Former WWE star Carmella is speaking out publicly about the end of her relationship with the company, and her unhappiness with how the situation was handled.
The former SmackDown Women’s Champion revealed this week in a conversation with Killr Network her frustration with the lack of communication from the company when they decided not to negotiate a new contract. Her deal reportedly expired in February 2025 and she was given 10 days’ notice about its expiration.
Also Read: WWE Superstars Carmella & Corey Graves Welcome Baby Boy
Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, feels that she was “ghosted” and even punished for having a child and wanted to bring this to the attention of the wrestling world this week.
Carmella Reflects on WWE’s Treatment of Women and Mothers
“I got a call saying that my contract was up in 10 days,” she said. “Everyone just ghosted. Ghosted. Completely ghosted,” she said. “What if this is the end of my career? What am I doing with my life? What do I have to offer?… Is it because I’m a woman? Is it because I had a baby? It just feels like a shitty way to end a 12-year career with the company.”
Carmella also brought up the unfair difference between her and her husband, Corey Graves, a WWE commentator who still has a job with the company despite having a child.
“He [Graves] still has a job. We had a kid, and he has a job, but I don’t,” she pointed out. “I wish more for women in general and moms and especially athletes. I feel like you shouldn’t have to choose one. Why can’t you have both?”
What’s Next for Her?
“For so long, it’s like, ‘Oh, Carmella.’ It’s like, no, I can now fully be Leah and do what I want to do. I don’t know what that is,” she admitted.
Since her last match in March 2023, she’s faced several personal and health issues including complications from childbirth that left her with drop foot. Her struggle to return to WWE and then just getting let go only makes her frustration worse.
WWE has not responded to her firing at this point. However, many fans and athletes have already been touched by Carmella’s words and heavily engaged in the big issues of maternity leave, contract renewal and the support of female talent in any sports institution.
Also Read: After Complications From Childbirth, Will Carmella Wrestle In WWE Again?