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Carmella's WWE Exit: Health, Future Plans Unveiled
Carmella's WWE Departure: Health Issues and Future Plans
Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella (Leah Van Dale) has left WWE after a 12-year tenure, ending her contract in February 2024. The unexpected departure followed a period of absence from television since 2023 due to pregnancy and subsequent health complications. Van Dale gave birth to her son, Dimitri, in November 2023.
Following her pregnancy, Van Dale experienced a foot injury, a drop foot condition, which prevented her from returning to the ring. She attempted to work with WWE, pitching storylines to the company featuring a collaboration with the tag team Pretty Deadly. Van Dale said Pretty Deadly were enthusiastic about the idea, and she submitted several pitches to a WWE head writer, envisioning a storyline where she would help save their failing musical act. Despite her efforts, she was not cleared to wrestle and ultimately received no response regarding her return.
"It was definitely a shock to me," Van Dale told PEOPLE. "I wanted to go back. I had intended to go back." She described the experience of learning her contract would not be renewed as "devastating," though she expressed gratitude for the support of her husband, fellow WWE star Corey Graves. Van Dale initially worried about the future of her career but found solace and direction in creating a new business venture.
Snatch, Van Dale's new platform, aims to connect and support women navigating the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. The initiative stemmed from Van Dale's own experiences, including miscarriages, and a desire to create a supportive community for women dealing with similar challenges. Snatch offers online forums and access to experts, addressing various topics including IVF, postpartum depression, and lactation.
While acknowledging her loyalty to WWE and leaving the possibility of a future return open, Van Dale stated, "I’m not gonna say never…who knows what the future holds?" Booker T, a prominent WWE figure, believes she has the talent to thrive in other wrestling promotions. Van Dale herself is currently enjoying a slower pace of life focused on motherhood and her new business. Despite the unforeseen circumstances surrounding her WWE departure, Carmella is forging a new path, embracing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella (Leah Van Dale) has left WWE after a 12-year tenure, ending her contract in February 2024. The unexpected departure followed a period of absence from television since 2023 due to pregnancy and subsequent health complications. Van Dale gave birth to her son, Dimitri, in November 2023.
Following her pregnancy, Van Dale experienced a foot injury, a drop foot condition, which prevented her from returning to the ring. She attempted to work with WWE, pitching storylines to the company featuring a collaboration with the tag team Pretty Deadly. Van Dale said Pretty Deadly were enthusiastic about the idea, and she submitted several pitches to a WWE head writer, envisioning a storyline where she would help save their failing musical act. Despite her efforts, she was not cleared to wrestle and ultimately received no response regarding her return.
"It was definitely a shock to me," Van Dale told PEOPLE. "I wanted to go back. I had intended to go back." She described the experience of learning her contract would not be renewed as "devastating," though she expressed gratitude for the support of her husband, fellow WWE star Corey Graves. Van Dale initially worried about the future of her career but found solace and direction in creating a new business venture.
Snatch, Van Dale's new platform, aims to connect and support women navigating the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. The initiative stemmed from Van Dale's own experiences, including miscarriages, and a desire to create a supportive community for women dealing with similar challenges. Snatch offers online forums and access to experts, addressing various topics including IVF, postpartum depression, and lactation.
While acknowledging her loyalty to WWE and leaving the possibility of a future return open, Van Dale stated, "I’m not gonna say never…who knows what the future holds?" Booker T, a prominent WWE figure, believes she has the talent to thrive in other wrestling promotions. Van Dale herself is currently enjoying a slower pace of life focused on motherhood and her new business. Despite the unforeseen circumstances surrounding her WWE departure, Carmella is forging a new path, embracing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
