With her debut EP, ‘Sevin Sins’ now available on iTunes, we caught up with former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis to discuss her foray into music and a host of other topics. Despite being released in February, it’s been all systems go for Kanellis with her album, ‘Apprentice’ and a new career in MMA as a backstage correspondent for HDNet’s King of the Cage.
In this 50 minute interview, Maria discusses ‘Sevin Sins’, her current stint on ‘Apprentice’, how she got her role on the King of the Cage broadcast team and much more. However, the main themes raised in this interview center around Maria’s time in the WWE and her run as a Diva. Maria reveals her frustrations towards the way the Divas are treated, the ideas that she had for her character, her thoughts on the ‘Piggie James’ storyline, who she thinks are the up and comers in the division, WWE not utilising some of the more experienced Divas, plus much more.
Maria was very open and honest, so if you are a Diva fan, you don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind insight into the Divas division.
To listen to the interview directly on the website, just click on the play button below. You can also download it in MP3 format straight to your computer by right-clicking here and choosing ‘Save Target As’. File size: 11.2mb.
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Please Note: This audio is the exclusive content of Diva Dirt (diva-dirt.com), for which we hold copyright. By downloading our audio you agree not to repost or transcribe the content elsewhere including but not limited to other websites, blogs or message boards. Failure to respect copyright will result in legal action.
To purchase Maria’s album, Sevin Sins click here. Visit Maria’s official website at MariaKanellis.net and follow her on Twitter at @MariaLKanellis.
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72 Comments
i love this interview thanks diva dirt
i love what maria said and everything she said is so true
maria tells it how it is and you never new she could hold an interview this long because of how long she got on tv
mickie james and maria no longer friends wonder what went down
maria done well and got her point across and hope to see her on tv soon
thanks diva dirt
I absolutely adore her.:))))))))))))) its unbelievable
I’m extremely happy that she finally got everything she needed to say about the Diva Division.
It just goes to show that these Divas aren’t happy being put in a “gimmick” match, no matter how happy they may look when they come out.
I hope WWE listens to this and finally does something, cause the division could be so much better right now.
Amazing interview. Loved it! Maria is such a sweet person. :)
This just goes to show you when people complain about a Diva doing the same moves over and over, it’s not their fault. The company doesn’t let the girls try new things in the ring. I wish Maria would have won the Divas Title at least once before she was let go. You can tell she wanted it.
Maria also made a good point about Kelly Kelly. She isn’t given enough credit. Kelly is on Eve’s level (I would say) when it comes to wrestling. With the exception that Eve can do a moonsault. Kelly is definitely more ‘over’ with the fans than Eve is. I just hope Kelly doesn’t end her WWE career like Stacy, Torrie, or Maria. Where she was never givin the chance to shine and have a Title run.
Anyway, getting off the Kelly topic, I wish Maria the best in the future. I hope her music and album does very well! :)
GREAT INTERVIEW!!! It sure sounds that she has a lot of respect for Michelle too
i love Maria, she tells it like it is :) she is obviously upset with the Diva’s time on TV so I can’t imagine how they must feel having to do that crap every week. I love her album btw, it is different and really good. I think she’s right about that match between Michelle and Melina at Night of Champions(i think, yea) cuz that match was amazing and I think it’s stupid that people said those moves were “too devestating”. That’s what we want to see, it was entertaining and one of the best Diva’s matches I’ve seen in a LONG time.
Still love her, I think she had a lot of potential but I wish her luck with everything she is doing
@MickieFan226 i dont think kelly is really on eve;s level she is kind of boring in the ring same moves all the time.
most likely kellly will at least capture a divas belt sooner or later at least one reign before she leaves she debuted in 2006 now its 2010 so she will be in the WWE for like maybe 4 more years. but the divas who are past or on eve;s level are katie,natalya,alicia and jillian <– divas who havent been treated right or havent had a belt AND sereena but she doesnt wrestle yet. i think jillian should leave WWE she isnt used properly and looks like she will never plus she bores me, i dont think she has enough personality in the WWE except for tht horrible singing gimmick. WWE really need to release her if they will never use her. Mickie is the Face of the WWE Divas but i despize her because WWE make her have too much spotlight same thing on why i hated Trish Stratus and Lita and Molly Holly SORRY i know there amazing wrestlers like way amazing but i was never a fan of them. i use to be a fan of maria but i started disliking her and eventually hated her the only BIG eye candy tht is my 2nd favorite is KellyKelly.
