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Forbidden Door 2024 is now over, and AEW is rolling into the summer with a major tournament, several hot angles, and the returns of multiple top stars. However, some familiar faces are still on the sidelines, including former WWE Superstar Maria Kanellis.
Maria Kanellis is well known for her time in WWE, which was at the height of the Divas era. The 42-year-old had two stints with the Stamford-based company but also built her reputation in ROH, NJPW, and TNA before joining AEW in October 2022.
Last year, Kanellis returned to ROH and began managing Cole Carter and Griff Garrison. However, the former Diva hasn't been seen much on television lately. When a fan asked if she'd retired, Maria claimed that she was simply not being brought in for TV:
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"No, just not being brought in," wrote Kanellis on X.
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Maria revealed in January that she had been battling health issues, which affected her heavily throughout 2023. She underwent thyroid surgery earlier this year and seems to have made a recovery.
Maria Kanellis is interested in joining The Undisputed Kingdom in AEW
Maria Kanellis received acclaim as a manager for her real-life husband, Mike Bennett, and his tag team partner, Matt Taven. The two were known as The Kingdom in ROH, but when they joined Adam Cole to form The Undisputed Kingdom on AEW TV, Maria didn't come along.
The Undisputed Kingdom debuted late last year, revealing themselves as The Devil and his henchmen at AEW Worlds End. The group has had an up-and-down road since then, and Maria Kanellis has expressed her interest in joining the faction several times.
When asked by a fan why she wasn't part of the group, Maria had this to say:
"It is what it is. I always figure out how to make the most of any situation. I was ditzy, lost every match, broke bones, changed companies, pregnant, fired, and 20 years later here I am. Luckily I’m working with two incredibly talented individuals that will continue to grow with experience and opportunity. Although I think the Kingdom could have used the help last night," she tweeted.
The Undisputed Kingdom's future in AEW is up in the air. Its leader, Adam Cole, is still recovering from his broken foot, and he was blasted by MJF at Double or Nothing 2024. Whether Maria Kanellis joins the group remains to be seen.
