Sonya Deville, known professionally as Daria Berenato, has officially left WWE after nearly ten years with the organization, bringing her storied career as one of the leading figures in LGBTQ representation within professional wrestling to a surprising conclusion. Her unexpected departure was met with shock not only by fans but also by Deville herself, who detailed her emotional response during the inaugural episode of her new podcast, Daria & Toni Unwrapped.
Recently released from her contract, Deville reflected on the way the news was delivered during phone call she took at her daughter’s cheer competition. Her anticipation for potential contract negotiations quickly turned to disbelief as she realized her time with WWE was coming to an end. "I feel so positively about what I was able to accomplish there, in and out of the ring. It was ten years, a decade of my life, under the umbrella of WWE..." she shared. "I’m just excited for the next chapter. I really firmly believe everything happens for a reason, and so, with my mindset, it’s very hard for me to be upset or frustrated or angry right now because I’m like, ‘For what?’".
Deville’s departure opens the door for new opportunities and pathways. Embracing this change, she noted, "I really think Daria has always done [best] in the driver’s seat," hinting at plans to pursue acting and hosting gigs outside the ring. Her next steps are eagerly awaited, especially after booking her first film project coincidentally on the same day she received her release notice from WWE.
Kevin Undergaro, who has long been a close mentor and advocate for Deville, shared his beliefs about her potential and resilience. He described her as one of the first female MMA fighters to transition successfully to professional wrestling and held high expectations for her future: "Daria will have a stellar acting and hosting career... I see femme fatale, assassin, and police roles, crime procedurals, dramas, and even a platform of her own," he stated.
Despite the abrupt finale to her WWE Journey, Deville emphasized the importance of acceptance. She said on her podcast, "My trust in the universe allowed me to just be at peace with it instantly because you can’t fight fate. Like, this chapter was meant to close and all these beautiful blessings were meant to come." This acceptance serves as her mantra moving forward.
Her nearly-decade-long stint began with her debut on NXT against Nia Jax and saw significant evolution as she tackled various roles, from women's tag team champion to on-screen authority figures. Every step was instrumental not just for her career but also for the representation she provided to the LGBTQ community.
Deville has been open about her pride in providing visibility for LGBTQ athletes through her platform, sharing positive role modeling throughout her career. "Allowing the LGBTQ community to see their representation on TV or social media has always been something that's important to me," she remarked, highlighting the barriers she helped break down during her time with WWE.
While levying praise upon her former employer, Deville also noted the bittersweet nature of her exit. Reflecting on her time as part of the Pure Fusion Collective, she mentioned, "That was kind of the ideology behind [that character]... the system isn’t always going to be in our favor, but we have to make our own opportunities."
The uncertainty surrounding the future is rife with anticipation as Deville prepares to take on new roles beyond the ring. Undergaro expressed his unwavering support, contending, "Thanks to [Daria's] endeavors, we will see more and more do the same..." and stressing how far her influence extends beyond wrestling.
With public engagement and eager followers, Deville’s change of scenery is setting up to be anything but mundane. Many are ready to witness how this powerhouse will continue to shape narratives within and outside the wrestling world.
Sonya Deville’s departure from WWE signifies more than just the end of her wrestling chapter; it reflects her commitment to authenticity and self-direction. Fans and followers can look forward to what’s next for Deville—where she continues to cultivate her creativity, passion, and advocacy beyond the confines of the wrestling ring.