When it comes to underutilized talent in the WWE, there’s quite a list. One of the names near the top is the Brokenhearted Lover Mike Kanellis. The former 24/7 Champion has been with the company for a few years now but has rarely been used throughout the majority of his run, getting most of his exposure through a stint on 205 Live.
When it was revealed that he and his wife Maria Kanellis had signed with the company, fans were excited. The former X-Division Champion was highly impressive in his runs with ROH, NJPW, and Impact Wrestling. However, he was essentially dead on arrival following his debut at Money in the Bank 2017.
Mike Kanellis has struggled to pick up wins, and his most recent storyline completely emasculated him. Though he re-signed with the company earlier this summer, Kanellis has requested his release from the WWE.
https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/1183855911619776512
Reverting back to his real name, Mike Bennett, he thanked the WWE for everything they did for him. However, he feels he has more to offer than what he’s doing in the WWE right now.
I am only 34 years old and feel I have way too much left in the tank. Working 1 day a week is just not going to cut it for me. I came to WWE to work and that opportunity does not exist right now. I re-signed with the company back in June because I thought it was what was best for my family, and maybe from a financial standpoint it was.
But I quickly realized that bringing my work frustrations and misery home with me is not good for my family and I no longer want my daughter to constantly see me come home defeated, sad and angry.
Bennett has deleted everything having to do with the WWE from his social media accounts. And from her Instagram, it looks like Maria is in full support of her husband.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nXZavBf4s/?igshid=1a3y7f59s307b
