Former WWE and AEW star Maria Kanellis-Bennett recently revealed she underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mole diagnosed as “type 0” skin cancer, believed to be an early stage form of the disease. Announcing the news on her official Twitter (X) account, Kanellis encouraged her followers with a public service announcement to get their moles checked regularly, emphasizing the importance of early detection. “Feeling very blessed they caught it so early but definitely exhausted,” she wrote, alongside photos showing her bandaged leg and a planned three-inch scar from the procedure[1][2][3].
Maria Kanellis-Bennett’s announcement came as a surprise to many fans, given how private she had been about her recent health struggles. This skin cancer diagnosis marks the latest in a series of medical issues she has faced over the past few years. In 2023, she underwent surgery to remove part of her thyroid, and in 2024 she had a non-cancerous tumor removed from her adrenal gland[3][4]. The wrestler and television personality openly shares her journey to encourage awareness and proactive health choices.
Kanellis-Bennett’s Path in Pro Wrestling
Maria Kanellis first entered the professional wrestling world in 2004 as a contestant on WWE’s Diva Search. She quickly gained attention and became a prominent on-screen personality, taking on roles as both a backstage interviewer and in-ring competitor. After her initial WWE run ended in 2010, Maria worked with several global wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Alongside her husband Mike Bennett—also a wrestler—she has often appeared as a manager and performer in these organizations[1][3].
The couple returned to WWE in 2017, but their tenure was cut short when they were released in April 2020 amid company-wide roster changes. Following that, Maria made her All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut in October 2022 and remained with the company until her contract expired in January 2025. According to recent reports, Maria did attempt to bring back some of her earlier “ditzy” wrestling persona during her AEW tenure, showing her versatility and passion for the business[2][3]. Despite stepping away from AEW, she stays active in the wrestling community and family life.
Family and Future Plans
Maria and Mike Bennett announced in June 2025 that they are expecting their third child, joining their daughter Freddie (born 2018) and son Carver (born 2020). Balancing family and health has been a recurring theme in Maria’s recent years. Upon announcing the skin cancer surgery, she highlighted her exhaustion but displayed gratitude for catching the cancer early, underscoring the vitality of routine skin checks, especially for those in the public eye or physical professions like wrestling[1][4].
Backstage sources close to the family shared with Fightful and other wrestling news outlets that Maria’s health has been carefully monitored by medical professionals who remain optimistic about her recovery. An insider explained, “Maria is in good spirits and thankful for the support from fans and colleagues. This surgery is part of her commitment to staying healthy for her family and her future endeavors.” These sentiments were echoed on social media across WWE.com, Fightful, and Post Wrestling, where fellow wrestlers and fans sent their well-wishes.
Medical Insight on Early Stage Skin Cancer
Though Maria referred to her diagnosis as “type 0” skin cancer, medical experts note that the proper term is likely “stage 0” skin cancer. This stage refers to the earliest and most treatable form, usually called carcinoma in situ, where cancer cells are confined to the top layer of skin and have not spread deeper. Early diagnosis and surgical removal significantly improve prognosis and minimize long-term complications. Kanellis’s experience serves as a vital reminder of the necessity for regular dermatological checks, even for individuals without extensive sun exposure history[4].
A Social Media PSA and Awareness Campaign
Maria Kanellis’s decision to publicly share her surgery experience and urge fans to monitor their skin health creates an important dialogue in both the wrestling community and general public. On Twitter, she posted a heartfelt message alongside images of her surgical site: “PSA: get your moles checked!!! I had type 0 skin cancer removed today after a previous biopsy came back cancerous. Feeling very blessed they caught it so early but definitely exhausted. I will have a beautiful 3 inch scar on my leg. It’s been an interesting few years. They marked it with an eye before surgery to apparently keep away bad spirits.” This mixture of humor and sincerity resonated widely, prompting many wrestling fans to engage and share their own health stories[1][2].
Her openness aligns well with ongoing health awareness initiatives endorsed by WWE and AEW, both of which actively promote wellness and community education. WWE.com has a history of supporting health and safety among talent and fans, while independent wrestling programs have increasingly focused on medical screenings and mental health. Kanellis’s story adds a personal layer to these efforts, highlighting the human side of performers beyond the ring.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Support
As Maria Kanellis-Bennett recovers from her surgery, the wrestling world rallies behind her. Prominent wrestlers and commentators have extended their support on social media channels, emphasizing the importance of health vigilance. Fightful and Post Wrestling will continue monitoring updates as Maria progresses in her recovery and prepares for the next chapter of her life, both professionally and personally.
A WWE insider familiar with the situation shared that “Maria’s strength and openness during this difficult time have inspired many within the locker room. Everyone wants to see her back to full health, supporting her family and continuing to contribute her unique presence to wrestling.” Fans can undoubtedly expect more updates soon as Maria navigates her recovery with the same resilience she has shown throughout her career.
In summary, Maria Kanellis-Bennett’s candid disclosure of her skin cancer diagnosis and surgery serves as a critical call to action for health awareness in the wrestling community and beyond. With early detection and swift treatment, she faces a positive prognosis and remains a symbol of courage and advocacy. Wrestling fans worldwide join in wishing her a smooth recovery and a healthy future ahead[1][2][3][4][5].