, but the focus will gravitate towards Maria. Expect her to fill a role similar to Maryse where she’ll do a great deal of interference, talking, and maybe a little wrestling. Maria’s been on the independents for the last few years actually wrestling, so don’t be surprised if she has a few matches of her own.

I think the couple would be a great addition to the roster. Both possess great showmanship and know how to work a crowd.

What are your thoughts on the Bennetts joining WWE? Share your thoughts.

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