Carmella (wrestler)
A reality TV hopeful turned WWE champion who brought a brash, unapologetic confidence to the women's division.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American professional wrestler, dancer and model·Birthday: October 23·Millennials
Biography
Leah Van Dale didn't take the traditional path to WWE stardom. Before she was Carmella, she was a dancer for the New England Patriots and a contestant on a reality show. That outsider energy defined her character when she finally arrived in NXT, flanked by her enforcer Big Cass. As Carmella, she perfected the persona of a self-proclaimed 'Princess of Staten Island'—vain, sneaky, and endlessly talkative. Her in-ring style, a blend of her dance background and opportunistic tactics, made her a perfect foil for more straightforward powerhouses. Her crowning moment came at the first-ever women's Money in the Bank ladder match, which she controversially won with help, leading to a SmackDown Women's Championship reign that proved she could back up her big talk. Her career arc reflects a modern WWE era where personality and athleticism are equally vital.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Carmella was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Carmella Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Carmella's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first woman to win a Money in the Bank ladder match and later cash it in successfully.
- Captured the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship in 2018.
- Won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships with Queen Zelina.
- Held the WWE 24/7 Championship, showcasing her versatility across divisions.
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer and performed as an NFL cheerleader for the New England Patriots.
Her father, Paul Van Dale, was a professional wrestler known as 'Paul Van Dale.'
She appeared on the reality TV show 'Tough Enough' in 2011 before signing with WWE.
Her ring name 'Carmella' was suggested by WWE Hall of Famer Edge.
“I'm not a princess, I'm the queen, and don't you ever forget it.”
