Leah Van Dale, the woman who electrified the WWE Universe as 'The Princess of Staten Island' Carmella, has undergone a dramatic and transformative shift in her life and career in 2025. This year has marked a definitive end to one chapter and the powerful beginning of another, transitioning from a record-breaking professional wrestling career to a dedicated focus on family and a burgeoning wellness empire. The latest updates reveal a clear path forward for the former SmackDown Women's Champion, cementing her status as a dynamic entrepreneur and a mother of two.
As of late 2025, the biggest news surrounding Van Dale is her official departure from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the welcoming of her second child. Her professional wrestling contract with WWE officially expired in early February 2025, a decision she has openly discussed as being tied to complications and a desire to focus on her growing family. However, the energy she once channeled into becoming the "First-Ever Ms. Money in the Bank" is now driving her deeply personal and rapidly expanding digital community, Snatch.
The Complete Biography and Latest Personal Milestones (2025)
Leah Van Dale’s journey is a compelling narrative of athletic versatility, performance art, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her career, spanning from professional dancing to becoming a top-tier WWE Superstar, is now highlighted by her most important role yet: motherhood.
- Full Name: Leah Van Dale
- Born: October 23, 1987
- Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts (often billed from Staten Island, New York)
- Nationality: American
- Spouse: Matthew "Matt" Polinsky (known in WWE as Corey Graves)
- Children: Son 1: Dimitri Polinsky (born November 2023). Son 2: Bram Julian Polinsky (welcomed in 2025).
- Career Highlights: WWE SmackDown Women's Champion, WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, 3-time WWE 24/7 Champion, First-Ever Ms. Money in the Bank.
- Pre-WWE Career: Cheerleader for the New England Patriots (NFL) and the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA).
- Retirement/Departure: WWE Contract expired in early February 2025.
- Current Venture: Founder of the wellness and digital community Snatch.
The most significant personal update for Van Dale in 2025 is the birth of her second son, Bram Julian Polinsky, whom she welcomed with her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves (Matt Polinsky). This joyous event follows the birth of their first son, Dimitri, in late 2023. Van Dale has been candid about the challenges of her pregnancies and motherhood, which ultimately played a significant role in her decision to step away from the demanding WWE schedule. She has expressed that her new baby has "changed [her] life forever."
Her openness about her personal life has become a cornerstone of her new professional identity, shifting her focus entirely to her family and her passion project, the Snatch wellness brand.
The Official End of a WWE Era: Carmella's Contract Expiration
After a twelve-year tenure that began with her signing in 2013 and training at the WWE Performance Center, the chapter on Carmella's in-ring career with WWE has closed. Her contract officially expired in early February 2025, and she has been technically removed from the active roster. This move was not a sudden release but a mutual decision based on her extended absence and personal priorities.
Van Dale last wrestled in March 2023, having only returned for a brief six-week stint after being out of action since 2022. She later revealed that her departure was complicated by her recent pregnancy and a desire to prioritize her health and family. Despite her exit, her legacy in the company is undeniable, marked by several historic accomplishments:
- The Money in the Bank Record: Carmella is the inaugural winner of the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match.
- Longest MITB Holder: She holds the all-time record for the longest duration holding the briefcase, clocking in at 281 days. This record, which earned her the nickname #MellaIsMoney, surpassed all previous male and female holders, including legends like John Cena and Edge.
- Successful Cash-In: She was the first woman in WWE history to successfully cash-in her contract, defeating Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women's Championship in April 2018.
When asked about a potential return to the ring, Van Dale has been clear that there are no plans for a WWE return right now. Her focus is firmly on her two young sons and her new business venture, which allows her to manage her own schedule and advocate for women's health.
From 'Princess of Staten Island' to Wellness Entrepreneur: The Rise of Snatch
Leah Van Dale’s post-WWE career is centered on her role as the founder and CEO of Snatch, a wellness brand and digital community launched in 2025. This venture is deeply personal, born out of her own struggles and experiences with body image, fertility issues, and the pressures of being a professional athlete.
Snatch is not just a typical fitness brand; it is a comprehensive digital community hosted on platforms like Mighty Networks, designed to be a safe, supportive space for women. The platform’s core focus areas are:
- Fertility and Reproductive Health
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery
- Sexual Health and Wellness
- Body Positivity and Resilience
Van Dale’s motivation for creating Snatch stems from her desire to empower women who are navigating similar life stages. She aims to revolutionize the conversation around women's health by providing authentic, unfiltered advice and building a resilient sisterhood. Her transition from a high-stakes, public entertainment career to a dedicated advocate for women’s physical and mental health showcases her evolution from a wrestling superstar to a genuine wellness thought leader.
The Enduring Legacy of 'Mella Is Money' and Future Endeavors
While the wrestling world will miss the charismatic and often controversial presence of Carmella, Leah Van Dale’s impact extends far beyond her championship reigns. She was a pioneer, a record-breaker, and a testament to the power of reinvention. Her success with the SmackDown Women's Championship and her time as a WWE Women's Tag Team Champion alongside Queen Zelina solidified her as a multifaceted performer.
Today, her future endeavors are entirely self-directed. The energy that once fueled her competitive spirit in the ring is now dedicated to her family and her entrepreneurial goals. By leveraging her massive platform and her authentic personal story, Van Dale is building a powerful new brand. The focus on fertility, pregnancy, and women's health through Snatch is a reflection of her current life priorities and a move that resonates deeply with her audience.
For fans and followers, 2025 represents a fascinating new chapter. Leah Van Dale has successfully traded the bright lights of WrestleMania for the rewarding challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship, proving that the spirit of 'Mella is Money' can be applied to any venture, whether it's cashing in a briefcase or launching a successful wellness brand.
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