Who is Sonya Deville?
Sonya Deville is a professional wrestler, former MMA fighter, and television personality known for her work in WWE. With a background in combat sports, she has made a name for herself through her striking-heavy wrestling style and commanding presence in the ring. She gained recognition as WWE’s first openly lesbian female wrestler, breaking barriers and advocating for inclusivity in sports entertainment. Over the years, she has evolved from a fierce competitor to an authoritative on-screen presence, continuously making an impact in the wrestling industry.
Sonya Deville, born Daria Rae Berenato, is an American professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, and television personality. She is best known for her work with WWE, where she has made a name for herself with her intense in-ring style, charismatic presence, and trailblazing role as WWE’s first openly lesbian female wrestler. Over the years, Deville has evolved from a tough competitor into a prominent authority figure and a fan-favorite performer.
Early Life and Education
Sonya Deville, born Daria Rae Berenato on September 24, 1993, in Shamong Township, New Jersey, grew up with a passion for sports and combat training. From an early age, she was drawn to physical activities, particularly martial arts, which set the foundation for her future career. She attended Seneca High School, where she actively participated in various sports, including soccer and wrestling. Her involvement in wrestling during high school ignited a deep interest in combat sports, leading her to pursue mixed martial arts (MMA). She trained extensively in MMA, developing her skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and grappling, which later became integral to her wrestling persona.
After high school, Deville continued her training in combat sports, focusing on MMA while also exploring opportunities in entertainment and professional wrestling. Her dedication to physical fitness and combat sports played a crucial role in shaping her career path in WWE.
Personal Life
Sonya Deville is openly a part of the LGBTQ+ community and has been a strong advocate for representation and equality in professional wrestling and beyond. She came out as a lesbian during her time on WWE’s reality show, Tough Enough, in 2015, making history as the first openly gay female wrestler in WWE. Since then, she has used her platform to promote inclusivity and support LGBTQ+ rights.
She has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including working with organizations that focus on LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-bullying campaigns, and mental health awareness. Her courage and openness have earned her recognition as an influential figure in the wrestling world and among the LGBTQ+ community.
Aside from wrestling, Deville has a keen interest in fitness, fashion, and acting. She has explored opportunities in media and television, further establishing herself as a multi-talented personality. She frequently shares glimpses of her life, workouts, and personal moments on social media, where she has a large following of fans who admire her authenticity and strength.
Family
Sonya Deville was raised in a supportive family environment that encouraged her athletic and competitive spirit. While she keeps much of her family life private, she has often expressed gratitude for the support she has received from her loved ones throughout her career. Her journey in professional wrestling and MMA was fueled by the encouragement of her family, who played an essential role in shaping her ambitions.
Despite facing challenges as an LGBTQ+ individual in a male-dominated industry, Deville has consistently credited her family and close friends for standing by her side. She occasionally shares moments with her family on social media, giving fans a glimpse into her personal life away from the wrestling ring.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daria Rae Berenato |
| Ring Name | Sonya Deville |
| Date of Birth | September 24, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Shamong Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Wrestler, MMA fighter, Actress |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3 million |
Career
Tough Enough and WWE Debut (2015-2017)
Sonya Deville’s journey to WWE began in 2015 when she participated in the sixth season of WWE Tough Enough, a reality competition series designed to discover new wrestling talent. Her combat sports background set her apart, and despite being eliminated in the competition, she impressed WWE officials with her athleticism and charisma.
Following Tough Enough, she signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to their training facility, the WWE Performance Center. She debuted in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, under the ring name Sonya Deville, where she showcased her MMA-inspired wrestling style, blending striking techniques and submission holds.
Main Roster Call-Up and Absolution (2017-2019)
In November 2017, Sonya Deville made her main roster debut on Monday Night Raw as part of the faction Absolution, alongside Paige and Mandy Rose. The trio made an immediate impact, attacking various WWE Superstars and establishing themselves as a dominant force in the women’s division.
After Paige’s retirement due to injury, Deville and Rose continued to team up, forming Fire & Desire. The duo competed in various high-profile matches and feuds, gaining recognition for their in-ring skills and on-screen chemistry.
Solo Career and Feud with Mandy Rose (2020-2021)
In 2020, Sonya Deville embarked on a solo career after splitting from Mandy Rose. The storyline between the two former allies turned into a heated rivalry, culminating in a Loser Leaves WWE match at SummerSlam 2020, which Deville lost. This led to her temporary departure from WWE television.
