Major name drops shocking update regarding her future following WWE exit

WWE has given a launching pad to many names in the industry, but sometimes superstars decide to announce a break from professional wrestling. Recently, Leah Van Dale, fka Carmella, stated she wants a break from wrestling.

Earlier this year, Carmella became the talk of the town when she broke her silence and addressed a few topics following her exit from the Stamford-based promotion. Mella recently announced that she and Corey Graves are expecting their second child later in the year. Many assumed she would return to wrestling this year, but now that won't be the case.

In an interview with The Wrestling Classic, Carmella was asked about her future in wrestling, and she stated that she wanted a break. She said her character needs rest, and she's moving on to different aspects of her life. Moreover, the former SmackDown Women's Champion expressed that she is open to returning to WWE in the future despite the company not renewing her contract earlier this year.

"I want a break. Even though I've been away for two years, I was still under contract, and for the first time in 12 years, I'm like, I'm Leah, and I'm not Carmella, but who's Leah without wrestling? And it's kind of like time to have a funeral for Carmella. She's in the past. I will for sure hope that someday I go back, whether it's a one-off or Rumble or something. It's in my blood, and I love it," Mella said. (From 13:35 to 14:03)

Carmella hasn't wrestled outside WWE

In 2014, Carmella began her career in the Stamford-based promotion and joined the developmental brand. After acting as a valet for Enzo Amore and Big Cass, Mella got the opportunity to become a singles star when the duo moved to the main roster.

In 2016, The Princess of Staten Island received her call-up to WWE's main roster and joined SmackDown for a few years. During her time on the blue brand, she became the inaugural Ms. Money in the Bank winner and won the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Apart from holding the Women's Tag Team Championship with Zelina Vega, she's even held the 24/7 Championship and had segments with R-Truth. It'll be interesting to see if Mella ever returns to the Stamford-based promotion for another run in the future.

If you use quotes from the article, please credit The Wrestling Classic, and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.

About the author

Aakaansh is a WWE news writer in Sportskeeda. After getting hooked on professional wrestling in 2008 watching WWE and TNA, he found himself admiring the work ethic and passion of the wrestlers for their craft, the business, and the industry as a whole.

With a post-graduate degree in writing, and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication, Aakaansh's knack for writing and love of pro wrestling eventually led him to SK seven years ago before he found a permanent place in the division in 2021, initially writing SEO content and transitioning to news in April 2022.

He is committed to producing detailed, factual, and unbiased reports free of opinion, which will resonate with both long-term and newer fans. When not writing about pro wrestling, Aakaansh is engaged in the dynamic worlds of pop culture, anime, and Fortnite.

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Edited by Aakaansh Sukale