Alicia Fox- Will be used in the future alot same with Eve. ALICIA FOR CHAMP IN LATE 2010 or Early 2011
Natalya- Amazing Valet
Katie- Needs To Go On The Mic More Needs A Better Personality
Jillian- WWE Needs to release her
Kelly- Will get a reign or 2 in the future
Tiffany- Improving
Layla- Follower but funny and has a great personality but just sucks at wrestling but has improved a bit.
Rosa- Sucks Completely In WWE
Gail- Needs to be used properly
Melina,Beth,Mickie,Michelle,Maryse- Divas who are being used correctly or too OVERUSED *cough*cough* Maryse
and lastly EVE TORRES- uhm all i can say is i hope they dont make her the next Mickie as in belt hogger
I always liked Maria but after this I like her more. I can’t believe how honest this interview was. She didn’t hold back at all and I liked that. This has to be one of the best interviews I heard on this site.
Sensational interview!!! Loved Maria’s honestly and willingness to talk about anything.
Wow. Every time she speaks, it makes me love her more.
I love how she was totally honest about her thoughts on the WWE, & it’s as if she said everything that the divas & the diva fans have been thinking for the last few years.
It’s interesting that she said that stuff about Melina just a couple days after Melina posted those couple of tweets about how she didn’t get along with Maria too well.
I also love that divadirt continues to keep up with Maria after she’s been released. I really wish Maria all the success in the world. Show those idiots that run the WWE what they’re missing out on!
Great interview. I love that she’s so honest about everything. Hopefully people in the WWE will hear what she has to say. I’m surprised the WWE doesn’t see the potential in the women’s division, since it would mean more $$$ for the WWE. I’m guessing that their writing team is so overwhelmed with storylines for the top guys, that the divas aren’t given enough time. Its similar to the US title, its usually ignored and the bigger titles get the biggest spotlight. They should have a writing team exclusively for the divas. That’s likely the only way the divas will get better storylines. If the main writers come up with something good, they are more likely to give the better storyline to the top guys than to the divas, which makes the divas underperform.
I love how Maria touches on EVERYTHING us female wrestling fans feel. I mean come on, it came straight from her mouth how effed up Management treats them. It’s really not fair and I wish there was a way we could stop it, or maybe fight to have divas treated like actually women and not sex symbols. I also love how she talks about the real side of Michelle since a lot of people think of her as a bad person. I really respect what she said about her and the rest of the girls. I always knew Michelle was always there to lend a hand to the other divas. I honestly see Maria going very far with acting and her music career and I hope and pray that WWE opens their eyes and see what a good thing they lost when they fired her. Great interview Diva Dirt I enjoyed it!
You guys really set the bar with this interview, Maria was open, candid , and HONEST. Like everyone else I love how she feels EXACTLY the same way every other diva fan does.
In all fairness the Smackdown divas do recieve more of a chance to showcase their talents, however RAW is increasingly becoming the back end of womens wrestling. Melina and Maria obviously dont mix too well but its great to see her give Michelle props. I agree that Kelly should have won the title before Eve, theyre both fairly green and Kelly is more over, it wouldve been a great time for her to shine.
All in all a great interview, great work!
Agreed, I don’t know how you guys could top this interview. Great job here. I don’t think Melina feels the same way though. Just sayin.
