Maria Kanellis-Bennett, a veteran of the professional wrestling world, has had a remarkable journey, from her early days in WWE's Diva Search to her pivotal role in rebooting the Ring of Honor Women's Division. Her career has been defined by her versatility, particularly in her manager role, which she has held throughout her time in WWE and AEW. In a recent interview with Wrestling Life Online, Kanellis discussed the evolution of the manager role and the challenges it faces in modern wrestling.
Kanellis began her career as a valet, a role that was more about physical presence and charm than strategic management. She explains, "I walked out there, I had a pair of legs, I could move my legs down there and then I smiled pretty and then I moved my legs on back. That was a lot of what my job was for those first few years." This early phase of her career was characterized by a damsel-in-distress persona, which was effective in its simplicity.
However, as time went on, Kanellis noticed a shift. Women in wrestling were becoming more capable and diverse, and the manager role had to adapt. She observes, "I think as time went on, women were finally able to do the things they were always capable of doing." This transition phase saw the business grappling with the definition and purpose of a valet, and Kanellis believes that the role is still evolving.
Despite these changes, Kanellis remains optimistic about the future of the manager role. She argues that the strong, Chyna-type manager is still viable, and even a censored version of the Jim Cornette style could work. She points to Paul Heyman as an example of someone successfully navigating this role today. Kanellis concludes, "I think that character I played in 2004 is still very possible in 2026, if done right."
Kanellis's insights are particularly fascinating because they highlight the ongoing struggle to define and execute the manager role effectively. She suggests that the key to success lies in authenticity and adaptability. In her opinion, the manager role is not about following a rigid script but about creating a compelling character that can evolve with the times. This requires a deep understanding of the business and the ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.
From my perspective, Kanellis's comments raise a deeper question about the nature of professional wrestling. Are managers simply sidekicks or are they integral to the storytelling process? Her insights suggest that managers can be more than just supporting characters; they can be central to the narrative, providing depth and complexity to the story. This perspective is particularly interesting because it challenges the traditional view of managers as mere accessories to the main event.
In conclusion, Maria Kanellis-Bennett's comments on the manager role offer a fresh perspective on a topic that is often overlooked in wrestling discussions. Her insights are not only informative but also thought-provoking, inviting us to reconsider the role of managers in modern wrestling. Her optimism and adaptability are a reminder that the business is constantly evolving, and those who can adapt to change will thrive.
