Name: Maria Kanellis D.O.B: 02/25/1982 Debut: 11/01/2004 Mini bio: Her first taste of the WWE came in the summer of 2004 when she was a part of the first ever RAW Diva Search. Although she didn't win the competition it didn't take the WWE long to see that there was something special about Miss Kanellis and they hired her as part of the company in November of 2004. Doing everything from interviewing superstars backstage or kicking a little diva butt in the ring, you can be sure to catch the gorgeous Maria each and every week on Monday Night Raw.
By: Aubrey Sitterson Written: July 1, 2008 The Draft is – as our currently recuperating Chairman might say – WWE’s way of “shaking things up”. And 2008 was no exception; between the initial and supplemental Drafts, 28 Superstars, Divas and announcers now find themselves in new home brands. Many members of the WWE Universe might find themselves with conflicted emotions: excited about seeing someone new on their favorite brand, but still sad to see an old favorite move on. It’s not surprising then, that the drafted Superstars’ feelings are similarly conflicted, especially when you take into account the massive lifestyle change that comes with moving from one brand to another.
For Maria, the change was more bittersweet; the Playboy cover girl was sad to leave all of her close Raw friends behind. “[Women’s Champion] Mickie James looked at me all day long today, and every time she looked like she was about to cry.” Maria is keeping her head up though, and looking forward to becoming good friends with the Sexiest Women on Friday night Television.
I recieved the new August issue of WWE Magazine in the mail today and once again Maria is featured with Mickie James and Ashley Massaro in 'Divas Uncensored'. I've added them into the gallery along with the July scans so check them out.
By: Kara A. Medalis Written: June 27, 2008 In this week’s Diva Dish, Katie Lea Burchill offers a warning to her Night of Champions opponent, Mickie James; Maryse makes a big move; Jillian hangs out with Weird Al, Maria gets mobbed; and Kelly Kelly rides in style.
The price of Diva stardom Maria said she enjoys returning home to the Chicago suburbs to visit her family and friends, but it seems the Diva’s fame is making it difficult for her to go unnoticed. “I love going home, I really do. And I love going to car shows. It’s so much fun. But for the first time in the history of me being me, I really couldn’t go to a car show because I was mobbed, literally mobbed,” the Diva explained. “I love Ottawa, I really do. I love everybody at home, I love my mom, I love my family, but oh my gosh, it was crazy!” Maria said she signed so many autographs while in downtown Ottawa, Ill., it was like an impromptu WWE appearance. “Then my friend Emma and I went out at night and she literally had to run blocker for me. I had to dance in the corner, because I couldn’t let go in the middle of everything because someone was constantly coming up,” she said.
Maria has had one incredible year - gracing the cover and pages of Playboy magazine, making headlines with Snoop Dogg at Wrestlemania XXIV.....and now becoming Smackdown's newest diva! Friday nights are looking better than ever!
CoEd Magazine recently sat down with Maria for an interview. Check it out.
She’s made Ric Flair fall face first with a kiss, she has an irresistible smile, she cancan take body slams, and most importantly she loves babies and puppies. She’s none other then WWE Diva turned Playboy Covergirl, Maria Kanellis.
Maria won wrestling fans hearts with her ditzy personality (don’t let it fool you), long legs, green doe eyes that melt even the coldest heart, and her gestures of blowing kisses to the crowd. Maria was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to talk to COED about everything from wrestling, life, and Barry Manilow?!
COED: Growing up you were a fan, what Divas were your favorite? Maria: I always liked Lita because she had her thong hanging out. Just kidding. She was very powerful and strong, and different. She just didn’t care. And Trish of course, because she was a gorgeous fitness model who could also get it done in the ring.
America’s birthday just got hotter than ever before. Forget the fireworks, barbecues and beaches. You’ll be aching to get back to your computer to see the sultry, seductive Divas of WWE make your computer screen sizzle, as WWE ushers in the rising temperatures on July 4 with Summer Skin.
Set your heart on fire with the steamiest photos, the sexiest videos and the most provocative stories ever revealed about your favorite WWE Divas.
“I love it. I think it’s awesome,” said Women’s Champion Mickie James. “I hope we do something like this more often.”
Freedom will ring on Independence Day and every Tuesday and Friday thereafter, as one Diva will show off sensual sides of her no one has ever seen before. All summer long, a different Diva will be featured until our fans have seen every single member of the Sexiest Women on TV.
“I’m extremely excited,” Maria said. “This is the first big shoot that I’ve done since Playboy.”