“and lastly EVE TORRES- uhm all i can say is i hope they dont make her the next Mickie as in belt hogger”
@ LaceyVonErichFan, how is Mickie a belt hogger? Her last title reign lasted 23 days. And the time before she held the belt was back in July 09, with the Divas title, which lasted 78 days (shorter than Maryse, Melina & MIchelle’s reigns). The last time Mickie had a substantial Championship reign was back in 2008, after she defeated Beth Phoenix for her 4th Women’s Championship Reign.
I don’t think Eve will hog the belt that much TBH, because I have a feeling she’ll lose it to Alicia Fox, or a Diva that comes to RAW in the Draft.
I love Maria so much (: It was a shame how she was release. It is nice to hear how someone who use to be in the company feels about the diva division. I think the wwe tries to make the girls now the next Trish Status. And there will never be another Trish. Just like there will never Lita. Each diva is special in their own way and it is a damn shame that the wwe tries to make them to be the next Trish or Lita or anyone else. You can’t duplicate a era or a diva from the past. It just can’t happen. Hopefully someone kicks management in their asses. And gets them to care about the divas again.
I really enjoyed this interview and really liked what Maria had to say. I also found it really nice hearing someone so complimentary towards Michelle McCool!
So, WWE’s creative staff considers the Michelle/Melina match on Night of Champions ‘too devastating’? All of a sudden any hope i had that Serena, Natalya or Beth will ever be used properly is shattered to pieces.
so i guess it sounds like Mickie might be one of the Divas that are only close with people on her brand at the time
aww i love Maria XD i never expected Maria to be the one Diva that tells it like it is
This was VERY honest. I remember in other interviews that she stated she left on good terms. I dont know if WWE would agree after hearing this. As a fan, thats delicious :P
@ChrissyL what did Melina’s tweets say? She twitters so much that I truthfully ignore most of them.
Well done team.
wow just read a couple of pages of melina’s tweets. most are about this interview. fans keep trying to get her to lash out at maria. we diva fans are such drama queens sometimes :/
@chrissyL i saw what she tweeted to maria and i’m thinking along the lines someone has twisted maria’s words i dont recall her saying anything bad about melina in this interview but melina tweeted to maria
“Wow. Listened to your interview… That’s what I get for warning you about Dolph! :p Our little Maria, I wish you can find it in your soul to be honest one day. To tell THE TRUTH. I admire your strong will and believe you will always shine in some way because you have it in you, no doubt. I just pray you see the truth about certain things in life and Speak The Truth. Treasure the fact that you did so much with the wwe (& did it successfully!). Now you are doing amazing things and your album is doing great!!! You are blessed and are young so there is more to come. If saying those things make you feel, I hope you do. All I hope is that you are happy. I love you no matter what Maria. And I’m still proud. – Melina” it sounds kinda bitchy
Wow, i don’t usually change my mind so quickly about someone but i think i really like Maria. She sounds so sweet & sincere when speaking about the wrestling buisness.
Oh, and i guess those sweet smiles the face girls have when teaming with Melina are NOT so sincere. She really doesn’t sound so impressed with Melina’s attitude.
Please bring her back as a heel!
@theregoeskitty melina mentioned listening to the interview and was redirected to a certain part by a fan. The part in question is when Maria stated that Melina would scold her for using certain moves, and she felt that Melina claimed ownership to moves that she shouldn’t have.
That being said, I couldnt find Melina tweet’s about Maria and her not being close. The only negative one I found pre interview was in which Melina RT’d a fan who said nasty things about maria on the apprentice. Although Melina did add an LOL so I think she may have been laughing at the silly fan.
Anyway, I still think this was a great interview. I like how Maria added that Nikki was a hard worker (and then added Brie in what I think was to not hurt Brie’s feelings). I have felt for a long time that Nikki outshines her sister ringwise and would like to see her get more solo opportunities.
Possibly the best interview ever conducted here on Diva-Dirt.
Maria was more than honest and left us some REALLY interesting points to think about.
Why is she no longer close to Mickie? What went on there?
Is Melina a bit of bitch?
