Wrestling power couple Maria Kanellis-Bennett and Mike Bennett are expanding their family once again. The former WWE and AEW star dropped the baby bombshell on social media, revealing the happy news that explains her recent absence from the wrestling spotlight.
Social Media Surprise Announcement
Taking to X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), Maria shared the pregnancy news with a simple but effective message. “We’ve been keeping a secret…” she posted, accompanied by what appears to be a family photo announcing the upcoming addition.
The announcement comes as welcome news for the wrestling veteran, who has faced significant challenges over the past two years. This will mark the third child for Maria and her husband Mike Bennett, adding to their growing wrestling dynasty.
Adding to the Bennett Wrestling Legacy
The Kanellis-Bennett household already buzzes with young energy from their existing children. Daughter Freddie arrived in 2018, followed by son Carver in 2020. Both kids have occasionally appeared alongside their parents during wrestling storylines and social media posts.
Details about the pregnancy timeline remain under wraps for now. Maria hasn’t revealed how far along she is or whether fans should expect another little prince or princess to join the Bennett clan.
Overcoming Recent Health Scares
This pregnancy announcement carries extra significance given Maria’s recent medical journey. In July 2024, what started as a routine hormone level check turned into a major health concern when doctors discovered an unusual growth on her adrenal gland.
The diagnosis proved serious – a pheochromocytoma tumor, an extremely rare condition affecting roughly eight people per million. Maria successfully underwent surgery in October 2024 to remove the tumor, demonstrating the resilience that has defined her wrestling career.
The 2024 surgery marked her second consecutive year going under the knife, following a 2023 procedure to remove half of her thyroid. Despite these health challenges, Maria maintained her positive outlook and continued connecting with fans throughout her recovery process.
AEW Chapter Closes as New Chapter Begins
Maria’s pregnancy news coincides with her recent departure from All Elite Wrestling. Contract negotiations became a public talking point when Maria openly discussed uncertainty about her AEW future, revealing the company hadn’t responded to her regarding renewal discussions.
AEW eventually granted Maria a brief contract extension, pushing her original October 2024 expiration date to January 2025. However, when that extended deadline arrived, both sides parted ways, officially ending her tenure with Tony Khan’s promotion.
Meanwhile, husband Mike Bennett remains under AEW contract but has largely been absent from Dynamite and Rampage programming since November. He continues working Ring of Honor shows alongside longtime tag team partner Matt Taven, keeping the Bennett name active in the AEW ecosystem.
What’s Next for the Wrestling Family?
Maria’s pregnancy announcement opens intriguing questions about her wrestling future and the family’s next moves. With her health battles behind her and a new baby on the horizon, will this mark a temporary step back from in-ring competition, or could we see Maria return to wrestling as a mother of three?
