On March 7 when the new issue of
Playboy hits newsstands,
Maria Kanellis will not be wearing much in the way of clothing, but she will be most naked in a different aspect – her personality.
The photo shoot first and foremost serves as a way to see into the Diva’s head; not just a glimpse of her body.
“When I came into WWE at 22, I came in scared,” she said. “Now I’m standing here with my butt completely naked and guess what? I’m feeling good.”
When our fans see the magazine, Maria wants them to see a strong side of her. The photos should communicate her motivation and dedication to produce the best result in this shoot and in all of her tasks.
“I’m very glamorous in this photo shoot,” Maria said. “I’m very high fashion and it definitely brings out that personality in me and makes me look strong. Our fans don’t necessarily get to see me done up to this extent; they don’t get to see me up close and personal.”
Playboy’s most recent cover girl grew up in Ottawa, Ill., a small town outside Chicago. She graduated middle school in a class of 15 students, and her high school class wasn’t much larger. In a town where everyone knew everyone else, the citizens experienced little, if any, widespread attention.
“To be on national television is crazy,” she admitted. “To be on the cover of any magazine is insanity, coming from my small town. But to be on the cover of Playboy – that’s a statement.”
Maria added she often has to remind herself that everything is real whenever she sees herself on TV.
“I’m doing a fashion shoot, I’m on the cover of Playboy, I’m working for the greatest company in the world and I’m still being me. I’m still me and that is just so … there are no words for that.”
The cover of the Playboy issue will be revealed on the next edition of Raw. High fashion serves as the theme of the photo shoot, featuring articles of clothing that Maria made herself.
“I would love to thank everyone for their support – from our fans and Mr. and Mrs. McMahon to everyone else involved in it. And definitely for my family, the greatest family in the world.” While blowing a kiss, Maria added, “And this, the Playboy cover, is for you.”