True or False: Mike and Maria Kanellis Asked for WWE Release

by
Former Writers
January 26, 2019

Anton, via Flickr

True or False: Mike and Maria Kanellis Asked for WWE Release

This was quite the story when it broke about a week or so ago. With Mike being moved to 205Live, it should be no surprise that the couple was less than thrilled. After all, Mike and Maria did some great things back in Ring of Honor. But, they plugged along and played along, despite their position with the company seemingly fallen.

But when the news began to circulate through the internet that Mike and Maria had asked to be released, Maria fired some pretty brutal shots at the original source, Ryan Satin. Not only did she claim that the rumors were false, she ripped him to shreds. In turn, the entire IWC did, too. But Ryan Satin maintained his position, even tweeting that he stood by his article despite Maria’s rampage.

Maria Fires Back

Everyone thinks they know everything. Hahahahaha…. it’s social media not an autobiography. https://t.co/5wlyJgzfF1

— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) January 17, 2019

View this post on Instagram

I was not going to address this but I am getting phone calls and emails about it. I DID NOT ask for my release. Speculation and rumors are running rampant. Someone is playing all the wrestling news sites. It’s a game. I’ve been in professional wrestling for 15 years and what I do in front of the camera will only be a small part of the full story. I have relationships with fans, talent, producers, and their families. I have been in the hospital when people have been injured and backstage to hug someone who just had a great match. I don’t need to stir up shit. I don’t need to put others down. I am an imperfect human that has learned from past mistakes. Whoever is leaking rumors I pity you. And your desperate attempt for attention while disparaging my husband and I. I’m gonna take the weekend off of social media to hang out with my beautiful family and I suggest whoever it is does the same. Social media is not fact. It is fantasy, a nightmare, or a place for bullies. I want to use this for motivation to be positive everyday. I am still learning how to be a mom. I still fight postpartum depression. And I still try to become a better person everyday. I don’t need this made up extra stress. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and thank you for your support!!

A post shared by Maria Kanellis-Bennett (@mariakanellis) on Jan 18, 2019 at 12:46pm PST

Pro Wrestling Sheet

Pro Wrestling Sheet actually says that multiple people had already confirmed the original story. Additionally, they reached out to Mike and Maria. However, they were told there would be “no comment” regarding the issue. Since then, many other sources have come forward and claimed that they did ask for their release, but it was denied. There have also been rumblings that the WWE has no plans to let go of anyone because of the uprising of AEW.

So Where Are Mike and Maria Now?

PW Insider‘s Mike Johnson suggested that the Kanellis’ status could be quite telling during this Royal Rumble weekend:

“No sign of Mike and Maria Kanellis on TV this week. And, I think that if they’re not in the Rumble, that probably is a message being sent to them.”

Ashley Sweetly Writes

As much as it pains me because I do love Mike and Maria, I think that this is completely factual. Unfortunately, their gimmick never caught on. Additionally, they were expecting to be higher on WWE’s totem pole. Because of that, and the potential for stardom with other companies, they likely did ask for their release. I also believe that the WWE is trying to keep as many as its stars under contract as possible right now.

I don’t think someone as prevalent in the wrestling world as Ryan Satin would have published anything had he not believed it to be fully accurate. Additionally, I have heard that Maria has a bit of an ego. Sadly, I’m going to say that the rumor that Mike and Maria asked for their WWE release is true.