Welcome to the #1 source for Maria Kanellis news, photos, videos & more. Maria is a former WWE Diva, ROH manager, actress, swordfighter, stuntwoman, singer, AfterBuzzTV host, writer, and entrepreneur.
There is only one WWE girl on everyone’s lips, and minds, and she is the lovely Maria.
While posing for Playboy, Maria said: “When I came into WWE at 22, I came in scared.
“Now I’m standing here with my butt completely naked and guess what? I’m feeling good.”
So are we Maria. So are we.
WWE has added even more photos from behind the scenes at Marias playboy photoshoot, which hits news stands everywhere March 7th! Also WWE has been posting videos for you guys to view Maria behind the scenes. I will add them here aswell as the caps soon! But just for go click the link above to view the new photos.
Diva Dish: Maria’s ‘Playboy’ buzz
By: Kara A. Medalis
Written: February 29, 2008
It’s no secret Maria has several friends, not to mention foes, on the WWE Divas’ roster. Naturally, pals like Candice Michelle and Mickie James are excited for Maria’s new Playboy venture. On the other hand, rivals like Melina and Beth Phoenix think Maria isn’t exactly the model Playboy cover girl. In this week’s Diva Dish, find out what the Sexiest Women on Television have to say about Maria posing for Playboy.
“Well, I think it’s very exciting,” Candice Michelle told Diva Dish. “I had a great opportunity posing for Playboy, but I think it’s even more exciting for her, not only because she gets this opportunity to grace the cover of Playboy, but in order to do that she beat Beth Phoenix. So I think it’s double Maria’s pleasure. I think she is going to have a great time.”
The Women’s Champion said she thinks Maria just got lucky in her win to get the coveted Playboy cover.
“Maria posing for Playboy is going to be one big disappointment. Just like the next time I get my hands on her, she’s going to be sorely disappointed,” Beth scowled.
All eyes will be on Maria on March 7 when her issue of Playboy hits newsstands. Well, everyone but Melina’s eyes.
“I think Maria posing for Playboy is just a big shout for attention for this sad, sad, little girl. I feel sorry for her for trying to get this kind of attention when all I need to do is walk into the room and everybody just looks at me,” Melina said. “It’s sad that she has to reach that hard, that high… or actually low.”
Jillian told Diva Dish our fans’ hard-earned money should be spent elsewhere, namely, on her.
“I don’t understand why anybody would possibly buy a Playboy with Maria on the cover, especially when they could spend all of their money to come hear me sing in concert. Anyone who buys it is absolutely scum because who wants to see naked girls anyways? Seriously, OK! We have brains, we’re not just body,” Jillian said, rolling her eyes.
Finally, we found another Diva on the Raw roster who wasn’t jealous, er… who was excited for Maria.
“I am so happy and excited for Maria to pose for Playboy,” Mickie James cheered. “I can’t wait for her to grace the pages and the cover and you know, maybe one day if I ever get a chance to get asked perhaps you can see me.”
Maria also has the support of ECW’s blond bombshell, Kelly Kelly.
“I think that’s awesome for her. She deserves it. She’s a gorgeous girl, and you know I think she is perfect,” Kelly smiled. “I mean she’s got a great body, she’s got a gorgeous face, and she’s everything for it. I’m so happy for her and I am so proud of her. I can’t wait to see the pictures because I know they’ll be amazing, so I’m excited.”
On the other hand, Layla and Lena Yada weren’t in favor of the Raw Diva’s decision.
“Did someone explain to her that she is going to have to take her clothes off? I don’t know maybe one of the Divas should go with her to take the clothes off and make sure she gets it right. Good luck to her, I guess,” Layla laughed as Lena looked on.
“Do you want to know what I think about Maria posing for Playboy?” Lena asked. “Well, I guess if you gain more fans and more popularity by taking off your clothes, then you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
A few of the SmackDown Divas showed their support for Maria and wished her well with Playboy.
“I’m happy for her. I think it’s something that she wants to do, so more power to her. As for me, I’m keeping my clothes on,” Michelle McCool smiled.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for her, and I think she would be an amazing model for Playboy,” Eve said. “She is one of the best-known Divas, and I think it’s a great opportunity for her.”
Maria: ‘Playboy’s’ perfect pick
By Kara A. Medalis
Written: February 28, 2008
Not only is Maria one of WWE’s hottest Divas, she’s a perfect Playboy model. While her perfectly-manicured claws may come out in the Raw ring, Maria is just as much of a natural strutting her stuff on, or off, the catwalk.
“Maria is very photogenic. Not only that, if I was walking down the street and passed Maria, I would stop!” said Jim Larsen, Playboy magazine managing photo editor. “So it’s not only that she’s great in front of the camera, she has a great look just walking down the street.”
Aside from her obvious beauty, Maria’s energy and individuality make her the perfect candidate to be a Playboy cover girl.
“Maria is a real firecracker,” Larsen said with a smile. “She’s got so much enthusiasm and so much personality. She’s just a real charmer and we love her.”
“Maria is a very sexy girl,” he continued. “She has just a vivacious presence about her. It’s so enthusiastic and she knows how to give you that look and it all comes together. She’s just a great girl with a great look and super enthusiasm.”
The Diva’s versatility translates onto the camera’s lens, too. While posing for the April 2008 issue of Playboy, Maria twisted and turned her body into often uncomfortable positions, which always resulted in sexy shots.
“Maria’s a fantastic model. She knows what to do,” Larsen said. “We had her in a very difficult pose yesterday when we were working with her, and we told her if it hurts, it’s good. If you’re going to bend and twist to look your best, it’s good. And she said, ‘I know that already.’ And it did hurt and it was great.”
Maria admitted that at first, she wasn’t convinced twisting and turning her body would produce a sexy shot, but she trusted Larsen and Playboy photographer Arny Freytag. She agreed the results were incredible.
“There was one that I did laying on the makeup stand, and there was a sandbag under my head holding my head up, there was a brush down by my foot that I had a heel on, I had to have my head all the way cocked sideways, I had my arm pulled back, and somehow that turned out to be the hottest shot yesterday,” Maria laughed. “How? I don’t know, but it was so uncomfortable and so painful. Must be why it’s, you know, perfect!”
It’s no secret Maria is loved by so many of our fans around the world, who are eager to get their hands on a copy of Playboy magazine on March 7. Larsen told WWE.com many Playboy fans are looking forward to the issue as well. He said the partnership between the Diva, WWE and the magazine is guaranteed to please all, especially our fans.
“She’s enormously popular with WWE fans and Playboy readers. She’s very spunky, with lots of energy, and good presence. I think she’s just someone that’s going work well with both of us; in particular the fans and the readers will enjoy seeing her in the magazine and on WWE,” Larsen said.
“We’re hoping that the fans and our readers, when they see that issue of the magazine, will be that much more of a WWE and a Playboy fan,” he continued.
“Maria is a part of WWE. She’s going to become a part of Playboy. We just want to provide that kind of presence, that kind of opportunity for her, and hopefully her fans will become bigger fans.”
view: playboy cover
Maria’s playboy is supposed to be revealed this Monday but it’s already leaked its way all over the internet! Just click the link above if you want to view it. (Photo is suitable for all ages to look at). I must say the cover to me seems to be alot different then all the past WWE girls who posed before her.
