Leah Van Dale, known to millions as WWE Superstar Carmella, has navigated a public romantic journey alongside her rise to fame. Her relationships, often under the glare of reality television and wrestling spotlights, have evolved from an early, long-term partnership with a fellow wrestler to a blossoming marriage and growing family with a WWE colleague. Carmella's romantic history reflects the unique challenges and joys of finding love in the demanding world of professional wrestling.
Carmella's first significant public relationship was with fellow WWE talent William Morrissey, better known as Big Cass. Their romance began during their time in WWE's developmental system, NXT, around 2013 or 2014. The couple's relationship was initially kept private but later became a focal point on the E! reality series Total Divas, offering fans a glimpse into their lives outside the ring.
As their careers progressed, the couple faced the challenges of being on different WWE brands, with Carmella on SmackDown and Cass on Raw. This separation, coupled with Cass's significant knee injury in mid-2017, put a strain on their relationship. Reports indicated that Cass's injury led to negativity, and Carmella expressed concerns about his reluctance to commit to marriage, despite them having purchased a house together.
The relationship ultimately came to an end, with Carmella confirming their breakup in January 2018 on Total Divas. She had previously removed all traces of Cass from her social media, signaling the split. The public nature of their relationship's demise highlighted the difficulties of maintaining personal connections under constant scrutiny.
Following her split from Big Cass, Carmella found love again with WWE commentator Corey Graves, whose real name is Matthew Polinsky. Their relationship became public in early 2019, though it was initially met with controversy. Graves' ex-wife publicly accused Carmella of being involved in the breakdown of their marriage. However, Graves later clarified that he had been separated from his ex-wife for months before his relationship with Carmella began.
Despite the initial public backlash, Carmella and Corey Graves' relationship blossomed. They openly shared their journey on Total Divas and later launched their own YouTube reality series, "Corey & Carmella," providing an intimate look into their lives. Their bond grew stronger, and Graves proposed to Carmella on her birthday in October 2021.
The couple married in a beautiful ceremony on April 8, 2022. Their wedding was attended by many of their WWE colleagues and friends, marking a significant milestone in their public romance. Carmella also embraced her role as a stepmother to Graves' three children from his previous marriage, often sharing heartwarming moments with them on social media.
Carmella and Graves faced further personal challenges when trying to start their own family. Carmella bravely shared her experiences with an ectopic pregnancy and an early miscarriage in 2022, offering a vulnerable look into their struggles. Their resilience was evident as they continued to pursue their dream of having a child together.
Their perseverance paid off, and on May 1, 2023, Carmella and Corey Graves joyfully announced they were expecting their first child. Their son, Dimitri Paul Polinsky, was born on November 8, 2023. The arrival of Dimitri marked a new, cherished chapter for the couple, who had openly shared their difficult journey to parenthood.
In April 2025, the couple shared more exciting news, announcing they were expecting their second child, another boy, due in Fall 2025. Carmella's romantic history, from navigating a long-distance relationship with Big Cass to building a blended family and overcoming fertility struggles with Corey Graves, showcases her journey of love, resilience, and personal growth in the public eye. Her story continues to unfold, demonstrating the balance between a demanding career and a fulfilling personal life.