Joey Graziadei threw Bachelor Nation into a tizzy earlier this week (March 4) when he sent Maria Georgas home. Season 28 of The Bachelor is quickly coming to an end, and the remaining ladies brought the Italian heartthrob to their hometowns. The latest episode was filled with anticipation, memorable moments, and surprises. 

Graziadei expressed his hope to deepen each relationship with Kelsey A., Rachel Nance, Daisy Kent, and Maria Georges at the beginning of the episode. 

"I'm hoping that after this week, we have the ability to look forward to what can come at the end of this, and where our relationship can continue to grow to," he said. "That's the best-case scenario." 

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The episode took an enchanting turn in Louisiana with Kelsey A., where the couple indulged in the local charm by tandem biking, savoring beignets, and soaking in the scenic beauty of the southern state. Throughout the date, Kelsey noticed butterflies, which she considered signs of her late mother. They "accidentally" stumbled upon a bride taking wedding photos in a park, which sparked a conversation about marriage. 

"She has this brightness to her. She has this different level of excitement and joy that is just contagious," he said in a confessional. "I just know I could be happy every day if Kelsey was the person I was with." 

Graziadei's quest for love led him to Rancho Cucamonga, California, instead of Honolulu, to meet Rachel Nance's family. Rachel's past near-engagement became a topic of conversation, which Joey navigated with grace. He earned the family's respect and approval, notably through his genuine embrace of cultural gestures.

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He later visited Daisy's Christmas tree farm in Minnesota, where Graziadei was introduced to her parents, siblings, and grandparents. Before bringing Graziadei home, Daisy confessed the importance of the date and how her family's opinions hold significant weight in her decision to move forward. 

"If my family doesn't see it with me and Joey…it would be really, really hard for me to move forward," she explained. Daisy's family welcomed Joey despite initial hesitations, leaving them wondering why Daisy was guarded with her emotions.

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However, Graziadei's visit to Maria's family near Niagara Falls shocked Bachelor Nation. Graziadei appeared intimidated during the family dinner, which ended with a home video. Although the date marked the first time Maria brought a man home, she did not reveal her true feelings for Graziadei, leaving him more confused than ever before. 

Going into the rose ceremony, Graziadei was uncertain, particularly because of Maria's reluctance to openly declare her feelings. Maria pulled him aside before he passed out each rose. 

"I am falling in love with you, and I didn't feel like I got to tell you that that night," she shared. "Regardless of what happens tonight…I would regret not telling you that." 

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When the ceremony resumed, Maria was sent home. Kelsey, Daisy, and Rachel will head to the fantasy suites next week. In the whirlwind of emotions following Maria's unexpected departure from the show, fans across social media began piecing together a theory that turned her elimination from a moment of heartbreak into a calculated step toward a much bigger opportunity.

Bachelor Nation believes the producers are setting the stage for Maria to become the next Bachelorette. With her compelling story, undeniable charm, and unresolved feelings that marked her exit, she is the perfect candidate to lead her own journey to love. 

"It's okay. Maria going home means that she'll be at the women's tell-all and she'll become a bachelorette—it's all part of the plan #TheBachelor," wrote a fan on X. "I'm sorry, but Maria is the easiest Bachelorette choice in the history of the franchise," said another. 

Will Maria become the franchise's next leading lady? Let us know your Fan Of View below. 

Photo Credit: @bachelorabc on Instagram.