Michael Bennett Bio
Early Life and Background
Michael Bennett was born on May 16, 1985, in Carver, Massachusetts. He has an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. Bennett graduated from Carver High School in 2003, where he began to develop his passion for wrestling.
Path to All Elite Wrestling
Bennett made his professional wrestling debut in 2002, starting on the independent circuit. He trained under Bob Evans and Steve Bradley, which helped him hone his skills. Over the years, he gained recognition in various promotions, eventually leading to his debut in Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2008.
Michael Bennett Career
Early Career (2002–2008)
Bennett’s wrestling career began in the independent circuit, where he quickly made a name for himself. He won the NEWA Heavyweight Championship in 2004, showcasing his potential early on. His time in various promotions, including New England Championship Wrestling and Top Rope Promotions, helped him build a solid foundation in the wrestling world.
Ring of Honor Breakthrough (2008–2015)
Bennett made his ROH debut in 2008, where he began to gain significant traction. He teamed with Maria Kanellis and became part of the stable known as The Kingdom, which included Matt Taven. Together, they won the ROH World Tag Team Championship and later the IWGP Tag Team Championship in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Bennett’s time in ROH was marked by intense rivalries and memorable matches, solidifying his status as a top competitor.
WWE Era (2017–2020)
In April 2017, Bennett signed with WWE, adopting the ring name Mike Kanellis. He made his debut at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view alongside his wife, Maria. Although his time in WWE included winning the WWE 24/7 Championship twice, he faced challenges, including limited in-ring opportunities and personal struggles. Bennett requested his release in October 2020, concluding his WWE tenure.
Return to Independent Circuit and Impact Wrestling (2020–2022)
After leaving WWE, Bennett returned to the independent circuit, competing under his real name. He made appearances in Ring of Honor and later returned to Impact Wrestling in 2022, where he reformed The Kingdom with Taven and Kanellis. They captured the Impact World Tag Team Championship, marking a successful return to the ring.
All Elite Wrestling Era (2022–Present)
Bennett made his AEW debut on October 14, 2022, alongside Taven and Kanellis. They continued their legacy as The Kingdom, competing in various matches and storylines. Bennett’s performance in AEW has been characterized by high-energy matches and strong storytelling, contributing to the promotion’s dynamic roster.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Bennett is known for his agility and technical prowess in the ring. He combines speed with a strategic approach to matches, often utilizing his experience to outmaneuver opponents. His partnership with Taven and Kanellis has also added depth to his character and in-ring style.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Bennett’s career highlights include multiple championship reigns in ROH and Impact Wrestling, as well as his impactful debut in WWE. His ability to adapt and thrive in various wrestling promotions has made him a respected figure in the industry.
Michael Bennett Career Wins
Michael Bennett has achieved significant success throughout his wrestling career, with numerous titles across different promotions. His time in Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling has been particularly notable, where he has captured multiple tag team championships.
Current All Elite Wrestling Series Highlights
As of 2025, Bennett has continued to compete actively in AEW, showcasing his skills in high-profile matches. His recent performances have included competitive bouts that highlight his evolution as a wrestler and his ongoing rivalry with other top talents in the promotion.
Previous Ring of Honor Series Achievements
During his time in ROH, Bennett won the ROH World Tag Team Championship and the IWGP Tag Team Championship, establishing himself as a formidable tag team competitor. His contributions to The Kingdom have left a lasting impact on the promotion’s history.
Michael Bennett Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Michael Bennett is married to fellow wrestler Maria Kanellis, and the couple has two children together. Their partnership in both life and wrestling has been a significant aspect of Bennett’s career.
Personal Life
Bennett’s personal life has often intersected with his wrestling career, particularly through his relationship with Maria. The couple’s journey has been documented in various wrestling storylines, adding a layer of authenticity to their characters.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Bennett has continued to make waves in AEW, participating in key storylines and matches that have kept fans engaged. His performances have been marked by resilience and adaptability, showcasing his growth as a performer. As part of The Kingdom, he has been involved in competitive feuds that have elevated his status within the promotion, setting the stage for future championship pursuits.
