Many WWE fans of the 2000s will remember Maria Kanellis being a ditzy backstage reporter before finally becoming an active wrestler in 2008.

She moved on in 2010 though and went to Ring Of Honor with real-life partner Mike Bennett, and has been with him ever since - going with him to IMPACT Wrestling in 2016 before pitching up in WWE once again in 2017.

Despite coming back to WWE initially as Mike's manager, Maria took a leave of absence due to falling pregnant shortly after their return.

But she made her first in-ring appearance in WWE for over eight years back in October when she competed in a battle royal at Evolution.

That seemed like a one-off though as she went back to managing her husband on the 205 Live brand, but all has not seemed well this week.

Speculation has been rife that the duo requested their release from the company, but it was turned down.

Now Maria has issued a lengthy statement on her official Instagram account. 

I DID NOT ask for my release. Speculation and rumors are running rampant," stated Maria.

"Someone is playing all the wrestling news sites. It’s a game. I’ve been in professional wrestling for 15 years and what I do in front of the camera will only be a small part of the full story.

"I have relationships with fans, talent, producers, and their families. I have been in the hospital when people have been injured and backstage to hug someone that just had a great match.

"I don’t need to stir up s**t. I don’t need to put others down. I am an imperfect human that has learned from past mistakes.

"Whoever is leaking rumours I pity you and your desperate attempt for attention while disparaging my husband and I."

You can read the full statement about, but Maria is one angry lady because of all the gossip.

There's an argument to be had that if the couple really did want to leave, then there is no point keeping them as they're not even doing much on television.

But with Maria killing the rumours off, it looks like the Kanellis couple will be staying with WWE for a while longer.