WWE Star Carmella Announced Retirement
The professional wrestler confirmed she is stepping away from the ring to focus on her young family.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Wrestling
Live Poll
Would you choose to leave your career early to spend more time with your young children?
Former WWE wrestler Carmella has announced her retirement from professional wrestling. She has been out of action since 2023 following a difficult pregnancy and the birth of her second child in 2025.
Why it matters
Carmella is prioritizing time at home with her children over the demanding travel schedule required for a full-time wrestling career. While she has ruled out a full-time return, she remains open to potential future appearances in the ring.
Carmella last competed in a 10-woman tag team match, which marked her final in-ring appearance before her hiatus.
The players
Carmella
She is a professional wrestler who performed for WWE and is known for her multiple championship reigns.
Corey Graves
He is a former professional wrestler and a long-time commentator for WWE programming.
WWE
It is a global entertainment company headquartered in Stamford that produces professional wrestling events.
The details
Carmella experienced a medical complication known as foot drop following her first pregnancy, which contributed to her extended absence. She confirmed her transition away from the sport through her Hot Mom Shit podcast and a conversation on the IDIOT podcast.
Timeline
March 6, 2023: Carmella made her final televised appearance on Raw.
March 12, 2023: She participated in her final in-ring match.
October 2025: Carmella and Corey Graves welcomed their second child.
September 1, 2026: A public retirement clarification was posted on social media.
Season Trajectory
This decision marks the end of a notable era for the women's division, as another veteran star formalizes her departure from the full-time roster. It further shifts the focus of the current WWE landscape toward newer talent and ongoing developmental storylines.
Fans should not expect to see Carmella in upcoming weekly programming or major event rosters. Her transition to retirement removes her from the active talent pool and current championship contention.
The takeaway
Retiring from a demanding physical career requires significant life adjustments for athletes balancing family health and professional commitments. Many performers now choose to step away permanently rather than risking health complications to maintain full-time schedules.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the industry, visit our Wrestling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Khel Now.
Live Poll
Would you choose to leave your career early to spend more time with your young children?