However, Deville returned in early 2021 in a new role as a WWE official, working alongside Adam Pearce to oversee matches and make executive decisions. Her new authority figure role added depth to her character, showcasing her versatility beyond in-ring competition.
Return to In-Ring Competition and Recent Feuds (2022-Present)
After spending time as an on-screen WWE official, Sonya Deville returned to active competition in 2022, engaging in feuds with top WWE Superstars such as Naomi, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey. Her aggressive in-ring style and character evolution continued to make her a compelling figure in WWE’s women’s division.
In 2023, Deville won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Chelsea Green, marking a significant milestone in her career. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined her, but she remained active in WWE storylines and media appearances.
Other Media Appearances and Business Ventures
Beyond WWE, Sonya Deville has appeared in various television shows and interviews, furthering her presence in the entertainment industry. She has been featured in reality TV, talk shows, and promotional events, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and discussing her journey in professional wrestling.
Deville has also explored entrepreneurial ventures, including fitness and lifestyle brands, capitalizing on her influence as a public figure. Her dedication to fitness and advocacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.
📌 Recent Matches of Sonya Deville (2024-2025)
| Date | Event | Opponent(s) | Match Type | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2025 | WWE Raw | Liv Morgan | Singles Match | Won |
| Dec 15, 2024 | WWE SmackDown | Bianca Belair | Singles Match | Lost |
| Nov 20, 2024 | Survivor Series | Team SmackDown vs. Team Raw | 5-on-5 Elimination | Lost |
| Oct 10, 2024 | WWE Raw | Shotzi Blackheart | Singles Match | Won |
| Sep 30, 2024 | WWE Payback | Chelsea Green (Tag Partner) vs. The Kabuki Warriors | WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship | Lost |
🔥 Popular & Legendary Matches of Sonya Deville
| Date | Event | Opponent(s) | Match Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23, 2020 | SummerSlam | Mandy Rose | No Disqualification, Loser Leaves WWE | Lost (Left WWE for a while) |
| Apr 15, 2019 | WWE SmackDown | Asuka & Kairi Sane | Tag Team Match with Mandy Rose | Lost |
| Nov 18, 2018 | Survivor Series | Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown | 5-on-5 Women’s Elimination Match | Eliminated by Sasha Banks |
| Oct 28, 2018 | Evolution | Women’s Battle Royal | Battle Royal | Lost |
| Dec 19, 2017 | WWE Raw | Sasha Banks | Singles Match | Won |
Latest News (2025)
As of 2025, Sonya Deville is making headlines following her anticipated return to WWE television after recovering from an injury. Fans have been eagerly awaiting her comeback, with speculation swirling about her potential role in the upcoming WrestleMania season. Reports suggest that WWE is planning a major storyline for her, possibly reuniting her with former tag team partners or positioning her in a championship feud.
Physical Appearance and Height
Sonya Deville has a striking and athletic physique, which is essential for her career in wrestling and MMA. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) and weighing around 130 lbs (59 kg), she possesses a well-toned, muscular build. Her signature look includes short, dark hair, often styled slicked-back, and a no-nonsense, intimidating aura that complements her tough persona in WWE.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
| Instagram Profile | |
| Twitter/X | Twitter Profile |
| Facebook Profile |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Sonya Deville’s estimated net worth is $3 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her WWE salary, endorsements, and other ventures such as television appearances and business endeavors. Deville has also expanded her brand outside of wrestling, investing in various projects, including her successful partnership in a restaurant business. With her continued rise in popularity, her net worth is expected to grow in the coming years.
People Also Ask
Who is Sonya Deville’s wife?
Sonya Deville is married to Toni Cassano. The couple got engaged in February 2023 and later tied the knot in 2024. Toni Cassano is a fitness model and social media personality.
Why is Sonya Deville not wrestling anymore?
Sonya Deville is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury. She suffered the injury in July 2023 during a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match. As a result, she had to undergo surgery and has been in recovery since then. There is no official timeline for her return to in-ring competition.
Did WWE release Sonya Deville?
No, WWE has not released Sonya Deville. She is still under contract with the company but has been inactive due to her injury. While recovering, she has remained involved in WWE through appearances and backstage roles.
Are Sonya Deville and Ariana still together?
No, Sonya Deville and Ariana Johnson are no longer together. Sonya is now married to Toni Cassano. She and Ariana had been in a relationship previously, but they parted ways before her engagement to Toni in 2023.
