Leah Van Dale, better known by her ring name Carmella, is a prominent American professional wrestler, dancer, and model. Born in Spencer, Massachusetts, on October 23, 1987, she had a passion for dance and gymnastics from a young age. In response to her desire to pursue a career in dance, Leah refused college scholarships and moved to Los Angeles to follow her dreams. There, she landed several gigs as a dancer and appeared in music videos for stars like Pharrell Williams and Keri Hilson.
Along with her impressive dance skills, Leah also possessed a love for fitness and bodybuilding, leading her to compete in fitness competitions. In 2010, she earned the title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. After establishing herself on the fitness circuit, Leah found her way into professional wrestling. In 2013, she joined the WWE, working as a ring announcer and professional wrestling manager before becoming a wrestler herself.
Leah’s career as Carmella took off in 2016 when she was paired with wrestler Enzo Amore as his manager on the WWE’s NXT brand. She eventually moved to the main roster and became a fan favorite, winning the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match in 2017. Carmella continued her success streak, becoming the SmackDown Women’s Champion for a total of 130 days in 2018 and 2019.
Carmella’s charm and athleticism have earned her a massive social media following, with over three million Instagram followers and counting. She has also made numerous media appearances, such as on Total Divas, Miz & Mrs., and The Masked Singer. Leah is a fitness enthusiast and an animal lover, and she utilizes her platform to promote body positivity and mental health awareness.
In the words of Carmella, she is “fabulous,” and her hard work and accomplishments prove it. She is a role model for aspiring wrestlers, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts alike, and her tenacity and spirit continue to inspire her fans globally. Carmella’s future in the WWE and the entertainment industry looks bright, and she is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.