Paving the way for a more diverse and accepting WWE community, Daria Berenato (also known as Sonya Deville), is the first openly-lesbian wrestler in WWE history, who returns to the screen this Fall on FOX’s WWE “SmackDown Live.” Daria championed the first ever WWE Pride Month initiative and led her own “Sonya Deville” parade float at the Ft. Lauderdale 2019 Pride Parade earlier this year. Following in the footsteps of her WWE male counterparts Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, Daria is also an actress who has her eyes set on international stardom, a real life Wonder Woman.
An exceptional female wrestler, Daria Berenato talks to Women Fitness about fitness, her future fashion line, and supporting LGBT initiatives.
Namita Nayyar:
You are the first openly-lesbian Superstar in WWE history and currently appear on SmackDown Live. What motivated you towards the world of wrestling? Also do share what motivated you to adopt the ring name Sonya Deville.
Daria Berenato:
When I was 16 years old, I wanted a change of pace from the high school sports I played (lacrosse, basketball, soccer) I was a bit of an extremist and I always wanted to do larger than life things, so I found MMA. From there, the next 6 years I moved from NJ to South Florida, NYC, and eventually to LA where I was training full time and fighting, I was also hosting a UFC after show at Afterbuzz TV studios where I met Maria Menounos and her husband Keven. After coming to see one of my last MMA fights they asked me if I ever considered WWE, not knowing much about wrestling I did my research and became intrigued. A few months later was the “Tough Enough” tryout and that’s where it all began, I fell in love with WWE.
Sonya Deville was originally supposed to be NJ Deville to help me keep my MMA nick name of “The Jersey Devil” after debating back and forth we agreed on Sonya Deville. I love having the Deville in there cause it still reminds me of my days fighting as the Jersey Devil.
Namita Nayyar:
You championed WWE’s Pride Month initiative and led your own “Sonya Deville” parade float at the Ft. Lauderdale 2019 Pride Parade earlier this year. How do you feel about breaking stereotypes by these endeavors?
Daria Berenato:
When I first came out it was in 2015 on WWE reality show “Tough Enough” premiere episode, it was completely unintentional and I was scared to be honest. I didn’t understand my sexuality fully at that time, I didn’t understand how to express myself, at that point I don’t even think I said “I’m gay” out loud …ever. That being said there was something about saying it publicly that almost made me own it, it was like “Well now it’s out there I can’t hide anymore”. Ironically it ended up being the most therapeutic and reevaluating experiences in my life. I now have a whole new passion, which is spreading the message that I needed in 2015, its okay to be who you are. Whoever that may be.
Namita Nayyar:
What are your plans on entering the movie scene?
Daria Berenato:
Acting has been a passion of mine since I was young, I took acting classes through most of high school and years following while training MMA. I am currently studying via skype with an acting coach Sean Whalen out of LA, to not only prepare for a future of TV and film, but also to deepen and enhance my in ring character in the WWE. Acting is my love.
Namita Nayyar:
What according to you is a good warm-up & why is it so important before a workout session? 5 Key stretches before entering the ring?
Daria Berenato:
Warming the body up before any kind of physical activity whether it be lifting or wrestling is so so so so vital. I remember one match I didn’t have too much time prior to warm my body up and I rolled my ankle in the very start of the match. So needless to say I am now extremely conscious of making sure I do so now. I am a firm believer in keeping the warm up active and saving the static stretching for after the training session or match.
5 pre-match warm ups:
- High knees
- Push ups
- Butt kicks
- Arm circles bend and bows
Full interview is continued on next page
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2019 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Before starting resistance training, what are the key points to keep in mind? Ideal strength workout for a beginner looking for weight loss?
Daria Berenato:
Before any resistance training workout I do, (which is typically 6 days a week) I will warm up with some cardio/or dynamic stretching. I also am one of those people who believes although cardio is so important, I actually prefer strength training not only for aesthetic reasons but I also feel you can burn more calories that way as well. I typically use cardio as my warm up to the workout. I feel that the more I warm up my body and break a sweat prior to the resistance training the heavier and more efficiently I am able to lift.
In terms of ideal strength workouts for beginners, any step into fitness is great but some of my favorites are as followed.
- Single leg elevated DB squats (this exercise really makes your concentrate on your balance and also really isolates more of the glute and hamstring in the workout) -Reverse grip lateral pull downs, (I love these because on back day I love to hit my biceps as well and this exercise really does both!).
