37-Year-Old Former WWE Champion Confirms Stepping Away From Wrestling

An ex-WWE Women’s Champion has revealed that they have stepped away from wrestling.

Carmella is a former SmackDown Women’s Champion, whose only reign lasted 131 days.

At the time she was the Money in the Bank contract holder, which she cashed in on Charlotte, ending the her 287 days as the champion.

Carmella enjoyed a healthy run in WWE, especially during her alliances with James Ellsworth and R-Truth.

In the near end of her wrestling career, the 37-year-old star would suffer an injury, costing her several months on in-ring action.

In March 2023, she went on a hiatus and gave birth to her son in November, during which she also developed a medical condition called drop foot, rendering her unable to wrestle.

WWE saw out Carmella’s contract before announcing her release in February 2025, ending her 12-year run with the promotion.

Former WWE Champion Carmella Confirms Stepping Away From Wrestling

Carmella, real name Leah Van Dale, recently appeared on the Search Bar podcast, where she answered some of internet’s most-searched questions about her.

When asked if she had considered returning to WWE, she stated she had no such plans at the moment.

I don’t right now. I don’t have any plans. I’m so in my mom era and I love it. Never in a million years did I think I would enjoy being at home and being a mom more than working and hustling, but I feel like I did that for so long. The grind in WWE is so hard; it’s like we don’t have an off-season. You’re on the road 52 weeks a year and for the first time in my life, I’m enjoying just a slower pace of life.

I think eventually I would love to go back at some point. So, never say never. [10:22 onwards]

Carmella is married to retired wrestler Corey Graves, who currently works as a color commentator on NXT and RAW brands.

The ex-champion was reportedly devastated after her release from the Stamford promotion. Read about how she found out and dealt with the news here.