WWE Carmella Husband: Inside Her Love Story With Corey Graves
Fans searching for WWE Carmella’s husband often want to know more about the man who shares his life with the charismatic WWE Superstar. Carmella—whose real name is Leah Van Dale—is known for her high-energy personality, sharp wit, and memorable WWE storylines, but her personal life is equally compelling. She is married to Corey Graves, a former WWE wrestler turned commentator whose real name is Matthew Polinsky. Their relationship has captured attention not only because they are both prominent figures in WWE, but also because their love story includes resilience, growth, and a strong commitment to family. Here is everything you need to know about Carmella and Corey Graves’s marriage, from how they met to the family they are now raising together.
Who Is Carmella?
Before exploring her relationship, it helps to understand who Carmella is outside the ring persona. Born Leah Van Dale in 1987, she grew up in a wrestling household—her father was a WWF enhancement talent in the 1990s—which helped spark her passion for sports entertainment. Before WWE, she worked as a cheerleader for the New England Patriots and a dancer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Her athletic performance background translated seamlessly into professional wrestling.
Carmella joined WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, in 2013. She quickly became known for her “Princess of Staten Island” character—a glamorous, fearless, and sometimes mischievous persona that made her stand out. She went on to become the first-ever women’s Money in the Bank winner, a SmackDown Women’s Champion, and one of the most dynamic performers in the women’s division. Though fans see her confident, flashy side on television, Carmella has also opened up about her vulnerabilities, especially regarding personal loss and her journey to motherhood.
Who Is Corey Graves?
Corey Graves, born Matthew Polinsky in 1984, is Carmella’s husband and a well-known figure in WWE broadcasting. Before becoming the voice fans hear during WWE programming, Graves was an in-ring competitor. He wrestled on the independent circuit and later signed with WWE, performing in NXT. His promising in-ring career was unfortunately cut short due to concussion-related issues.
Rather than stepping away from wrestling entirely, Graves transitioned into commentary—a move that ultimately reshaped his career. Today, he is one of WWE’s most recognizable commentators, known for his sarcastic humor, sharp analysis, and entertaining banter on shows like Raw and SmackDown. He has also hosted WWE programming, produced podcasts, and become a central figure in storytelling within the company.
Graves is also a father of three from a previous marriage, something Carmella has openly discussed as part of their blended family dynamic.
How Carmella and Corey Graves Met
Carmella and Corey Graves met through their shared work environment in WWE. As two performers traveling frequently, appearing on the same shows, and participating in overlapping storylines, they naturally formed a friendship. Over time, that friendship grew into a deeper connection.
When their relationship first became public, it generated significant online discussion. Graves had recently separated from his first wife, and rumors swirled rapidly across social media. Both Carmella and Graves addressed the situation openly, clarifying that their relationship began only after his marriage had ended. Over time, fans saw their transparency and genuine affection, and the conversation shifted from gossip to admiration.
Despite the early attention, they remained committed to building their relationship privately, focusing on honesty, communication, and mutual support.
Their Engagement and Wedding
In October 2021, Carmella and Corey Graves announced their engagement on social media. The proposal was romantic and joyful—exactly the kind of moment their fans love to see glimpses of. Carmella shared photos of her ring and expressed how excited she was to marry her best friend.
The couple married on April 7, 2022, in a beautiful ceremony that reflected their personalities: elegant, lively, and full of love. Many WWE colleagues attended the wedding, including stars from both the men’s and women’s divisions, showing just how deeply respected Carmella and Graves are within the industry.
The wedding was filled with tender details—dancing, laughter, and heartfelt speeches—and social media posts from guests highlighted the happiness of the day. For Carmella and Graves, it was the beginning of a new chapter built on partnership and shared dreams.
Their Family Life
Family plays an important role in Carmella and Graves’s lives. Graves has three children from his previous marriage, and Carmella stepped into the role of stepmother with love and openness. She has spoken warmly about her bond with Graves’s children and the joy they bring to her life.
In 2022, Carmella shared publicly that she experienced an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriages—opening up a personal, painful chapter that many women face silently. Her decision to speak about pregnancy loss resonated deeply with fans and inspired others to share their own struggles. Carmella has always emphasized the importance of vulnerability and community, even while maintaining her polished WWE persona.
In November 2023, Carmella and Corey Graves welcomed their first child together—a baby boy named Dante. Becoming parents was a dream come true for them, especially after the heartache Carmella had endured. The couple frequently expresses gratitude for their son and has shared small, sweet moments from their new life as a family of six (including Graves’s three older children). Carmella’s fans, who followed her fertility journey with compassion, celebrated the news of Dante’s birth with overwhelming support.
Their Dynamic as a WWE Couple
Being a couple in WWE is not always easy. The travel schedule is demanding, time zones are unpredictable, and public scrutiny is constant. Yet Carmella and Graves have turned these challenges into strengths. They support each other through live shows, commentary assignments, injuries, costume fittings, media appearances, and the whirlwind lifestyle of professional wrestling.
The pair also co-hosted a podcast called Bare With Us, where they discussed love, communication, and marriage in a candid, relatable way. Their honesty about arguments, therapy, and growing together helped fans see them not as celebrities, but as a real couple navigating life’s complexities.
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