All Elite Wrestling fan-favorite star Maria Kanellis has announced that she has left the promotion, effective January 31.
This is my last day with @aew
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) January 31, 2025
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Kanellis, a former TNA Knockouts Champion and a significant figure in both WWE and ROH, recently announced her departure from AEW, sharing the news with her followers on social media: “This is my last day with AEW.”
his marks the end of her AEW tenure, which began in 2022 when she was paired with her husband, Mike Bennett, and Matt Taven as part of The Kingdom. She later transitioned to managing Cole Karter and Griff Garrison in ROH in 2023.
Before AEW, Kanellis had stints in WWE, TNA (now Impact Wrestling), and Ring of Honor. Her wrestling journey began in 2004 as a contestant on the reality show Outback Jack, and she gained fame shortly after by placing fifth in WWE’s Diva Search that same year.
Kanellis quickly ascended the ranks in WWE, starting as a backstage interviewer before transitioning to the ring. She earned the 2009 Slammy Award for Diva of the Year and was later crowned WWE 24/7 Champion during her 2017–2020 return alongside Bennett.
Notably, Kanellis made history during her 24/7 title run, becoming the first pregnant champion in WWE history.
Indy here I come… pic.twitter.com/6X235mm6Bh
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) January 30, 2025
Earlier in 2023, she underwent surgery for an adrenal gland mass, later revealing that she was cancer-free after a successful recovery. Her health scare, which involved a retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy, was followed by a period of rest and recovery.
Kanellis kept fans updated throughout her health journey and her plans for the future, which include pursuing a master’s degree.
Kanellis’ departure from AEW was no surprise, as she had hinted her contract was ending in October 2023.
Following a brief extension through the end of January, she confirmed that her time with the promotion had come to an end. While her husband, Mike Bennett, remains with AEW and ROH, Kanellis is looking forward to the next phase of her life.
.Mike is still in @aew https://t.co/9B44TU7X3L
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) February 1, 2025
She mentioned that she would be appearing at WrestleCon in Indianapolis, where WWE’s Royal Rumble will take place this weekend, although she didn’t confirm any Royal Rumble involvement. She also shared her excitement about the future, especially following the birth of her second child in February 2020.
Throughout her wrestling career, Kanellis played pivotal roles in multiple companies. She helped rebuild the ROH Women’s Division at the tail end of the Sinclair era, prior to Tony Khan’s acquisition of the promotion in 2022.
Her journey has been a mix of on-screen character work, managerial roles, and behind-the-scenes contributions, and fans are eager to see what this next chapter holds for the talented performer.
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