Trading Secrets Episode 217 Summary: Daria Berenato – WWE Superstar Sonya Deville's Journey

Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Audioboom Studios, Jason Tartick

Introduction

In Episode 217 of Trading Secrets, hosted by Jason Tartick, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation with Daria Berenato, better known as Sonya Deville, a prominent WWE Superstar. Deville shares her unique journey from the demanding world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to the high-energy entertainment sphere of professional wrestling. The episode delves into the financial intricacies of both industries, the art of branding within WWE, and Deville's ventures outside the ring, including real estate.

From MMA to WWE: Building a Dual Career

00:12 – 07:55

Daria Baronado begins by outlining her early involvement in MMA, starting training at the age of 16. Her relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport with modest early financial rewards led her to explore other avenues. She recounts how exposure to female fighters like Gina Carano and Chris Cyborg inspired her to envision a career that melded athletic prowess with entertainment.

• Notable Quote:
  "I was always a hustler and I always was very career driven and, you know, passion driven."
  (07:55)

Deville emphasizes the challenges of making a living in MMA, noting that most fighters supplement their income with other jobs until they achieve significant success.

Financial Realities: MMA vs. WWE

08:25 – 30:03

The discussion transitions to the financial disparities between MMA and WWE. Deville highlights that while top MMA fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor earn substantial incomes, the majority struggle with low pay-per-view shares, often earning as little as $400 for initial fights. In contrast, WWE offers a more stable financial pathway through contracts and performer salaries.

• Notable Quote:
  "No, you're broke until you make it."
  (08:25)

Deville explains her strategic move from bartending and hosting to joining WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, ultimately leading to her main roster debut on Monday Night Raw. She discusses the financial stability that WWE contracts provided her, marking a significant improvement from her MMA earnings.

Navigating WWE’s Tough Enough: The Casting Process

30:03 – 35:04

Deville shares her experience auditioning for WWE’s Tough Enough, where out of 11,000 applicants, she was one of 13 selected. She describes the rigorous physical and promotional tryouts, highlighting the importance of authenticity and passion.

• Notable Quote:
  "I was just so obliviously organic. I was just me."
  (18:10)

Her genuine personality and dedication set her apart, leading WWE executives to see her potential despite her non-traditional background for a wrestler.

From NXT to the Main Roster: Rapid Advancement

35:04 – 36:33

Deville discusses her swift progression within WWE, moving from NXT to the main roster in just over two years. She attributes this advancement to WWE's focus on legitimizing the women's division and her ability to blend her fighting background with wrestling’s entertainment demands.

• Notable Quote:
  "They are trying to legitimize the women's division and bring in more athletes and more legit fighters."
  (30:35)

She elaborates on the contractual aspects, noting that shifting to the main roster brought a substantial pay bump and greater visibility within the company.

Branding and Monetization Beyond WWE

36:33 – 43:32

Sonya Deville emphasizes the importance of personal branding and diversifying income streams. Beyond her WWE salary, she invests in real estate, including property flips and short-term rentals, ensuring long-term financial stability. Deville also engages in brand partnerships and commercial deals facilitated by WWE’s extensive network.

• Notable Quote:
  "I like real estate because I can control it and it's something that, you know, just over time will help me out."
  (42:12)

Her ventures outside of wrestling demonstrate a strategic approach to financial growth, leveraging her WWE fame to secure lucrative investment opportunities.

Overcoming Adversities: Dealing with a Stalker

43:32 – 48:31

The conversation takes a sobering turn as Deville recounts her harrowing experience with a stalker who attempted to kidnap her. She discusses the psychological toll and the challenges of maintaining privacy in the public eye. Despite the trauma, Deville maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing resilience and gratitude for her safety.

• Notable Quote:
  "You never think you're gonna be in a situation like that. It's still weird to me."
  (44:44)

She advocates for better laws and regulations to protect public figures from persistent stalkers, highlighting the need for systemic improvements in handling such threats.

Rapid-Fire Round: Personal Insights

48:31 – 52:31

In a lighthearted rapid-fire segment, Deville shares her favorite WWE personalities and personal preferences within the industry:

• Most Entertaining Wrestler: Asuka
• Toughest Wrestler: Shayna Baszler
• Funniest Wrestler: Chelsea Green
• Preferred Wrestling Character to Date: None – "We're all crazy."

These responses provide a glimpse into her camaraderie and personal tastes within the WWE community.

Trading Secret: Embrace Your Authentic Self

52:31 – 51:15

Deville’s trading secret centers on authenticity: "Always be you. Because everyone else has already taken." She elaborates on the importance of staying true to one’s identity, especially in industries that often pressure individuals to conform. Her mantra underscores the value of individual uniqueness in achieving long-term success and personal fulfillment.

• Notable Quote:
  "You can't waste any time trying to fit in a box you're not going to fit in."
  (51:15)

Conclusion and Where to Find Sonya Deville

Deville wraps up the episode by sharing her social media handles and encouraging listeners to follow her journey on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. She remains committed to her WWE career while continuing to build her entrepreneurial ventures.

• Call to Action:
  "You can find me on Instagram @sonyaDeville WWE. Same on Twitter, same on TikTok and yeah. And every Monday on Monday Night Raw."
  (52:31)

Final Thoughts

Episode 217 of Trading Secrets offers a comprehensive look into Sonya Deville's multifaceted career, highlighting the interplay between athleticism, entertainment, and business acumen. Deville's candid reflections on financial management, career transitions, and personal challenges provide valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of professional sports and entertainment industries.