Bio and Background of Maria Kanellis

Bio and background of Maria Kanellis. Born Maria Louise Kanellis February 25th, 1982 in Ottawa, Illinois.

In school, she was very athletic having joined and participated in many sports. Shortly out of high school she becomes a contestant of a show called Outback Jack where she came in 3rd place and got great exposure. Maria then became a contestant in the 2004 WWE RAW Diva Search Contest. In this she came in 5th place and walked away flipping the bird at one of the other contestants.

Despite not winning, WWE saw potential in her and let her train at Ohio Valley Wrestling. Her first chance in the ring was as an announcer at the end of 2004.

In the beginning of 2005 she participated in a Lingerie Pillow Fight and a Diva Fashion Show against Christy Hemme.