- Seated alternating shoulder press
- Weighted GHD (such a good glute, hamstring burn) -Kettle bell swings into a goblet squat
Namita Nayyar:
What does your first meal of the day look like? 5 foods to kick start the day?
Daria Berenato:
I am currently doing intermittent fasting so I will typically eat my first meal around 2pm. One of my go to meals on the road is a piece of whole grain/whole wheat toast, with avocado, two over easy eggs on top, and some Siracha! You’re welcome!
Namita Nayyar:
Do you advocate opting for cheat meals once a week? Cheat meals that you can’t resist?
Daria Berenato:
I do not believe in depriving yourself, I think super strict deprivation causes more cravings and issues down the line. So when I want a slice of pizza or a donut I have one. Well my tag team partner and best friend Mandy Rose and I host a weekly YouTube series called “Damandyz Donutz” which features our travels around the globe finding the best glazed donuts… I am also a Jersey girl so I can’t resist a good ravioli or an awesome pizza!
Namita Nayyar:
Three components that are key essentials in a wrestler’s fitness regime?
Daria Berenato:
I would say hydration, stretching pre and post-match, and learning how to sleep on planes!
Namita Nayyar:
You have a big fan following, what do you think motivates people to follow you?
Daria Berenato:
Honestly I’m not sure, I try to always keep it real and not take myself too seriously, I mean for God’s sake I host a donut show! Lol
Namita Nayyar:
Your favourite activewear brands are?
Daria Berenato:
Lululemon by far – my favourite workout pants!
Namita Nayyar:
Define Women Fitness for our viewers.
Daria Berenato:
Fitness at the end of the day is about consistency and persistence, I have always believed consistency is key. I have noticed over the years that almost every other factor in my life can waiver or change the one consistent thing in each of my weeks is my workouts. It helps me feeling normal and balanced even when everything else may be chaos at the moment!
Namita Nayyar:
Do you follow any skincare and hair care routine, after a sweaty workout? 5 skin care rituals.
Daria Berenato:
YES! I have been a victim of adult acne so I am obsessive about my skin care routine now. I wake up and wash my face with SkinCeuticals foaming face wash, then I use Origins Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer. Then before I fly, I use SkinCeuticals B5 Gel to hydrate. Before bed I will use the ZO dual action scrub, followed by SkinCeuticals Complexion Renewal Pads, and my Origins Moisturizer again. Keeping your skin clean and hydrated is so important, this routine took me years to develop and find what works for me!
Namita Nayyar:
After a long hard-working day, what do you look forward to? Stress-busting tips?
Daria Berenato:
My glass of red wine, and binge-watching my current favourite Netflix series, “Lucifer!”
Namita Nayyar:
You have an incredible social media following on your account @sonyadevillewwe. What is the best and worst part about it?
Daria Berenato:
Best part is I have a message and I am blessed to be able to share it with so many people and help them through the struggles I have faced. Negative would be the backlash of being so open, although I receive some hate for my sexuality and expressing it, the overwhelming love for sure trumps that.
Namita Nayyar:
5 things we’ll always find in your gym bag?
Daria Berenato:
- My USN Cookies and Cream protein!!!!!
- GNC Birthday Cake protein bars
- Pumpkin Spice Bath and Body Works body spray
- Almond butter packets
- Extra hair ties
Namita Nayyar:
We hear you’re working on a future fashion line, can you tell us more about it?
Daria Berenato:
Over the last three years or so I have really come into my own in terms of my personal style and I really have just started feeling fully confident in my clothes. I would say my style is tomboy, alternative, punk chic. I am really passionate about developing a line that falls under the category of women who need to wear business casual to work every day, but don’t love high heels or dresses. I would also love to create a super cool casual vibe that is streetwear with flare.
Namita Nayyar:
You have created a brand for yourself. Give us 3 tips to become a successful name in the wrestling empire.
Daria Berenato:
Be consistent, believe in yourself when no one else does, and brand yourself!
Namita Nayyar:
Minus wrestling in your life, what would you be doing?
Daria Berenato:
Probably acting, and fighting MMA.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for your 674K followers on Instagram?
Daria Berenato:
I love you all and I hope I can continue to inspire and encourage you all to live your whole truth!
Follow Daria’s journey on:
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2019 Women Fitness