Maria Kanellis is a well-known American professional wrestler, model, and actress who has gained widespread attention for her outstanding performances in the wrestling arena. Born on February 25, 1982, in Ottawa, Illinois, she is one of the most prominent female wrestlers of her generation. With a charming personality and exceptional wrestling abilities under her belt, Maria has managed to make a mark in the industry, becoming a fan favorite in no time.
Standing tall at 5 feet 7 inches, Maria Kanellis is known for her stunning figure, with a perfect measurement of 34-25-35. Her charming looks and captivating personality have helped her in establishing herself as a successful model and actress, having worked on several film and television projects. She has also been involved in philanthropic activities through her association with various charitable organizations, earning the respect and admiration of her fans from across the world.
With a net worth of approximately $3 million, Maria Kanellis has established herself as one of the most successful female wrestlers of her time. She was an active member of the WWE wrestling scene, having competed in several championships and fights. Her hard work and dedication towards her craft have earned her recognition and fame, making her one of the most recognizable faces in the wrestling industry.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the life of Maria Kanellis, exploring her early days, career, and personal life in detail. We will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this inspiring personality, covering all aspects of her life to help you get a complete insight into her journey as a professional wrestler, model, and actress.
Maria Kanellis: The Complete Biography
Maria Kanellis is a former WWE Diva and professional wrestler, as well as a singer, actress, and reality TV personality. Born on February 25, 1982, in Ottawa, Illinois, USA, Maria began her career in wrestling in 2004 when she attended WWE Diva Search and became one of the top eight finalists.
Although she did not win the competition, Maria was offered a WWE contract and began training at their development territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. She made her WWE television debut in 2005 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her bubbly personality and gorgeous looks.
During her WWE career, Maria competed in both singles and tag team matches, and also served as a backstage interviewer and ring announcer. After leaving WWE in 2010, she continued to wrestle on the independent circuit and also branched out into music and acting.
Aside from her wrestling career, Maria is also known for her appearances on reality TV shows such as The Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Paranormal Project, and The Amazing Race. She has also released music albums and singles, including the 2010 album Sevin Sins.
As for her personal life, Maria has been married to fellow wrestler Mike Kanellis since 2014, and they have two children together. Her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, which she has earned through her various endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Maria Kanellis was born on February 25, 1982, in Ottawa, Illinois, USA. She grew up in a small town and had a passion for music and wrestling since she was a child. Her father was a musician and her mother worked as a schoolteacher. Maria attended Ottawa Township High School where she was involved in music and theater productions.
After high school, Maria pursued a career in modeling and competed in various beauty pageants. She won the title of Miss Hawaiian Tropic Illinois in 2004 and was featured in several magazines such as Maxim and FHM. She also appeared in music videos for artists such as Eminem and Timbaland.
Maria discovered her love for wrestling after attending a tryout for WWE's Diva Search in 2004. She made it to the top eight but was eliminated. However, WWE signed her to a contract in 2005 as a backstage interviewer. She quickly became a fan favorite and later transitioned into an in-ring competitor.
Maria's wrestling career also included stints in various promotions such as Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling. She was known for her sweet and sassy personality, catchy entrance theme, and signature moves such as the Bulldog and Bronco Buster.
Wrestling Career
Maria Kanellis started her professional wrestling career in 2004 when she participated in RAW Diva Search and managed to finish fifth. She joined WWE and served as a backstage interviewer and a ring announcer. Her first in-ring appearance was in 2005, where she teamed up with Victoria and Candice Michelle in a losing effort against Torrie Wilson, Ashley Massaro, and Trish Stratus.
In 2008, Kanellis participated in the Playboy BunnyMania Lumberjack match at WrestleMania XXIV. In the same year, she was drafted to SmackDown and began her in-ring career as a wrestler. She had various feuds during her time in WWE with wrestlers such as Michelle McCool, Mickie James, and Alicia Fox.
Kanellis left WWE in 2010 and joined Ring of Honor, where she wrestled under the name "First Lady of ROH." She won the ROH Women of Honor Championship in 2018 and held it for 233 days before losing it to Kelly Klein. In 2019, Kanellis signed with WWE again and served primarily as a manager for her husband, Mike Kanellis. She was released from her contract in 2020.
- RAW (2004-2008)
- Playboy BunnyMania Lumberjack match (2008)
- SmackDown (2008-2010)
- Ring of Honor (2011-2017, 2018)
- WWE (2019-2020)
Personal Life: Age, Height, Figure
Maria Kanellis is an American professional wrestler, singer, and actress who was born on February 25, 1982, which makes her 39 years old as of 2021. She stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and has a well-maintained figure with body measurements of 35-24-36 inches (89-61-91 cm).
Maria has always been conscious of her physical appearance, which is evident from her toned physique. She maintains her figure through regular exercise and a healthy diet. She also loves to experiment with different hairstyles and makeup looks which helps her stand out in the professional wrestling industry.
Off-camera, Maria is known for her cheerful and bubbly personality. She is married to fellow wrestler Mike Kanellis, and the couple has two children together. Maria is also actively involved in various charity works and has supported causes related to cancer research and animal welfare.
Net Worth and Achievement
As of 2021, Maria Kanellis has an estimated net worth of $4 million, which she earned through her successful career in the entertainment industry. She started as a WWE Diva and later became an actress, reality TV personality, and singer. Her talent, hard work, and determination have helped her achieve success in multiple fields, allowing her to accumulate substantial wealth.
In addition to her financial success, Maria Kanellis has also achieved many accolades in her career. She is a former WWE Divas Champion and has also won the Slammy Award for Diva of the Year. Her music career has also had success, with her single "Fantasy" reaching number ten on the Billboard dance chart.
Maria Kanellis is an example of how dedication and passion can lead to success in multiple fields. Her achievements and wealth have come from her hard work and talent, and she continues to inspire others to follow their dreams and strive for their goals.
FAQ
Who is Maria Kanellis?
Maria Kanellis is an American professional wrestler, actress, singer, and model. She is best known for her appearances in WWE and Ring of Honor.
What is the age of Maria Kanellis?
Maria Kanellis was born on February 25, 1982, which makes her 39 years old as of 2021.
What is the height and figure of Maria Kanellis?
Maria Kanellis is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and her figure measurements are 36-26-37 (91-66-94 cm).
What is Maria Kanellis' net worth?
As of 2021, Maria Kanellis' net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. She has earned her wealth through her professional wrestling and acting career as well as various endorsements.
What were some of Maria Kanellis' notable achievements in her wrestling career?
Maria Kanellis has had a successful wrestling career, winning titles in different promotions. She won the WWE 24/7 Championship in 2019 and was also the inaugural IWC Women's Champion. In Ring of Honor, she was the first woman to hold the ROH Women of Honor Championship. She was also named the 2019 Female Artist of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
