Why Mike and Maria Kanellis Should Move to NXT

In June of twenty seventeen Indie star and former Impact Wrestling talent Mike Bennett signed a contract with the WWE arriving on Smackdown LIVE (skipping NXT) along with wife and former WWE Diva Maria. Now, competing under Kanellis the WWE took an interesting direction for the two charismatic stars focusing on their love for one another and ultimately the power of love. The idea divided fan of opinion but with a brilliant track record outside the WWE together there was hope with many fans believing they could be an interesting addition to the Smackdown LIVE roster; however, it wasn’t long before both had faded into the background and with Maria out of action having her baby Mike has barely had any TV time. With news recently breaking that the former WWE diva is now cleared to make a return will we see things turn around for these two talented stars? And exactly how can the WWE get the most out of Mike Kanellis.

Why 

The decision to have Mike Kanellis debut on Smackdown LIVE instead of going through the process of NXT was an interesting one. With Maria having a memorable history with the company and the two together creating such a buzz on the indie scene it makes sense as to why it was done, however, throughout their recent run with the company it has become clear that the two most certainly should have spent some time down in NXT. Now, this has nothing to do with the in-ring talent of Mike Kanellis. There is no denying the former Impact Wrestling star is an excelling pro wrestler. He’s been apart of some entertaining storylines and matches throughout his wrestling career, however, arriving in the WWE is a huge deal. Some of the biggest names in the industry today including EC3, Ricochet, and Adam Cole have all been (and are currently) apart of NXT a move that will greatly benefit them moving up to the bigger stage later. This was a vital part in the WWE career of Mike Kanellis and one of the major reasons why he has struggled to connect with fans. NXT allows the WWE universe to create an understanding of what he is about and what he can bring to the table. Going down to NXT now may seem like a step backward but looking at the bigger picture this is key!

What Maria Brings to the NXT Women’s Division

While I wouldn’t technically like to see Maria involved in the exact same storyline she was involved in during her time in IMPACT wrestling where she adopted the role of division leader the idea is one that she works amazingly well and would seriously pay off down in NXT. As of right now, there isn’t a woman who truly takes care of the division. We have the champ in Kiari Sane many interesting and promising prospects however, Maria is a woman who while isn’t the best wrestler in the world possess knowledge and experience above many of the women on the roster and her character is one that could really flourish on the black and yellow brand adding extra spice and entertainment to a very talented division. Attempts to take over, control the division, and push the buttons of the likes of Baszler, Candice, Nikki Cross, and Belair amongst many would really make for something exciting and new for the division.

The North American Championship

The North America Championship is an excellent idea! From the epic ladder match that crowned Adam Cole as the first ever champ to the epic bouts, we have seen from the two title holders this has proven to be an important championship over in NXT. It’s allowed more stars to standout, chase for gold, and work phenomenal bouts and its an area in NXT Mike Kanellis would really benefit from being apart of. While I don’t quite see NXT champion in him holding this particular title appears to be the perfect role for him within the WWE as a whole right now. He’s exactly the type of man who should hold this title and can bring so much to it not to mention how entertaining of a reign this would be!

The Chance to Standout

Standing out on the main roster as of right now is next to impossible for Mike Kanellis. At this current time, there are multiple other superstars both on RAW and Smackdown LIVE the WWE are more likely to push and give the spotlight to meaning Mike is very much far down the ladder. Taking this into consideration it, of course, means the chances of him being apart of matches where in which he is able to stand out as an in-ring performer as well as a character is slim! The move to NXT will allow Kanellis to do what may take him years to do up on the main roster. Working lengthy matches against the likes of Velveteen Dream, Gargano, and Ricochet for example will truly give him the opportunity to show WWE fans just how strong of a wrestler he really is. While a WWE Championship reign may never happen (you never know) it would be a huge shame if he never got the chance to show wrestling fans what he can do inside a WWE ring and NXT is his greatest chance in doing so!

A Brand-New Direction For NXT

Throughout the history of NXT fans have seen couples/duos make an impact on the black and yellow brand. Lana and Rusev and Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega have both had excellent NXT careers and impressive and promising main roster runs so far and I strongly believe Maria and Mike could have followed in their footsteps and still have the chance to do so. They bring something while similar massively different also. Their chemistry, of course, is undeniable but their characters and what they offer is something we haven’t seen from a couple down in NXT before. The idea of the two challenging authority, wanting to take over NXT, and butt head with current GM in William Regal all make for fitting storyline’s that could shake the foundations of NXT. It’s been some time since we have fully seen Regal involved in a storyline and while I do to a certain degree like that I do also feel as though we could get some excellent story work and mic work between these talents creating something fresh and again, very exciting.

Last week Maria and Mike Kanellis arrived over on 205LIVE an interesting yet expected move forward in the career of Kanellis. With the rise of 205LIVE could mean this is the perfect place for him. Both he and Maria can bring so much to the roster and add a lot more character to the 205 LIVE show doing there a lot of what we have mentioned the pair could provide over on NXT however, I do still believe the black and Yellow brand may just make for a more fitting home for these two.

And those are just some of the reasons why I believe Mike and Maria Kanellis must move to NXT. While there is a chance the WWE could turn things around for these two I strongly believe their best bet is making the move to the black and yellow brand. It’s here they will receive greater opportunities but also establish themselves properly and make an impact/standout in a way they haven’t been able to and may never be able to up on the main roster. The two genuinely have so much to bring to the table and it would be a shame for things to not work out and with NXT there and waiting it all seems to make so much sense. 

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