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01/15/10 Internet News - Maria's Life After WWE

WWE Diva Maria tells the U.K. Sun that she’s already looking to pursue other opportunities beyond WWE so she can settle down and start a family. “I’m starting to do other things and it’s partially because one day I want to be a mom and I want to get married and you can’t really do that when you’re on the road,” Maria told Sky Sports News on a U.K. promotional tour this week. “So I’ve got to find a job that will allow me to do that.”

Maria, who will appear with former WWE & WCW champion Bill Goldberg on the upcoming “Celebrity Apprentice” show hosted by Donald Trump, is following in the footsteps of Mickie James and is also releasing an album this spring. “I’ve been with WWE for five years, so I don’t know when it's going to be the end,” she said. “But I am looking at outside projects right now and doing other things..” [Rajah.com]

01/22/10 Friday SmackDown! - Greenville, SC

Layla and Michelle McCool were in the ring. Looks like they had the ring ready for a party. McCool said she was supposed to have a championship match with Piggie James at the Rumble, but that’s not happening. The good news is that as of tonight, James will be leaving the brand forever. Layla did her Porky Pig impersonation. This was a going-away party for Mickie. They had cake, chips and punch, balloons in the ring and on the table. Maria came out to interrupt the proceedings. She told the heels that they are annoying. Maria said the only thing those two are good at is torturing Mickie, and it ends tonight. Maria said they’re the only two who should be leaving Smackdown. Maria said she doesn’t care if they walk out or if they’re carried out. McCool said it looked like Maria has been underfed lately, then made some jokes about Maria being on Celebrity Apprentice. Layla suggested that Maria should be happy that Mickie is out of the way because she’ll be able to eat now. As the three of them trash talked in the ring, Mickie James walked out.

Mickie said she was getting sick and tired of McCool and Layla’s mean girl crap. James said she had dealt with girls like them her entire life. She told them that deep down inside, they know they are nothing. She pitied them and said she is what a real woman looks like. Big crowd pop for that. James said that real women come in all packages. Mickie said she is proud to be the way God intended her and told them that their teasing and torturing will not affect her. Mickie said that should wouldn’t be leaving the show, and only the WWE Universe will tell her when to step aside. Layla and McCool got a few more digs in at Mickie’s weight, then James got a cheap plug in for “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader.” She told Michelle that she’d be at the Rumble and it will be McCool who will be embarrassed. The faces attacked the heels, but the heels turned the tide. Beth Phoenix ran to the ring and seemed conflicted about who she wanted to attack. She pulled Maria off Layla and threw her shoulder first into the ring post, then went after Mickie James. It was a three-on-one attack at this point. McCool got the mic and told her it was feeding time. She took a handful of cake (and the pig that adorned it) and shoved it in Mickie’s face. Michelle said she needed something to wash that down, and took the punch bowl, pouring its contents over Mickie’s head. Grisham tried to get in a cute line about McCool spiking the punch, and Striker rightfully called him on it. They showed a replay of what just happened. I can’t remember the last time a women’s segment took up this much time or space in my report. Well done, with Mickie being able to defend herself on the mic, and the lines clearly drawn between heels and faces. Mickie noted the fans in the crowd to get them emotionally involved in it. Even Maria was awesome on the mic, something I did not expect. As uncomfortable as this feud has been to watch at times, I thought this segment was great. [PWtorch.com]

02/07/10 Internet News - Maria Kanellis’ New Song “Fantasy” (MP3)

WWE Diva Maria has been working on her first pop music album, “Seven Sins,” which is set to hit iTunes on April 13th. The first single from Seven Sins, “Fantasy” will be available on iTunes February 23rd.  [SEScoops.com]

02/19/10 Friday SmackDown! - Kansas City, MO - The Great Khali & Matt Hardy & Maria vs. The Hart Dynasty - Six-Person Mixed Tag Match

