Impact Wrestling's new recruit Maria Kanellis turns 40 on February 25, 2022. On the female wrestler's birthday, we take a look at her love story with husband Mike Bennet and the ups and downs in her career.
Updated On: 2022-02-25 07:00 AM IST
Maria Kanellis born on February 25, 1982, is an American wrestler, singer and actress, currently working with Impact Wrestling.
Maria Kanellis has previously featured in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and Ring Of Honor (ROH).
Maria Kanellis was born in Ottawa, Illinois in USA. She grew up with a temperament for sports, including softball, basketball and volleyball.
Maria Kanellis graduated from high school in 2000 and before entering WWE, Maria regularly competed in beauty pageants.
Maria Kanellis shared this throwback picture with hubby Mike Bennett from her days in the ring.
In an interview in 2011, Maria Kanellis confirmed she was dating Mike Bennett, and they later got engaged to each other.
Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett got married in October 2014. On September 25, 2017, Maria Kanellis announced she and Mike Bennett were expecting their first child together.
Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennet welcomed their daughter, Fredrica "Freddie" Moon Bennett on April 3, 2018.
Maria Kanellis and husband Mike Bennett welcomed their second son, Carver Mars Bennett, on February 3, 2020.
Maria Kanellis also posed as a model for the adult magazine Playboy in 2008.
Maria Kanellis has appeared in films such as The Opposite Sex, Saving Christmas Army of the Damned and Mother Hen.
Maria Kanellis was a one-time 24/7 champion and one of the few women in WWE to hold that title.
Maria Kanellis has appeared as herself on many television shows such as Celebrity Apprentice, Outback Jack, Family Feud, Project Runway, Sunset Tan and Attack of the Show
Maria Kanellis posted this throwback picture with hubby Mike Bennett from their dating days. She wrote, "Throwback to the prince and princess who are now the King and Queen."
Maria Kanellis departed from WWE in 2020 along with a few other WWE wrestlers after they were released from their contracts.
In December 2020, Maria Kanellis made her return to Ring of Honor. Almost a year later in 2021, she was released from ROH after the company shut down.
In January 2022, Maria Kanellis made her return to Impact Wrestling along with her husband Mike.
