Matt Taven

Matthew Marinelli, known professionally as Matt Taven, is an American professional wrestler and trainer born on March 20, 1985. He currently headlines Ring of Honor as part of the legendary faction The Kingdom alongside Mike Bennett. His career spans decades of work across major international promotions including All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.

Taven established himself as a top-tier talent by winning every major championship available in Ring of Honor, earning him the distinction of Triple Crown Champion. He held the ROH World Championship, the ROH World Television Championship, and the ROH World Tag Team Championship multiple times. His technical proficiency and ability to adapt to different styles made him a standout performer who could headline shows globally. [edit]

Matthew Marinelli grew up in Derry, New Hampshire, where he developed a strong interest in sports and physical competition from a young age. Before stepping into the wrestling ring, he sought out specialized training to refine his skills. He studied under Spike Dudley, a former WWE star famous for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. This mentorship provided Taven with a solid foundation in technical wrestling and resilience.

He began his professional career on the independent circuit in the late 2000s. Early matches took place in respected promotions like Combat Zone Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. These venues allowed him to hone his craft against seasoned veterans and build a reputation for intelligence in the ring. By the early 2010s, he had become a well-known name on the Northeastern independent scene, setting the stage for his eventual signing with larger organizations. [edit]

Taven's rise to prominence accelerated after joining Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2011. He quickly became a reliable mid-carder before moving to Ring of Honor in 2013. There, he formed The Kingdom with Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis, a stable that dominated the tag team division. They won the ROH World Tag Team Championship in 2014 and later led the revived version of the group from 2016 to 2019.

His singles success peaked when he captured the ROH World Championship and the ROH World Television Championship. In 2018, he achieved a rare feat by headlining the CMLL 85th Anniversary Show main event while holding the NWA World Historic Welterweight title. This accomplishment highlighted his global appeal and respect within the lucha libre community. He also won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the Impact World Tag Team Championship in Impact Wrestling.

In 2020, Taven debuted in All Elite Wrestling. He initially appeared as a face before turning heel and aligning with Kenny Omega's group. He remained a key member of AEW until January 2026, when his contract expired and was not renewed. Later that year, he returned to Ring of Honor at Supercard of Honor 2026 to reform The Kingdom with Bennett. He continued competing on the independent circuit, including a match for the vacant BRCW Title in August 2026. [edit]

Taven projects the image of a smart, calculated competitor who relies on strategy rather than brute force. He typically sports a clean-cut yet rugged aesthetic with a beard and athletic build. Media outlets often describe him as a veteran leader who brings experience to any roster he joins. His social media presence is professional, focusing on promoting upcoming matches and sharing behind-the-scenes content with fans.

Fans appreciate his ability to elevate lower-card talent and tell compelling stories without relying solely on high-risk maneuvers. He is seen as a loyal partner to Mike Bennett and a dedicated mentor to younger wrestlers at his training school. This combination of in-ring skill and business acumen has cemented his status as a respected figure in the industry. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While there is no single universally adopted fandom name specifically for Matt Taven alone, he is deeply integrated into the broader fanbase of The Kingdom. Fans of the faction often refer to themselves as "The Kingdom's Subjects." The group's supporters are highly organized, particularly during their runs in Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling.

Notable campaigns have included streaming pushes to support title defenses and birthday billboards for the duo. Inside jokes often revolve around Taven's technical prowess and his enduring partnership with Bennett. The fanbase values his ability to tell a story in the ring and his dedication to the craft. Long-time followers celebrate his return to Ring of Honor in 2026 as a significant moment that brought back the golden era of The Kingdom. [edit]

Matt Taven is one of the few non-Latin American wrestlers to ever headline the CMLL 85th Anniversary Show main event. This achievement underscores the high regard he holds within the Mexican wrestling community. He trained under Spike Dudley, which heavily influenced his technical style and approach to storytelling in the ring. Fans often refer to his partnership with Mike Bennett as a "package deal" because their chemistry is so seamless. Despite being a top star, he has maintained a relatively low profile regarding his personal life outside of his marriage.

The Kingdom faction is considered one of the most successful heel stables in modern wrestling history. Their dominance set a new standard for how factions could operate and maintain long-term storylines. Taven also co-owns a wrestling school in West Warwick, Rhode Island, where he trains the next generation of talent. This business venture provides a steady income stream beyond his performance fees. [edit]

Matt Taven is married to fellow professional wrestler and manager Maria Kanellis. They met through the wrestling industry and formed The Kingdom in 2013. Their relationship is characterized by a strong on-screen chemistry that translated into real-life longevity. Together they have two children whose names are kept private to protect their privacy.

The couple resides primarily in Rhode Island, where they manage their wrestling school. They often travel together for tours and events, maintaining a busy schedule that keeps them connected both personally and professionally. Maria frequently manages Taven's matches, adding another layer to their dynamic as a power couple in the wrestling world. [edit]

Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis, Spike Dudley, Kenny Omega, T.K. O'Ryan, Vinny Marseglia. [edit]

Matt Taven is married to professional wrestler and manager Maria Kanellis. Their relationship began in 2013 when they formed the villainous stable The Kingdom in Ring of Honor. They met through the wrestling industry and quickly established a powerful on-screen partnership that translated into real-life longevity. Their dynamic is characterized by a "power couple" persona, often managing each other's careers and competing together in tag teams.

The couple has been together since 2013 and officially married shortly thereafter. They have two children together, though they keep their children's identities private. Prior to Maria, Taven had a brief, less documented relationship with wrestler Madison Rayne, but this was primarily on-screen or short-lived off-screen. As of 2026, Matt Taven remains married to Maria Kanellis, and they continue to work together in various capacities, including their return to Ring of Honor. [edit]

research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Matt Taven's fortune at around $3 million. This estimate reflects his decades-long career in professional wrestling, business ventures, and recent independent bookings. His wealth stems from salaries earned at All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and Impact Wrestling, along with revenue from his wrestling school in Rhode Island.

Taven and his wife Maria co-owned a training facility that provided a steady income stream beyond performance fees. Merchandise sales featuring The Kingdom branding and solo gear also contributed to his financial growth. Real estate ownership in Rhode Island and other locations where they resided during touring added to his assets. Fees for autograph signings, fan conventions, and guest appearances further diversified his income sources. As of 2026, his net worth continues to grow through these varied channels. [edit]

Matt Taven is a decorated champion with a resume spanning multiple major promotions. He is a former ROH World Champion, ROH World Television Champion, and a three-time ROH World Tag Team Champion. He also held the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship three times. His accolades include the IWGP Tag Team Championship in New Japan and the Impact World Tag Team Championship in Impact Wrestling. He even captured the NWA World Historic Welterweight Championship in Mexico. [edit]