Maria Kanellis-Bennett, a former WWE and AEW star, has had a remarkable journey in professional wrestling. Her story is not just about the glitz and glamour of the ring, but also about the evolution of her role as a manager. In a recent interview with Wrestling Life Online, Kanellis discussed the changing dynamics of managers in modern wrestling, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that come with this unique position.
The Evolution of Managers
Kanellis began her career as a valet, a role that often involved little more than a damsel in distress. However, as time went on, she witnessed a significant shift in the wrestling industry. "I think it's a difficult character to do, because it's not like, when I first started in 2004, when I started, I was a valet," she explained. "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. It worked, because it was a damsel in distress and you could see that I was a damsel in distress."
Kanellis believes that the transition phase of the business figuring out what a valet even still is, has led to a diminished role for managers. However, she remains optimistic about the future of this character. "I think that character I played in 2004 is still very possible in 2026, if done right," she said. "I think that the strong, Chyna-type manager is still very viable in 2026. I think that the Jim Cornette, but maybe censored a bit, is still okay. Paul Heyman is doing it now, so it shows it's still wanted, it's just a matter of being able to do it."
The Challenges of Being a Manager
Kanellis' perspective on the role of managers is particularly fascinating. She acknowledges the difficulty of playing the manager character, stating that it's not just about being a damsel in distress. "I think it's a difficult character to do, because it's not like, when I first started in 2004, when I started, I was a valet," she emphasized. This raises a deeper question: what makes a successful manager in wrestling?
In my opinion, a successful manager in wrestling is someone who can blend the art of storytelling with the technical aspects of the role. It's about creating a character that is both compelling and believable, while also being able to provide strategic direction to the wrestlers under their care. This requires a unique blend of creativity, charisma, and strategic thinking.
The Future of Managers
Kanellis' optimism about the future of managers in wrestling is well-founded. The industry is constantly evolving, and new opportunities are emerging for managers to showcase their skills. For instance, the rise of independent wrestling promotions has created a platform for managers to take on more prominent roles, such as the one played by Paul Heyman in AEW.
However, the challenge for managers remains the same: to create compelling characters that resonate with audiences. This requires a deep understanding of the wrestling business, as well as the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry. In my view, the future of managers in wrestling is bright, but it will require a commitment to innovation and creativity.
Conclusion
Maria Kanellis-Bennett's insights into the role of managers in modern wrestling provide a fascinating perspective on the evolution of this unique position. Her optimism about the future of managers is well-founded, but it will require a commitment to innovation and creativity to succeed in this ever-changing industry. From my perspective, the future of managers in wrestling is bright, and I look forward to seeing how this role continues to evolve in the years to come.
