Carmella unsure about a full-time return to WWE after IDIOT podcast appearance

In a recent conversation with Laura Clery on IDIOT, former WWE World Champion Carmella said she was unsure about returning to the Stamford-based promotion on a full-time basis, citing reluctance to travel while her children are still young. She remained open to the possibility of a future comeback but indicated it might not happen soon or as a full-time commitment.

Earlier in September Carmella told listeners on her Hot Mom Shit podcast that she was retired, saying, “…I’m retired now...I was a professional wrestler. I can’t wrestle anymore. I’m a mom. I have kids. I’m retired.,” a statement that spread widely online. She later addressed the reaction on social media, tweeting: “lol idk where this is all coming from. I’ve been retired since I got pregnant with Dimitri. Doesn’t mean I can’t come out of retirement though….👀”

Carmella stepped away from WWE in 2023 to have her first child with her husband, WWE color commentator Corey Graves, and reported developing foot drop as a result of that pregnancy. The couple subsequently welcomed their second baby in October 2025.

Her last in-ring appearance took place at a live event on March 12, 2023 in a 10-woman tag team match, in which she teamed with Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) and Piper Niven against Asuka, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae and Nikki Cross. Her final televised outing occurred on the March 6, 2023 edition of Raw, where she lost to Bianca Belair.

Discussing her future on IDIOT, Carmella said: “I’m just not sure what the next step is for me, but I know I would regret being on the road and traveling while they are this young. That’s not to say that I would never go back to WWE, but I just don’t know if it would be any time in the near future or in a full-time capacity because I can’t imagine being away from my kids for that long,” indicating family considerations will guide her decisions.

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