Maria Kanellis didn’t get the AEW ending she wanted, and she is not sugarcoating it.
While speaking to Wrestling Life Online, Kanellis opened up about her time in AEW and made it clear that things wrapped up before she felt like she got to finish what she started. Her contract was coming to an end right around the same time she was dealing with a serious tumor diagnosis, and the timing left a bad taste in her mouth. Maria said she appreciated the company and the talent she worked with, but she still felt there was more she could have done.
“So, with my time in AEW, I feel like I didn’t really get to accomplish everything that I wanted to. Um I appreciate the opportunity. I appreciate the fact that I got to work with such tremendous talent. Um but it it just you know, I got my tumor right around the time my contract was ending and so it just just kind of ended.”
That wasn’t easy for her to accept. After so many years in wrestling, Maria felt like that chapter ended in a way that didn’t match everything she had put into the business.
“And it’s sad for me because, you know, I had so many years in the wrestling industry and so many fantastic memories and for it to end that way was really disheartening and it just it was bad timing and um you know, TK uh was very sweet about, you know, wishing me well on my tumor and everything like that. But for me, professionally, I just felt like I could do more.”
Maria also made it clear that Tony Khan was kind to her during that time. Still, being wished well personally didn’t erase the fact that professionally, she felt like there was unfinished business.
That AEW ending took a real toll on her mindset. Maria admitted it took a long time before she even considered getting involved in wrestling again. Then TNA came to Nashville, only about 30 minutes from her home, and she showed up just three weeks after giving birth.
Once she got backstage, everything changed. Maria was surrounded by familiar names like Santino Marella, Nic Nemeth, The Hardys, Candice Michelle, and Delirious. That reminded her what she still loved about wrestling.
“So it took me a long time to even consider doing something again. Um and then I went to TNA and they had a show in Nashville which is like 30 minutes from me and I was only 3 weeks postpartum and I went to TNA and I was like, wow, you know, everybody here is so nice.”
Maria said seeing those familiar faces made her realize the door is not shut on wrestling after all.
“So, and Delirious who was my the first boss that ever gave me a shot in creative. So, it’s like I I I see everybody backstage and I was like, ‘Oh, I miss this. I really miss this.’ And so, um, the doors aren’t closed. Um, it’s open for the right opportunity.”
Right now, Maria is focused on her family and her floral business, Wild Stemz. Still, she clearly isn’t saying goodbye to wrestling forever. If the right offer comes along, and it fits her life at home, Maria Kanellis may still have another run left in her.
What do you think about Maria Kanellis saying her AEW ending was disheartening? Did AEW drop the ball with her? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