Natalya and Maria started the match off. They didn’t get anywhere really, before Natalya tagged Tyson Kidd into the match. Tilt-a-whirl side-slam by Hardy for two. Kidd wisely backed Matt into his own corner, allowing D.H. Smith to tag himself in. Some double-teaming by the Dynasty garnered Kidd a two-count. Smith got Hardy in a chin-lock. The crowd was the impetus for Hardy’s comeback, and both men ended up on the mat after a side suplex. Hardy went for a tag, but Smith simply pushed him out of the ring. Apparently, Maria touched Hardy on his way past her. Natalya saw it but Maria didn’t realize it. Natalya dragged Maria into the ring, then hit a tornado clothesline on Maria for the pinfall. [PWtorch.com]

02/26/10 Internet News - Maria Comments on her Release Today

WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE diva Maria as of today February 26, 2010. We wish Maria the best in all future endeavors. [WWE.com]

----- WWE diva Maria Kanellis says she did not ask for her release from WWE and she was given brief notice earlier today.

Maria apparently found out just before WWE made the announcement earlier this afternoon on their website.

"Alright guys let's talk. I did not ask for my release. I was released," she said on Twitter around 4:00 p.m. EST. "No warning. I found out an hour ago!"

Maria plugged her appearance on the new season of Celebrity Apprentice hosted by Donald Trump that begins on NBC next month. [PWtorch.com]

----- Maria Kanellis, who was released this afternoon by World Wrestling Entertainment, commented on her departure from the organization on her Twitter account. She wrote:

"Alright guys let's talk. I did not ask for my release. I was released. I am still going to kick ass in other areas!! I am excited about the future! But I am sad about never getting the Championship. I am sad about not getting the chance to go to Wrestlemania again. Passion is my Motivation! Time to Sing! Time to work for Charity! Time to Dance! Time to be Alive again! Much love to my FANS, my FAMILY, the DIVAS, and my FRIENDS! There is a bright new future when one door closes another opens! Bring on the Doors! Spanks and Kisses" [Rajah.com]

03/03/10 Internet News - Backstage Details Behind Maria's Release From World Wrestling Entertainment

Maria Kanellis' release from World Wrestling Entertainment is being seen as a surprise considering that the fans voted her Diva of the Year in an online poll last December not to mention that she will be appearing as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice, which debuts in two weeks on NBC. She herself has told friends she was blindsided by the release and that she had no reason to believe it was coming.

Her departure was said to be due to management's negative reaction to an interview she did with The Sun this past January where she said she wasn't sure how much longer she'd stay with WWE because she had outside interests and would like to start a family at some point.

"I'm starting to do other things and it's partially because one day I want to be a mom and I want to get married and you can't really do that when you're on the road," Kanellis told The Sun. "So I've got to find a job that will allow me to do that."

When the interview drew a bad reaction, she did a follow-up interview to clarify that it was long way away and that she had no plans on leaving anytime soon. In the day following her release, she did a third interview to say it was not her decision to leave WWE, nor did she ask for a release. However, she did note that "when a bad relationship is over, you move on." She also said WWE was holding her back from expanding her career. WWE officials were not high on her asking to take deals outside of the company.

One company source said Vince McMahon had been negative on her in meetings in recent few weeks, with one person claiming she came back with an change in attitude after returning from Celebrity Apprentice.

"She always made my honor roll of talent to deal with on the Divas end of the roster. Super easy going and actually played a role well as the bubbly ditz," said one former WWE writer of Maria. "However, Vince knows all too well about how the ego swells when the performers get some mainstream traction and it never benefits the company."

Some of the wrestlers have an idea on how she performed on Celebrity Apprentice, with one person close to the matter saying he expects her to come out of the season looking like a star and could not understand why WWE would cut ties with her. Another wrestler said this was likely the situation because WWE figures if you find success outside of wrestling, you're going to receive outside offers and end up leaving wrestling anyway, noting what happened with Stacy Keibler.

