Carmella's WWE Exit: Why & What's Next? Latest News

By Oceane LittelMay 04, 2025

What happens when a WWE Superstar, a former champion, a fan favorite, suddenly finds themselves without a contract? The story of Carmella's departure from WWE is a compelling narrative of professional wrestling, motherhood, health challenges, and the unpredictable nature of the business, as she navigates the aftermath of her unexpected exit.

For nearly a decade, Leah Van Dale, known to the world as Carmella, graced the WWE stage, captivating audiences with her charisma, athleticism, and undeniable presence. From her debut in 2013 to her departure in late 2022, she carved a significant path for herself within the industry, achieving championship victories and etching her name into the annals of WWE history. Her journey, however, wasn't without its share of hurdles. The recent developments surrounding her contract expiration, her health struggles, and her candid revelations on various platforms paint a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs experienced by a professional wrestler in the modern era.

Carmella: Bio & Career Highlights
Real Name	Leah Van Dale
Preferred Name	Carmella
Date of Birth	October 23, 1987
Place of Birth	Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Debut	2013 (WWE)
Trained By	WWE Performance Center
Former Ring Name	Carmella
Signature Moves	Code of Silence (Modified arm-triangle choke) Superkick
Championships and Accomplishments	WWE SmackDown Women's Championship (1 time) WWE Women's Tag Team Championship (1 time) Women's Money in the Bank (2017) WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal winner (2018) WWE 24/7 Championship (1 time)
Years Active (WWE)	2013 - 2022
Notable Feuds	Charlotte Flair Bayley Becky Lynch
Health Issues	Nerve damage Herniated discs (related to pregnancy)
Other Activities	Model, Dancer
Podcast Appearances	* Barely Famous Podcast
Social Media	Instagram
Reference	WWE Official Website

The WWE universe has always been privy to stories of triumph and perseverance, and Carmella's tale fits right in. She entered the wrestling world with a background in dance and modeling, bringing a unique flair to her performances. Her initial role as a valet for Enzo Amore and Big Cass honed her skills and introduced her to the WWE audience. Her transition into a singles competitor marked a significant step, leading to her eventual victory, cementing her status as a prominent figure.

The peak of her career included winning the SmackDown Women's Championship and the Money in the Bank briefcase, which she successfully cashed in to seize the title. Her victory in the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal and her brief reign as the WWE 24/7 Champion further added to her accomplishments. Beyond the championships, Carmella was known for her captivating personality, her ability to connect with the audience, and her ever-evolving in-ring style.

However, the world of professional wrestling is not without its complexities. Carmella's exit from WWE came as a surprise to many. After a period of absence from television, attributed to her pregnancy and subsequent health issues, her contract expired without renewal. In a revealing episode of the "Barely Famous" podcast, Carmella addressed the situation. She shared her perspective on the circumstances surrounding her departure, expressing her disappointment. She also discussed the challenges she faced, including nerve damage, that resulted from complications during childbirth.

Her openness about the experience, which includes the stigma of being a mother in professional wrestling, offers a glimpse into the struggles female wrestlers often face. She revealed her willingness to contribute to WWE in a different capacity, potentially as a manager or on-screen personality, but her offers were not taken. This perspective, one of the star's perspective, offers valuable insights into the industrys dynamics and the challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to the sport.

Carmella's story also touches on the realities of balancing a demanding career with personal life changes. The fact that she was sidelined due to pregnancy and health issues and then not offered a contract renewal, underscores the delicate balance athletes must strike. The wrestling world has often evolved, with athletes managing to make comebacks, but the business remains just that, and no amount of talent and charisma can guarantee job security.

The impact of her absence is undeniable. She has not appeared on WWE programming since March 2023. Fans are awaiting the chance to see her back in the ring, given her popularity and the strong connection she built with them during her WWE tenure. Her time away, however, has also presented challenges and opportunities. While she has faced health setbacks and experienced the complexities of life outside the ring, she remains a figure of significance.

The wrestling world is a close-knit community, and fellow professionals and fans have offered their support. Teddy Long, a former WWE personality, has even weighed in on the matter, suggesting that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. Whatever the future holds, Carmella's resilience, candor, and determination to share her journey make her story a testament to the human spirit.

Beyond the immediate drama of her departure, Carmella's story delves deeper, touching on the multifaceted nature of the wrestling industry. The fact that she was gone from WWE for a long time due to her pregnancy, which then led to health issues, brings into the light the specific hurdles professional wrestlers face. Professional wrestling runs in Carmellas blood, as her father, Paul Van Dale, is a former independent circuit wrestler, also adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

There is a distinct level of respect between her and the fans that will be very important in this next stage of her career, and that is why many fans will likely welcome her back with open arms. While the focus is primarily on the events surrounding her contract expiration, her story represents an opportunity to appreciate the complexities of professional wrestling and the challenges faced by those who dare to dream in the ring. Carmella's journey underscores the importance of resilience, the significance of support, and the enduring connection between a wrestler and their audience.

Moreover, it's a narrative about navigating the ups and downs of the industry, from championship reigns to health challenges and contractual uncertainties. Carmella's willingness to share her experiences, and the impact it had on her career, is a significant part of the wrestling landscape, and her path forward will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans and industry insiders alike.

The wrestling world, which has changed significantly in recent times, is a constant interplay of narratives, talent, and unforeseen circumstances. And Carmella's story is a case study in the realities of the sport and the tenacity required to carve a meaningful path. While there is no immediate timeline for her return, her story continues to resonate. The future remains unwritten, but Carmella's journey is far from over, and one thing is certain: She'll approach her next chapter with the same grit and determination she brought to every match, every championship win, and every appearance on the WWE stage.

Carmella Wwe divas, Wwe female wrestlers, Wwe girls

Carmella Wwe female wrestlers, Wwe girls, Wrestling divas

Carmella WWE Divas Photo (41606381) Fanpop

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