Mike & Maria Kanellis Ask For Their WWE Release

Have we seen the last of the 205 Live power couple in WWE?

by Andy H Murray
Mike Kanellis Maria Kanellis
WWE.com

Mike and Maria Kanellis have asked to be released from their WWE contracts, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet.

Per the write-up, the 205 Live couple have been upset with the way they've been pushed and promoted by the company since signing (or in Maria's case, re-signing) in June 2017, and finally decided to ask the company to let them go a few weeks ago.

The Kanellises have struggled to make any kind of impact in the company. They barely make television, and while switching to 205 Live should have improved their fortunes, it isn't working out. Mike hasn't wrestled a single bout (televised or otherwise) since the Cruiserweight show's 5 December episode, so his and Maria's frustration is understandable.

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Whether or not WWE actually granted the duo's release is another matter entirely. Vince McMahon could do as he did with Neville and hold Maria and Mike to their contracts, forcing them to sit on the sidelines for an indefinite period of time. This is even likelier now that All Elite Wrestling is around, and with the labour market more intense than it has been in decades, WWE could retain the Kanellises so that the competition can't sign them.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.