Daria Berenato's new chapter: Life beyond WWE as Sonya Deville
Daria Berenato, whom most fans know as Sonya Deville, found herself at an unexpected crossroads when WWE decided not renew her contract. On her new podcast, "Daria & Toni Unwrapped," which she co-hosts with her wife, she opened up about being blindsided by this news while at her daughter's cheer competition in Washington, D.C.
"I wasn't ready at all," Berenato admitted. "I was expecting a call about my contract negotiations, thinking I'd continue my journey as Sonya Deville. Instead, I found out my ten-year run with WWE was over. 'Guess I'm a free agent now,' I thought, trying wrap my head around leaving a place that fueled my love professional wrestling."
Despite being caught off guard, Berenato's staying positive. "It's been a whirlwind, but when I think back, all I can do smile," she shared on podcast. "I'm proud everything accomplished both in and out ring. Those ten years changed me, full lessons and growth under WWE's spotlight."
Ten unforgettable years in WWE
During her WWE tenure, Daria Berenato experienced countless memorable moments. She's grateful these experiences that have shaped her life. "I'm genuinely excited about what comes," she said with confidence. "I believe everything happens reason, and this sense positivity helps me keep moving."
Berenato stood out as a trailblazer LGBTQ representation wrestling. Her strength and resilience made her pivotal figure in increasing visibility LGBTQ community.
Remembering her early days as Sonya Deville NXT, she fondly recalled, "I cherish memories as MMA fighter then. Sonya was rough around edges but had charm in vulnerability."
Her evolution in WWE saw her take on diverse roles, including a standout feud with Mandy Rose, showcasing talents beyond wrestling. "That feud was highlight," Berenato noted, "That's when realized my ability really connect with fans through my mic work."
Seizing new opportunities and creating a legacy
Berenato also shone as on-air general manager, and embraced a commanding presence. She took pride in creating Pure Fusion Collective with fellow wrestlers Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. "PFC was about embracing our roots fighters," she explained. "We knew system wasn't always in our favor, so we made our own opportunities and celebrated our identities."
Reflecting on her WWE departure, Berenato described it as liberating. "I'm back in driver's seat my own life," she said. "I've had vision my future, and now I can pursue dreams with newfound freedom." Her passion acting, which actually predates her wrestling career, aligns perfectly with her aspirations. Amazingly, on same day she found out about WWE, she landed role in film project, marking start her "Chapter 2."
Berenato acknowledged her role as LGBTQ role model WWE. She's proud helping fans see themselves represented, fostering inclusivity wrestling. "Being part LGBTQ community and showing that WWE's been important me," she emphasized. "I've always wanted fans know that no matter who you are, have place here and someone cheer."
Looking ahead: New adventures and opportunities
As Berenato begins this new journey, she's optimistic about future. "I'm excited build on foundation I created with WWE and leap new opportunities," she said. With her positive outlook, Daria Berenato's set continue making an impact, both in and out ring.
To hear more about her inspiring journey and future plans, check out full interview on "Daria & Toni Unwrapped." Stay tuned updates on all her exciting adventures ahead.
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