And she also answered why Michelle has got to where she is, and it’s not because she sleeps with The Undertaker.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview, I’d love to hear more from Maria too, maybe by answering questions from the fans, that’d be cool.
Oh wow, this interview has actually changed my opinions of her; what a lovely person she is. I like her after this! She’s sweet and funny, this has definitely changed my opinion of her.
I cant believe I used to hate Maria I always thought she was a bad wrestler an never understood why she won diva of the year but ever since I heard fantasy I started to like her then I saw the celebrity apprentice an realised she could possibly be one of the smartest diva’s in all of wwe and she is amazingly creative and also realised why she got the award of diva of the year which she deserved, it wasn’t for in ring wrestling but for everything she’s done outside wrestling an maybe if WWE let her do what she wanted to WWE could have been so much better for the divas. Its such a shame she is gone from wwe an if she gets fired from apprentice I will cry 0_0!
Great interview ! it gave us diva fans more insight.
So this shows that Michelle isn’t a bitch , which i already know but most of the people think. And that she doesn’t bang with the undertaker to get what she wants. She is just gifted DEAL WITH IT.
Melina Melina Melina .. you’re just such a bitch. I didn’t like her but now i hate her.
I really don’t like her , and when she smiles it’s just all fakeness. I think all the injuries happens because of karma. She gets it for being a bitch.
I think it’s very sad for Maria leaving the WWE without a reign but i think wrestling just isn’t her thing. I adore her outside wrestling.
I also loved that she praised Layla , Jillian , Alicia & Beth.
well that’s all
Jillian<3
Melanie Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Tunccy — Do you actually know Melina personally to call her a bitch? Seriously, that kind of language towards anyone is not cool and won’t be tolerated.
I agree with Maria, I think Layla could really be a top diva, with just a bit more time. I was actually hoping Layla would be the first Diva search winner to win a belt (the diva’s championship, specifically).
What a cool interview! I Maria just kind of echoed everything Diva Dirt and fans of the WWE have being saying. It’s satisfying to know that even the diva’s are just as frustrated with the WWE as we are. I’m never going to say that Maria was a great wrestler but she seems to be a great person. Thanks Diva Dirt and thanks Maria. Who had some very wise words :)
@ melanie – hmm i never said i knew her did i ?
based from what i read on here and other sites i think she is one and im free of thinking it maybe it’s not true.. but why would maria lie?
maybe u do like her and that’s why it so offensive to you but theregoeskitty said she sounds bitchy isn’t that the same. hum.
well nvm.
Melanie Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
There’s a difference between saying something ‘is bitchy’ and calling someone a bitch. Not only is it offensive but it’s also slanderous.
@tunccy actually i said”‘it sounds bitchy” referring to her comment, i actually like Melina
oh well ok i’ll admit i was a bit too harsh!
can my comment be deleted xD?
Ehm I actually kinda agree with Tunccy. Melina was always a bit bitchy imo. That’s why she can do the heel part a lot better than her fake smile face type.
About Maria’s feelings towards Melina and visa versa. What’s so wrong with not getting along with someone. Hello it’s an everyday aspect of life, you’re not going to be friends to the end with everyone you come across, or associate/work with. Some people are like oil and vinegar they just don’t mix. So I don’t think Melina or anyone else should be subjected to being called a bitch or bitchy based off a clash of personalities.
Anyways I really enjoyed this interview Melanie and Erin. You ladies really outdid yourselves and hit Maria with all the questions I practically wanted answered. And Maria hit the nail on the head with most of them too. I was also pleased with Maria’s honesty it was endearing that how candidly she spoke about her time in and now out of WWE. It was refreshing getting her perspective on the division as a viewer, and cool that she pretty much evokes the same sentiments and concerns we all have about the state of the WWE Divas. Shame she didn’t get a fair shot to show what she had, although I wasn’t too sure about her double character idea, on paper it sounds kind of odd, but who knows it may have worked well on TV. Anyways, It was a very well put together interviews overall, one of my favorites thus far on D-D. Kudos Ladies!
