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Mella Is Money No More? Carmella's Shocking WWE Contract Status And Life After Wrestling In 2025

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As of December 2025, the landscape of the WWE women's division has shifted significantly, with one of its most polarizing and accomplished stars, Carmella, officially moving on from the company. The "Princess of Staten Island," whose real name is Leah Van Dale, quietly saw her contract expire, confirming her departure after over a decade with the promotion. This marks a major turning point for the former SmackDown Women's Champion, who had been on hiatus following the birth of her child with husband Corey Graves. This recent development provides a fresh perspective on her career, transitioning from the high-flying world of professional wrestling to focusing on family life, the *Bare With Us* podcast, and other ventures. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, having evolved from a memorable valet in NXT to a history-making champion on the main roster. This deep dive explores her full biography, career achievements, and the surprising details of her 2025 WWE exit.

Leah Van Dale: The Fabulous Biography and Profile

Leah Van Dale, known professionally as Carmella, carved out an impressive career in WWE, combining athleticism, undeniable charisma, and a knack for generating heat as a heel. Her story is one of reinvention, starting as a dancer for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Lakers before entering the world of sports entertainment.

  • Ring Name: Carmella
  • Real Name: Leah Van Dale
  • Date of Birth: October 23, 1987
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 38
  • Hometown: Staten Island, New York
  • Debut: June 2013 (WWE)
  • Trained By: Sara Amato, WWE Performance Center
  • Spouse: Matthew Polinsky (Corey Graves)
  • Notable Accomplishments:
    • 1-time WWE SmackDown Women's Champion
    • 2-time Ms. Money in the Bank (First-Ever Women's Winner)
    • 2-time WWE 24/7 Champion
    • Winner of the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal (WrestleMania 35)

Carmella's entry into WWE was unconventional. She signed a contract in 2013 and was immediately assigned to the WWE Performance Center. She quickly found her place in NXT as the manager for Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady (Big Cass), a role that established her energetic "F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S" persona before she transitioned into a full-time in-ring competitor.

The Shocking Truth: Carmella's 2025 WWE Contract Expiration

The biggest and most recent news surrounding Carmella is her official departure from WWE in early 2025. While she had been absent from television since early 2023 due to a hiatus for pregnancy and the birth of her first child, the confirmation of her contract not being renewed brought an end to her 10-plus year tenure. This situation is a common occurrence in the wrestling world, but it was a quiet end for a star who had held a major championship.

Her last in-ring appearance was in March 2023, and she gave birth to her son, Dimitri, in late 2023. Carmella has been vocal about the physical and emotional toll of her time away and her journey through motherhood. The non-renewal of her contract allows her to focus fully on her family and her successful media ventures outside the ring, particularly her popular podcast with her husband, Corey Graves.

The departure, while not a dramatic on-screen exit, officially closes the chapter on her time as an active WWE Superstar, opening the door for new opportunities in media, business, and personal projects. It is a reminder that even the most "Fabulous" careers eventually transition to new phases.

Mella Is Money: Career Defining Moments and In-Ring Legacy

Carmella’s career is defined by a series of high-profile, history-making moments that solidified her status as a legitimate main-event player. She proved that a Superstar could successfully transition from a managerial role in NXT to a championship contender on the main roster.

The First-Ever Ms. Money in the Bank

Her most famous accomplishment was winning the inaugural Women's Money in the Bank ladder match in 2017. The victory was controversial, as James Ellsworth retrieved the briefcase for her, leading to a major storyline and her being stripped of the briefcase, only to win it back a few days later. This storyline cemented her as a top heel and gave birth to her famous catchphrase, "Mella is Money."

SmackDown Women's Champion Reign

Carmella successfully cashed in her Money in the Bank contract on Charlotte Flair in April 2018, winning the SmackDown Women's Championship. Her reign lasted for 130 days and included a successful defense against Asuka, a major accomplishment that proved she could hold her own against the division's best. Her time with the title showcased her ability to use her intelligence and cunning to overcome more technically proficient opponents.

Signature Moves and In-Ring Persona

Carmella's in-ring style was characterized by her theatricality and her effective use of signature moves. Her finishing maneuver, the *Code of Silence* (a modified Figure-Four Headlock), was a submission move that often caught opponents off guard. She also utilized the *Mella Buster* (Sitout Facebuster) and a powerful *Superkick* as high-impact moves. Her constant use of the phrase "F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S" and her "Mella Is Money" attitude made her one of the most recognizable personalities in the women's division.

Life Outside the Ring: Corey Graves and the Bare With Us Podcast

A major part of Carmella’s public life in recent years has been her relationship with fellow WWE personality and commentator Corey Graves (Matt Polinsky). Their relationship was initially controversial, which led to high-profile coverage on the reality show *Total Divas* and fueled their media presence.

Together, they host the highly successful podcast *Bare With Us*, where they candidly discuss the ups and downs of their relationship, marriage, and life as a blended family. The podcast has become a significant platform for Leah Van Dale and Matt Polinsky, allowing them to connect with fans on a personal level, far removed from their on-screen WWE personas. The show covers various relationship issues, offering an unfiltered look at their lives together.

The birth of their son, Dimitri, in late 2023, has further shifted Carmella's focus. Her decision to step away and the subsequent expiration of her contract underscore a desire to prioritize her role as a mother and her non-wrestling ventures. While her WWE chapter has closed for now, her influence as a history-making champion and her continued presence in the media through the *Bare With Us* podcast ensure that the "Princess of Staten Island" remains a relevant and "Fabulous" figure in the world of entertainment.

carmella wwe
carmella wwe

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