Maria and Mike Kanellis arrive in WWE

Mike Bennett and his wife Maria Kanellis-Bennett showed up at Money In The Bank last night, with Maria making her return to the company for the first time since 2010 while her husband made his WWE debut.

The two will be using the Kanellis name with Mike dropping the Bennett last name. They will be part of the Smackdown brand going forward. “The first lady is back in WWE. And for the past 7 years I’ve been searching for the perfect partner,” Maria said. “And you found me,” Mike added. The two vowed to educate everyone on the Smackdown brand the power of love.

Maria was part of the 2004 Diva Search contest and despite placing fifth in the contest that year, she was given a developmental deal with the company. She wrestled for WWE till her departure in 2010 and then joined Ring of Honor with her then-boyfriend for five years. After ROH, she had a short stint in New Japan Pro Wrestling and then Impact Wrestling in 2016. In 2013, Maria was a recipient of WWE’s Talent Scholarship and successfully graduated from Johnson & Wales University in May of this year obtaining a degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management.

Mike Bennett built his name on the independent scene and then joined Ring of Honor in 2008 where he wrestled there till 2014. He joined his wife in Japan for NJPW and then at Impact Wrestling as well.