Interview was cool.
Mel and Erin asked some good Q’s!
Let’s just hope WWE see this article and listen to the audio, and finally change because we know what they’re like!
Tunccy – Just because someone doesnt get along with another person doesn’t make them a “bitch”. I’ve heard numerous things about Melina, most recently from Kristin & Kristal on Kristin & Friends, about how much they respect and admire her. Not everyone clicks, and I’m sure theres someone you don’t get along with, but does that make you a “bitch”? No.
Melina is not a bitch first off. She’s very nice on twitter, and takes so much time to answer the fans about everything they ask. I don’t think someone who didn’t care about anything but herself would do that.
Like I said, not everyone is going to mesh. I think it was very classy for Melina to reply as she did, giving Maria compliments and not getting upset.
As far as the interview goes, it was VERY well and very open. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to see what is next in store for D-D =] It was nice to hear that the divas agree with what the fans say, and I’m happy her album is doing so well. Congrats Melanie and Erin on scoring such an interview of greatness and ‘controversy’ :P
“Let’s just hope WWE see this article and listen to the audio, and finally change because we know what they’re like!”
They are never going to change. If the divas, and the midcarders, are allowed to do whatever they want in the ring, it will expose the limitations of their big stars. You will get a situation where people like John Cena and Batista are suddenly not “cool” anymore in the eyes of the kids, because everyone else uses more spectaculair wrestling moves.
I’m worried now because some of the stuff she said sounds like WWE is using a tactic that many large businesses and agencies use when they want to get rid of a certain department and want to release all of the employees there without them knowing what’s going on they do stuff like that when they think their about to go under or they want to get rid of that department or start over from scratch I really hope that’s not what WWE is doing.
AWESOME interview, DD!! You guys really have out-done yourself. About the Melina/Maria thing, just because they never saw eye to eye on cetain things doesnt mean they hate each other. As much as we love Maria, her wrestling left much to be desired. Melina has been known to be intense and passionate, so perhaps some of her advice may have come off as stand-offish when she was only trying to help Maria. I think some people are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Anyway, I love Maria. So proud of her for not allowing anyone to keep her down. Once again, great interview, guys. Cant wait for the next one!
Wow all this heat and frustration because some people are referring to Melina as being ‘bitchy’. Why doesn’t anyone stick up for McCool like that except for a few including myself? Thats a bit hypocritical if I might say so myself. No one knows if any of these girls are “bitches” but seriously…half the ones who are saying its wrong to call Melina that are the ones who probably have said the same about McCool or other divas. Just sayin.
I have gained allot of respect for maria here. So much that I finally decided to make an account on this site so I can comment. Now thats big
Finally allot of questions has been answered from this interview. It finally shows that what we do think is happening really is happening. It has really been great hearing it from her. I guess we do have the right to be pissed with WWE. I guess even though she never really was a good wrestler, she tried her best and wanted it really bad. I truely have gained full respect for her and appreciate her time that she gave for this interview.
I felt that she was honest in all ways. I guess the rumors about Melina having an attitude are true. Never my favorite diva anyways.
One thing though. Where does she say that Mickie and her have are not close anymore? I guess she can’t mention Mickie allot because she barely ever wrestled against Mickie. I think it has been one match or something… idk… maby I missed something?
I am glad to hear that all the divas want to shine and I couldnt stop smiling when she mentioned the praise she gave diva-dirt about the piggie james segment… I remember that article so well.
I wish maria all the luck with her album and future… You truly gave me a whole different opinion about you.
No one knows what happened about Melina and Maria. Just people just can’t get along with each other. And that is no one else’s fault. People just don’t click. I wouldn’t go out of my way and call Melina a bitch or say she has a bad attitude or difficult to work with. I have heard alot of people praise Melina. So you can’t base what anyone says on how she really is. Unless you don’t know her personally you can’t say anything about how she is in real life.
