Former WWE star Carmella (Leah Van Dale) opened up about her departure from the company, revealing she felt “punished” for having a baby and that WWE cut ties with her without much notice.
Carmella’s contract recently expired, marking the end of her 12-year tenure with WWE. She has not wrestled since March 2023 due to dealing with drop foot after giving birth. Speaking on the Barely Famous Podcast, she expressed frustration over how things ended.
…What’s next for Leah? For so long, it’s like, ‘Oh, Carmella.’ It’s like, no,” she said. “I can now fully be Leah and do what I want to do, and I don’t know what that is.
Carmella acknowledged she had been sidelined for nearly two years but said it wasn’t her choice.
That’s the whole point, to get people talking and to be bold, in your face,” she said. “Let’s talk about it. Let’s have the conversations that women aren’t having. 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, that this is how it ended.
She also pointed out the contrast between her situation and that of her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves.
[Corey Graves] still has a job. We had a kid, and he had a job, but I don’t. I mean, I guess fast forward until a few weeks ago and I got a call saying that my contract was up in ten days.
[Everyone] ghosted. Completely ghosted. What if this is the end of my career? What am I doing with my life, what do I have to offer? Why wasn’t I given an opportunity somewhere else?
When asked if it was bittersweet that many of her colleagues remained in WWE, she admitted feeling like she was penalized for becoming a mother.
I feel like I’m being punished because I had a baby,” she said.
While some speculated WWE could change its stance, Carmella was clear in her response.
Why would you want to be somewhere that doesn’t want you? I wish more for women in general and moms and especially athletes. You shouldn’t have to choose one. Why can’t you have both?
The full interview will be available on March 7.
