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What's the story?
Mike and Maria Kanellis haven't been seen on WWE recently and many people assume it had something to do with Mike's recent disclosure concerning his addiction to prescription medication. But the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports a much different situation.
In case you didn't know...
Before he was spreading the message about The Power Of Love in WWE, Mike Kanellis was a TNA X-Division Champion as well as ROH Tag Team Champion. He also spent some time in New Japan making a name for himself with his lovely wife Maria by his side.
When word broke that WWE was looking to bring him in, his fans got excited. But when he came into the WWE with a considerably different gimmick and last name, it left some people less than overwhelmed.
The heart of the mattter
Mike Kanellis recently came forth about his battle with drug addiction. He's working on his recovery but it's always one step at a time. He's strong enough to do it and is staying positive with Maria providing all the love and support he needs.
Kanellis hasn't been featured on WWE television much recently but apparently, it has nothing to do with his recent revelation about his issues with substance abuse.
Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Mike's absence is actually due to the fact that WWE doesn't want to push him right now and upon his initial debut he didn't "knock them dead" with his first matches.
What's next?
It would be nice to see Mike and Maria Kanellis closer to the top of the roster. After all, they have an entrance package complete with an arena rock power ballad that just begs for a push. It might take some time, but if Kanellis keeps at it who knows where he'll end up if he jumps at the chance to knock them dead, next time.
Author's take
'The Power Of Love' theme song was stuck in my head for a good two weeks following Mike and Maria Kannelis' debut at Money In The Bank.
They really do look great together and deserve a chance. With the formula they're using, the two make a great heel pair. It's just a matter of finding a place for them to excel on the roster.
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