Carmella, born Leah Van Dale, has made a significant mark in professional wrestling. Signed to WWE, she has become a prominent figure, known for her charisma, athleticism, and the title of “The Most Beautiful Woman in All of WWE.”
Her journey from a cheerleader and dancer to a top-tier wrestler is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
You can follow Carmella’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, husband, career overview, and more here.
Carmella’s Net Worth Details
Carmella’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. Her earnings come from her salary as a professional wrestler, endorsements, and other sources.
Salary
A substantial portion of Carmella’s income comes from her base salary with WWE, where she has been a prominent figure since joining the organization.
Her annual salary has varied, but her base salary is $300,000.
This figure places her among the company’s highest-earning female wrestlers, highlighting WWE’s recognition of her value as a performer and entertainer.
Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
| 2024 | $300,000 |
| 2021 | $250,000 |
| 2024 | $120,000 |
| 2024 | $90,000 |
Endorsements
Carmella, real name Leah Van Dale, has significantly impacted both inside the wrestling ring and the world of endorsements.
Here are her notable endorsements:
- Mountain Dew: Carmella has been associated with this famous beverage brand, showcasing her versatility beyond wrestling.
- Jimmy Johns: She has also endorsed this renowned sandwich chain, further expanding her presence in the endorsement space.
- Capo Cagna Wine: Beyond traditional endorsements, Carmella has ventured into entrepreneurship with her wine label, Capo Cagna. This endeavor reflects her Italian heritage and personal interest in wine.
About Carmella
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Leah Van Dale |
| Nickname | Carmella |
| Birth Date | October 23, 1987 |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in |
| Weight | 110 lbs |
| Birthplace | Spencer, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of Massachusetts Dartmouth |
| Turned Professional | 2013 |
| Current Net Worth | $1 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Corey Graves |
| Instagram Profile | @carmellawwe |
Leah Van Dale was born in Spencer, Massachusetts, on October 23, 1987, to Paul Van Dale, a former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist.
Carmella’s journey into professional wrestling began after her stint as a cheerleader for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Lakers.
With her father’s wrestling background as an inspiration, Carmella embarked on a path that would eventually lead her to WWE.
Early Career
Carmella’s early career was marked by her passion for dance and performance, which led her to significant opportunities outside the wrestling world.
Before joining WWE, Carmella showcased her dancing skills as a cheerleader for two major sports teams. Her journey in the spotlight began with her role as a Laker Girl for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2010-2011 NBA season.
In addition to her time with the Lakers, Carmella also had a stint as a performer for the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.
Her background in marketing, obtained from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, further equipped her with the skills needed to build her brand in the wrestling industry.
Professional Career
Carmella’s journey began in WWE‘s developmental territory, NXT, where she debuted on the September 4, 2014 episode.
In a segment with Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, she initially portrayed a hairdresser.
Carmella’s main roster debut came on July 26, 2016, when she was drafted to SmackDown as part of the WWE Draft.
One of her most notable achievements was winning the inaugural Women‘s Money in the Bank ladder match in 2017, a victory that came with controversy due to James Ellsworth’s involvement.
She held onto the briefcase for 287 days, the most extended period ever for a wrestler to have the contract, before successfully cashing it in on the April 10, 2018, episode of SmackDown Live to win the SmackDown Women‘s Championship from Charlotte Flair.
Her reign as champion lasted for 131 days before she lost the title at SummerSlam in a triple-threat match involving Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
In addition to her singles success, Carmella succeeded in the tag team division.
She won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Queen Zelina (Zelina Vega) and participated in various tag team storylines.
Husband
Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, is married to Corey Graves, whose real name is Matthew Polinsky.
The couple married in 2022, marking a new chapter in their lives inside and outside the wrestling world.
They announced the birth of their son, Dimitri, highlighting the joyous occasion after a 60-hour labor.
Corey Graves has three children from a previous marriage, making Carmella a stepmother to his two daughters, Lola and Lenny, and son, Cash.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Detail |
| WWE SmackDown Women’s Championships | 1 |
| WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships | 1 |
| Money in the Bank Wins | 2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Carmella?
Leah Van Dale, known by her ring name Carmella, is an American professional wrestler, dancer and model. Born October 23, 1987, she gained fame for her tenure in WWE’s women’s division.
2. What championships has Carmella won?
Carmella has won the SmackDown Women’s Championship, the inaugural Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, the WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, and multiple WWE 24/7 Championship reigns.
3. What is Carmella’s signature move?
Carmella’s signature move, the Code of Silence, is a double underhook backbreaker submission hold targeting the opponent’s torso and spine.
4. When did Carmella win the inaugural women’s Money in the Bank match?
On June 18, 2017, Carmella won the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match at WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
5. How long did Carmella hold the Money in the Bank briefcase?
Held for 287 days, it remains the longest Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase reign before she cashed in to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
6. What nicknames has Carmella used?
Carmella is known as the “Princess of Staten Island” and has proclaimed herself “The Most Beautiful Woman in All of WWE.” These monikers emphasize her character’s confidence.
7. What alliances or storylines has Carmella been part of?
Carmella formed notable alliances, including a partnership with James Ellsworth, The Welcoming Committee faction with Natalya and Tamina, and a tag team with Queen Zelina Vega.
8. What was Carmella’s WWE main roster debut?
Carmella debuted on WWE’s main roster in October 2016, following her selection as the final pick of the 2016 WWE Draft, confronting SmackDown’s women’s division live on television.
9. What is Carmella’s background outside wrestling?
Before joining WWE, Leah Van Dale performed as a Laker Girl dancer, worked as a hairdresser, and modeled, showcasing her versatility in entertainment and fashion.
10. What other achievements has Carmella earned?
Beyond her singles success, Carmella won Mixed Match Challenge Season 2 with R-Truth, participated in the first women’s Royal Rumble, and emerged victorious in the first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.