I really must give kudo’s for this interview. Coming from a journalistic background I love how you evoke reactions from her. You can really tell her frustration with the Diva’s situation. I believe everyone did a beautiful job. I’ve always thought as a person Maria was very endearing and this interview just reassured my opinions of her. I only wish her the best and I’m super excited about how well her album is doing. Hopefully their isn’t a negative underlying plot WWE is weaving for the Diva’s. I can only say so much as to how I FEEL, and it’s great to hear how someone who was one of them feel’s. Once again Good Luck Maria
Lovely interview. I always believed Maria was an awesome person, and listening to this was very, very reassuring. And, yay! You guys included my, “What ideas did you pitch?” question!! :D Haha!
On the whole Melina-Maria thing:
Seriously, some of you think that because Maria was so candid what she says is God’s word! Well, it’s not. Melina and Maria just didn’t ‘click’, and if Maria thinks Melina is a bitch (Which was NEVER stated) then that’s her opinion, and vice versa. People don’t get along all the time in everyday life, so why should all the Divas? It’s seriously just stupid to make assumptions, because someone we watch in t.v and happen to like says it, and that goes for all the celebs we listen to.
I will say, though, that Melina’s tweet, saying she “loves” Maria did sound a bit bitchy. But, maybe it was jsut the heat of the moment.
Mick Foley, Shelly Martinez, Krissy Vaine, Paul London, John Morrison, Joey Mercury, The Miz, Batista and others have all praised Melina for being a genuinely lovely person, yet when *one* person says something like this, naturally she’s a bitch. Talk about only seeing the negative side of things.
And before you say anything, Melina has never gotten any legit criticism about her attitude before. Candice said that they didn’t see eye-to-eye at times but have respect from each other. That’s the only other vaguely negative comment from a proper source that comes to mind. Everything else has been stated by anomynous sources on wrestling gossips (sorry, ‘news’) websites.
*gossip
This is proof that Diva Dirt is blowing up to huge heights! To have the honor of conducting an interview with someone so notoriously known in the women’s wrestling world is unreal. I still find it incredibly that so many big names are listening to & following the site. Tara’s twitter page read she was about to listen to an interview @ the site. Melina listened to this interview as well, you guys are incredible! Love the site, love the interview’s, love the dedication & it’s proof that hard work pays off!
Maria does not hold back at all! Love the fact that she is so open & honest to any question asked. I love Maria, even though she wasn’t the most talented in the ring, she had a golden personality. She has one of the biggest hearts in the entire WWE & it shows! Even though some negitive things were said I still love & support the WWE no matter what. It’s still a little shady how they operate though. Can’t wait for the next interview DD! Keep them coming :).
The more I hear from Maria the more I don’t like her. The only good thing she said in this interview is that the divas do not get enough time but yes we all know this already. Maria actually listened to herself tell that storyline and thought it was a good idea? To quote the Miz, “Really?! REALLY?!” She seems like she would be a perfect fit in TNA with that kind of crap.
She also talked bad about Melina, that’s a no no. Sounds more like she is jealous of Melina than anything else. The more I hear from her the more I am glad the CM Punk is no where near her anymore. That man is now safe. At least she admits that she is garbage in the ring and after she moved from being the ditzy backstage interviewer no one cared about her or her tacky fashion except for comedy relief of course. Its ironic that she praises Michelle seeing as they have both been with WWE for the same amount of time yet Michelle has actually caught on how to be a decent wrestler.
(>_<) /rant
Maria was very honest in this interview! I wish her all great things in her future..
Does it matter who gets along , what matters is not all these divas got along..If I was Melina nd I saw a diva trying to do one of my moves then HELL YEAH! Im going to say thats my move. Im pretty sure Mickie or Beth woudnt be comfertable with someone else doing the Glamslam & Mickie-DT in the ring..Its not that Melina was being a bitch…its the fact that she was owing up to her moves taking credit where its was due