Maria Kanellis Biography: Mary Louis Kanellis-Bennett, popularly known by her ring name Maria Kanellis, is a female American professional wrestler, signed to World Wrestling Entertainment on the Raw brand. Mary Louis became a part of World Wrestling Entertainment in 2004 when she participated Diva Search, in which she came fifth. Maria began making appearances in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). She is best appreciated for her participation in Ring of Honor (ROH) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Having a great interest in sports, Mary Louis was involved in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Mary Louis persuaded her graduation from Ottawa Township High School in 2000, and then went on to study at Northern Illinois University.
Marie also devoted her time to several wrestling promotions including Ring Of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, TNA Wrestling and other promotions.
EARLY LIFE
Mary Louis Kanellis-Bennett was born on February 25, 1982 in Ottawa, Illinois, U.S. She completed her graduation from Ottawa Township High School in 2000 and later joined Northern Illinois University. She also competed in many beauty pageants. In 2004, she was a contestant on the reality show, Outback Jack, where she made it to final three before being eliminated.
PERSONAL LIFE
Mary Louis Kanellis-Bennet resides in Ottawa, Illinois, U.S. She started dating fellow wrestler Mike Bennett in 2011 and later engaged in November 2012. The couple tied a knot on October 10, 2014. They together welcomed their daughter, Fredrica “Freddie” Moon Bennett on April 3, 2018 and now set to welcome their second child soon. Mary has two younger siblings; a brother and sister named Bill and Janny.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Mary Louis Kanellis-Bennet started her professional wrestling career in 2004 when she participated in Diva Search in 2004 in which she came fifth. Kanellis inaugurated competing in the ring as a wrestler in 2005, where she tasted defeat in her very first match against Christy Hemme in a Lingerie Pillow Fight.
Maria involved in a feud with Vince’s Devils (Victoria, Torrie Wilson, and Candice Michelle), and later competed in Gauntlet Bra & Panties Match at New Year’s Revolution. She eliminated Wilson and Michelle, however she got eliminated by Victoria. At Wrestlemania 24, Maria, along with Ashley were defeated by Phoenix and Melina. Post that match, Maria kissed the Snoop Dogg.
In 2008, she made her debut on Smackdown where she defeated Victoria in her first match. Maria won a “Las Vegas Dice on a Pole” match to become the number one contender for the WWE Divas Championship,]but lost for the title against then-champion Michelle McCool. At Wrestlemania 25, she competed for the “Miss WrestleMania” crown but was eliminated by Victoria. In 2010, Maria was released from her WWE contract.
She later became a part other wrestling promotions like Ring Of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, TNA Wrestling and many more. In 2017, she returned to WWE where she helped her husband Mike to bag his first victory against Sami Zayn. Kanellis took part of the first-ever all women’s pay–per–view, Evolution, where she competed in a battle royal for a future women’s championship match but she was eliminated.
In 2019, Mike won 24/7 Championship from R-Truth but Maria forced Mike to lay down so she could pin him to become the 24/7 Champion, her first title in WWE. She also became a part of several TV shows and films.
HONOURS
Ranked No. 21 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2008
Slammy Award for Diva of the Year (2009)
ACHIEVEMENTS
Maria is a two-time FWE Women’s Champion
Maria is a one-time TNA Knockouts Champion
Maria is a one-time WWE 24/7 Champion
PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS
HEIGHT: 170 cm
WEIGHT: 54 kg = 120 lbs
EYE COLOR: Dark Brown
HAIR COLOR: Blonde
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Mary Louis Kanellis
Age: 37 years
Date of Birth: February 25, 1982
Hometown: Ottawa, Illinois, U.S
Zodiac: Pisces
Religion: AmericanEDUCATION:School: Ottawa Township High School
FAVOURITE CELEBRITIES
Favourite wrestler: Trish Stratus
Favourite actor: Jim Carrey
Favourite actress: Angelina Jolie
Hobbies: Wrestling, listening music, swimming, Dancing
Favourite Food: Fast foods, American Recipies, Chinese
Dream Holiday Destination: New York
Favourite Color: Black
NET WORTH
$3 Million (estimated)
CONTROVERSY
Donald Trump once fired Maria Kanellis over “locker room talk”
SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMariaKanellis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis
Instagram: @mariakanellis