Carmella Says WWE Exit Left Her “Hurt” After 12-Year Run

Carmella is opening up about her WWE departure, revealing that the end of her 12-year run left her feeling “hurt” and “upset.”

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, the former SmackDown Women’s Champion shared how she felt overlooked despite her role in historic matches like the first Women’s Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank.

“I was upset. I really was upset and I was hurt by how it went down because I feel like I was always a company girl. I did what was asked of me,” Carmella said. “I was with the company for 12 years and I always did what was asked of me.”

Carmella admitted the way her WWE tenure ended still bothers her. “I felt hurt that it happened the way it did because it’s not like I was just some chick who stepped in for a couple years and did a couple things and then left. I really was there for a while,” she explained.

Despite the frustration, Carmella is ready to move forward. “I feel like I was under that umbrella for so long that I’m so excited to explore and see what else is out there,” she added.

Reflecting on her time in WWE, Carmella believes her efforts will eventually be acknowledged. “I think over time it will hit me and I think it will also hit the fans in the WWE Universe, my contribution to this business and to know what I gave to this company and the things that I did,” she said.

Carmella’s WWE exit in early 2025 came as a shock to many. Despite her long tenure and involvement in key moments like the Women’s Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank, her contract was not renewed. The decision marked the end of her 12-year run with the company, closing a chapter that saw her rise from a valet in NXT to a former SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.