Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, is a professional wrestler and television personality signed with WWE. She is known for her charismatic persona, dynamic in-ring abilities, and being a former cheerleader for the New England Patriots and a dancer for the Los Angeles Lakers before transitioning to professional wrestling.
Carmella began her WWE career in NXT, initially appearing as a hairdresser character before evolving into a more flamboyant and outspoken persona. She quickly became a fan favorite due to her charismatic mic skills and unique character work. Carmella’s most significant accomplishment came when she won the inaugural Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match in 2017, a controversial victory that she capitalized on by successfully cashing in the contract to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Known for her catchphrase “Mella is Money,” Carmella has developed her character into that of a crafty and opportunistic competitor, often using her cunning and intelligence to outsmart her opponents. She has been involved in various high-profile storylines and has also teamed up with other wrestlers, most notably in a mixed tag team with R-Truth, where the duo became popular for their comedic segments and dance breaks.
Carmella has also appeared on reality television, most notably on “Total Divas,” which provided insights into her life outside the ring and her relationships within the wrestling industry. Her career in WWE has been marked by her versatility and ability to entertain, making her a valuable performer in the women’s division.