Diva Maria (née Maria Kanellis) has been lighting up WWE since she competed in the 2004 Raw Diva Search. Initially a backstage interviewer, Maria, 26, first appeared in the ring in January 2005. Three years later, the Chicago native is one of the most popular WWE personalities, a lynchpin of innumerable tag team tussles and romantic rivalries. Besides fulfilling the standard duty of a WWE Diva — countless lingerie pillow fights — Maria hosts the WWE Kiss Cam during Raw, designs her own costumes, and pens a monthly car column for the WWE Magazine. Well-rounded physically and mentally, Diva Maria is the perfect spokesperson to illuminate the WWE's switch to HD. The first HD Raw and Smackdown events began airing in late January, following a $20 million renovation of WWE studios in Stamford, Connecticut.
How does HD affect the Divas (WWE female talent)?
We had to change to a special makeup for HD, which gives us better coverage. All your makeup has to be perfectly even because if something is a little smudged, you'll see it. We also added an extra makeup artist. Now we have two.
And everything has to be in place wardrobe-wise. If a string is sticking out somewhere, or your hair is not as shiny as it's been, people will notice.
What about the guys?
They have to watch their skin tone too. If it's off somewhere, you'll see it. The color of their boots has to go with their skin and the rest of their outfit.
Did the WWE sit everyone down and explain that preparation would be different for HD?
Absolutely. We had a meeting about it. They told us, "Make sure everything looks good."
This sounds like a lot of extra work. How do you feel about it?
I'm glad it's this way. It makes the fans feel closer to the event. It makes it look like we're with the viewer in person. HD forces you to look at yourself more closely. You should want to see what you look like.
Now, in HD, when Hardcore Holly chops someone in the chest, you can see his handprint. You can really see it.
Has the setup of the cameras changed? Do the HD cameras get closer to your face, for instance?
No, the camera placement is the same. But the new HD set is really cool.
How so?
Since I started with the WWE, we've always had the same set. This is like a new toy. Every part of the set lights up. Also, the ramp is shorter and steeper — very hard to walk on with heels. And there's a grating at the top which is wider now. If I'm wearing heels, I have to tiptoe across so they don't get stuck in the grate!
Which of your fellow wrestlers do you think will benefit from HD? Which won't?
I definitely think the Divas will benefit. Who doesn't want to see Victoria up close? Guys like Snitsky, not so much. Umaga can get pretty scary.
In reference to what you said earlier about makeup — what about the flip-side? HD will show more wrinkles, no?
I don't mind wrinkles. They're a sign you have experienced things.
What are your favorite shows?
Project Runway, Lost, America's Next Top Model, Gossip Girl, Grey's Anatomy, The Tudors. I like any show I can download to my iPod, since I'm on the road over half the year.
Do you have a Lost theory?
I think it's limbo, or purgatory. They're all being judged. That's why people are disappearing. Once it's decided if they're good or evil, they're gone.
You had a stint selling electronics before you joined WWE. Any advice on buying a new HD set?
When you get a TV, buy the one you really want. You'll have it a long time. Don't think, "I wish I had a bigger screen."
What's next for you in the WWE?
I would love to become women's champion. I'd love to do a film with WWE. And I'd love to design more clothing.
Be sure to catch Wrestlemania in HD on March 30.