ROH: Maria Kanellis-Bennett recruiting to protect The Kingdom’s legacy

Several weeks ago, Maria Kanellis-Bennett began standing at the top of the ramp to scout specific matches. After a couple of weeks, it became clear that she was scouting both Cole Karter and Leyla Hirsch.

Hirsch returned to ROH on Kanellis-Bennett’s behalf. She was due to wrestle with The Kingdom against The Infantry (Trish Adora, Shawn Dean, and Carlie Bravo). Since Kanellis-Bennett was not cleared, a returning Hirsch wrestled in her place. After the match, Hirsch declared she was in ROH to stay.

Since Hirsch filled in for her, she took offense that she needed to be watched. Hirsch told Lexy Nair that she wanted to face ATHENA. Kanellis-Bennett was impressed by Hirsch picking up wins, but thinks she needs more confidence.

On Thursday’s episode, Kanellis-Bennett looked on as Hirsch defeated Lady Frost.

Unlike Hirsch, Karter is flattered by Kanellis-Bennett’s attention. In fact, he’s convinced that she has a crush on him, despite trying to recruit him for the faction her husband is in. Now that she’s gotten Karter on her side, she set her sights on someone else: Griff Garrison.

Garrison recently returned from injury. Following his match with Garrison, Karter extended his hand to his opponent. When questioned by Nair, Karter said that Kanellis-Bennett had an opportunity for him. Garrison has tag team experience and she thinks it’s good for Karter to have friends.

On Thursday’s episode, Kanellis-Bennett said she likes creating opportunities. “This particular opportunity is protecting a legacy. A legacy that was built by my Kingdom.” Karter interrupted her by bring Garrison to her. Although Garrison lost his match, she told him she thinks he has a lot of raw potential, “if you’re surrounded by the right people and I think we are the right people. So just think about it.”

Kanellis-Bennett seems to have her on the future, both figuratively and literally. She has her sights on up-and-coming talent. With Mike Bennett and Matt Taven busy supporting Roderick Strong’s neck health in AEW, Kanellis-Bennett is working to protect everything The Kingdom has built.

When Kanellis-Bennett was brought into AEW/ROH, I had hoped she would be utilized to help the women’s division evolve. While I’m glad to see Hirsch getting more focus, I hope she recruits more women. I also hope she’s helping the women’s division backstage as well.