Mike Kanellis Defeats Sami Zayn in his SmackDown Debut

Maria and Mike Kanellis definitely piqued the interest of the WWE Universe when they arrived on [...]

Maria and Mike Kanellis definitely piqued the interest of the WWE Universe when they arrived on the scene professing the power of love. But the vicious attack on Sami Zayn last week has truly alerted their competition to their potential.

Tonight Mike Kanellis, a 15-year veteran pro-wrestler but WWE newcomer made his proper debut inside a WWE ring against the one man spoiling he and wife Maria's Power-of-Love-fueled perfect romance, Sami Zayn.

But it was Maria who came between the two men tonight, interfering on her husband's behalf and arguing with the referee official, allowing Mike the opportunity to get a cheap shot in on Sami before landing a Samoan driver for the win.

Upon their debut at the Money in the Bank PPV, Maria Kanellis said she had left the company (back in 2010) to find true love, and that's what she found in her husband Mike, who is now dropping his surname Bennett and using hers. During their runs in Ring of Honor, New Japan and TNA, he was Mike or Michael Bennett, and she was Maria Kanellis or Kanellis-Bennett.

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The segment had the feel of a Bachelor-style reality tv show. If the response to their schmaltzy debut and gimmick was any indication, the couple could make for a good heal team.

After Maria slapped Zayn last week, Mike Kanellis broke a flower vase over his back, sending a loud message to the Underdog from the Underground that both of them possess a belligerent mean streak beneath their lovey-dovey exterior.

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Will the couple continue piling on Sami Zayn for weeks to come? Or is it Sami's turn to exact a measure of retribution? Could they soon find themselves on the Fashion Police's docket for gross public displays of affection? Better yet, will Mike take his place as the next James Ellsworth, serving as Maria's valet when she makes her entry into the SmackDown Live Women's Division?

One thing's for sure. The Kanellis couple need to prove to the WWE Universe they deserve they can burn up the competition as hot as that theme song!

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