Carmella is finally breaking her silence after WWE cut ties with her, and shes not holding back.
After 12 years with the company, the former SmackDown Womens Champion found out her contract was expiringbut instead of a conversation, she says she was completely ignored by WWE until the last minute.
Speaking on the Barely Famous podcast, Carmellareal name Leah Van Daleopened up about how shocked she was by how everything went down. Is it because Im a woman? Is it because I had a baby? she questioned. And it just feels like a shtty way to end a 12-year career with the company. This is how it ended.*
She also pointed out that while her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves, still has his job, she was suddenly let go after they welcomed their baby in November 2023.
He still has a job. We had a kid and he has a job, but I dont, she said. I got a call saying that my contract was up in 10 days Ghosted. Ghosted. Completely ghosted.
Carmella admitted that the uncertainty of her future is hitting hard. What if this is the end of my career? What am I doing with my life? What do I have to offer? Why wasnt I given an opportunity somewhere else? I feel like Im being punished because I had a baby.
Now, shes asking a bigger questionwhy do women, especially moms in sports, have to choose between their careers and their families?
Why would you wanna be somewhere that doesnt want you? I wish more for women in general and moms and especially athletes. I feel like you shouldnt have to choose one. Why cant you have both?
Carmellas WWE career may be over, but shes making it clearshes not done fighting. Whether she steps back in the ring somewhere else or takes a completely new path, shes got something to prove. Was she really let go because she had a baby, or is there more to the story? One things for sureshes not staying quiet about it.
What do you think about Carmellas exit? Was WWE wrong for the way they handled it? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