While Maria weighs her future, she will be pursuing a career in music in the meantime as she is expected to release her debut album Seven Sins on Apr. 13 on iTunes. [PWtorch.com, Rajah.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

03/09/10 Internet News - Maria Says She's Considering Working For TNA & Talks About Celebrity Apprentice

Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis was interviewed by Eric Cohen of About.com this week to promote her role on the upcoming "Celebrity Apprentice" NBC show and reveals that Donald Trump himself invited her to participate. "I actually met Donald Trump when he came to the show to do some work with Vince McMahon. He asked me if I wanted to do it and I said that I would love to and it all started from there."

Maria was also asked whether she'd be open to joining TNA, or if she's fully moved on from the wrestling business. "I'm not sure yet to be honest," she said. "I probably had seven different phone calls from companies across the country asking me to come here or go there. I haven't decided. It's such an exciting adventure to be on. It's like I've been born again or something. I'm really trying to figure out what's best for me, what's best for my future, and then go from there." [Rajah.com]

Read the complete interview.

03/10/10 Internet News - Maria Launches Website, Comments On Whether She's Angry Over Being Released

Recently released WWE Diva Maria has re-launched her official website, www.MariaKanellis.net.

On her overhauled site, she comments on her departure from World Wrestling Entertainment in a blog post:

"Am I mad at WWE? No, I am not. I get it. I understand. They gave me my start and I am thankful. I will however miss the Divas. They will forever be a part of my story. Mickie giving wrestling her heart, soul and a real teacher in the ring. Michelle with her dedication to the divas division is making it grow. Nattie with all the history and excitement. Layla giving it fire, humor, and is a great friend. Kelly the girl that is the beauty that has that same desire as me to prove herself in the ring. Eve is a fighter and can choke you out! (Eve I can’t wait to come train with you now that I have some time on my hands.) Beth, the foundation, sweet, strong, and a great listener. These girls and all the Divas are my inspiration. I admire them. I will keep watching you succeed. Thank you Ladies.

"Will I be back? I don’t know. Life throws so much at you. Maybe this chapter is over and maybe we will revisit it later. Only the universe knows. Celebrity Apprentice! Hmmmmm… You will have to wait and see how I did. But, I can say that WWE helped me meet Mr. Trump. Make a Wish Foundation was the charity I worked for. I love that Foundation. Giving wishes to kids! Wow! So important. The Make a Wish kids are the best motivation I could ever have to work my butt off on Celebrity Apprentice."

The website heavily promotes her forthcoming music album. [Rajah.com]

03/13/10 Internet News - Former WWE Diva Crossing Over To The World Of Mixed Martial Arts

Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis is crossing over the world of mixed martial arts as she will joining the "King of the Cage" broadcast team for Mark Cuban's HDNet.

It was announced on tonight's episode of Inside MMA that she would debut at this month's event in Reno, Nevada on the 26th, airing live on HDNet.

A press release regarding Kanellis joining HDNet is set to be issued Monday. [Rajah.com]

03/14/10 Internet News - Maria Feels WWE "Burned A Bridge" With Her

In an interview with Al Norton of 411Mania.com, former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis discusses her surprising departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, her new album, her stint on The Celebrity Apprentice, and much more.

Kanellis says she had been in negotiations with WWE regarding her contract for approximately three weeks when they decided to terminate their partnership. She notes being caught off guard by their decision to release her.

"I think I was pretty surprised (laughing)," she said. "It was very shocking. It was the day after my birthday, I had just got done with my taxes, I knew that I was going to go home to pack and get ready for the road that weekend. I had been in talks about my contract for probably three weeks, trying to change a few things just like any human being who holds any job for any amount of time, I wanted things to get better. I was asking for things I thought were very reasonable and apparently negotiations ended and they decided they no longer wanted me."

Kanellis also discloses her mother's reaction to her release from WWE, saying she "freaked out" upon learning the news.

"It was a shock at first. I didn't have time to call my Mom. My Mom called me freaking out because it went up on the internet within a half hour and that's just common courtesy; you let employees call their friends and family rather than a mass press release that goes out to the entire world and you can't even call your Mom and tell her, "I'm ok, it's ok. I'm not freaking out." She's worried, saying "oh my God, what are you going to do? How are you going to pay for your house?" If I could have called my Mom I would have been so happy but I didn't even have time to do that."

Kanellis then says she found it strange WWE would terminate her contract when she's about to go on The Celebrity Apprentice to support the Make-A-Wish-Foundation. She then repeatedly asks why WWE would "burn a bridge" with her.

"I think what's even more strange for WWE and I worked very hard for the Make-A-Wish-foundation, which is the foundation I am supporting throughout the Celebrity Apprentice, so why would they burn that bridge with me," Maria asked. "I'm not going to burn any bridge with WWE but why would they burn that bridge with me? Maybe they just look at me like they can always make another one but I don't like to be looked at like a number. I don't think that anyone should be looked at like a number. Everybody has the right to be an individual and express their needs and I think it's horrible to send somebody away that has made so many Make A Wish kids happy, done so many things for their reading program. I've been to burn units, I've been to Iraq five times. Why would they burn that bridge with me?

"I know, they think they're a big company but I'm a strong spirit and I didn't like getting my bridge burned."

Kanellis also reveals whether she's interested in resuming her career in the squared circle.

"I am still trying to decide. It's a tough choice for me because I am such a loyal person but beyond that, I have so many dreams and unfortunately I don't know if I can complete those dreams if I stay on the road wresting. We'll see. I have my album coming out in April," Kanellis said. "When it comes to TNA or anyone else, I'm not closing the door. I'm leaving it open for right now and maybe when the dust settles and the whole non-compete thing runs out I'll be closer to making a decision." [Rajah.com]

04/09/10 Internet News - Maria Kanellis Says WWE Held Her Back & Divas Are "Horribly Disadvanteged"

Former WWE Maria Kanellis appeared on the "One Sided Ring" podcast this week and said she says WWE holds back their Divas by not giving the division enough exposure or the women a chance to let their personalities across. Here are some highlights of what she said about:

Being Held Back: "I wasn't allowed to do as much as I wanted to do. I had all these great, creative ideas and was constantly entering them into the WWE creative, but I couldn't use a lot of them," Maria said. "The Divas weren't given enough time, which I think is a horrible, horrible disadvantage that the girls have. I felt like I was held back - all the time.

"I wonder what would really happen if the Divas were given that much time," she said. "I don't know if it's that they think the Divas can't sell tickets, but I truly believe in the Divas division and always will. I think they are missing out on a lot of talent right there."

Being A Backstage Interviewer for MMA Events on HDNet: "That's one reason I'm not sad [WWE] fired me. I got eight minutes of time on an MMA show to just talk to people and that was amazing," she said. "WWE never gave me eight minutes the entire time I was there." [Rajah.com]

WebMaster's Note: This has always been the problem with the way the WWF/WWE has handled most of their women. Right now take a look at the TNA Knockout's vs. the WWE Divas. Unless your a "blind man", you'll see that the Knockout's are far superior in talent AND character development than almost any of the women in the WWE.

04/11/10 Internet News - Cover Art Released For Maria's Debut Album

The cover art of former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis' first album, Seven Sins, has been released. You can view the cover here. The record is set for release this Tuesday on iTunes. [Rajah.com]

05/09/10 Internet News - Update On Maria's Negotiations With TNA

Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis has had discussions with TNA regarding joining the organization, but money is said to be the main hold up. [Rajah.com]

05/17/10 Internet News - Maria Eliminated From Celebrity Apprentice

Former WWE Diva Maria was eliminated from NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" on Sunday night. She made it to the next-to-last episode. Sunday's finale is down to actress Holly Peete and rocker Brett Michaels. [Rajah.com]