Sonya Deville WWE Release: Wrestling Retirement Temporary? MMA Comeback & Future Plans Explored

Former WWE Superstar Sonya Deville has opened up about her abrupt departure from the company after a decade-long career, sparking speculation about her future in combat sports. The 31-year-old shockingly described her release as feeling like “retirement,” though she hints this may only be temporary.

Deville confirmed exploring opportunities beyond wrestling, including a potential MMA comeback leveraging her pre-WWE fighting experience. With cryptic social media posts and training sessions alongside AEW talent, fans are left wondering if she’ll follow the path of other WWE exits into All Elite Wrestling or pursue Hollywood ambitions.

Sonya Deville Breaks Silence on WWE Release: Loyalty, Shock, and Future Possibilities

Former WWE superstar Sonya Deville has finally addressed her unexpected departure from WWE after a decade-long tenure. The 31-year-old wrestler revealed she was “so loyal to WWE that retirement felt like the only option” after her contract wasn’t renewed. This statement highlights the emotional toll of her release, which came as a shock to both Deville and the wrestling community.

Deville’s WWE journey began in 2015 when she appeared on WWE’s Tough Enough competition. Over the years, she evolved from a reality TV contestant to a formidable in-ring competitor and later a WWE official. Her release in February 2025 marked one of the most surprising roster cuts in recent memory, considering her consistent television presence and backstage role as Adam Pearce’s assistant.

• Debuted in WWE through Tough Enough in 2015
• Formed successful tag team faction with Mandy Rose
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion
• Played authority figure role on SmackDown

Mr. Owl: “This situation reminds me of Cesaro’s 2021 release. Both were workhorses who believed their longevity guaranteed job security. In today’s WWE, no one is truly safe except the top merchandise sellers.”

The Emotional Weight of Departure

Speaking candidly about her departure, Deville described wrestling as feeling like an “open wound” since her release. This raw admission reveals the depth of her connection to the industry and suggests her retirement declaration might be more emotional than permanent.

The circumstances surrounding her WWE exit remain unclear. While WWE typically releases performers who aren’t being utilized creatively, Deville was regularly featured on television and had ongoing storylines. Some industry analysts speculate budget cuts may have played a role, while others suggest creative differences might be at play.

MMA Comeback Rumors: Can Deville Return to Combat Sports After 8 Years?

Before joining WWE, Daria Berenato (Deville’s real name) competed in MMA with a 2-1 professional record. Her inclusion on UFC’s reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” showcased her striking abilities. Now, at 31 years old, speculation mounts about a potential return to the cage.

However, significant challenges exist for an MMA comeback:

Mr. Owl: “Comparing Deville to Ronda Rousey’s transition isn’t fair. Rousey was an Olympic medalist and UFC champion. Deville would face an uphill battle proving she’s more than a novelty act in today’s MMA landscape.”

Potential MMA Paths

If Deville pursues MMA seriously, several promotions could offer opportunities:

• PFL: Their season format provides structured competition
• Bellator: Known for signing crossover athletes
• Invicta FC: Where she last competed in 2015
• WWE-affiliated promotions: Potential for special attraction matches

AEW Bound? Analyzing Deville’s Cryptic Social Media Teasers

Since her WWE release, Deville has been spotted training with AEW’s Toni Storm and posted an Instagram caption saying “doors open elsewhere.” These clues have wrestling fans speculating about an All Elite Wrestling debut.

The timing could be ideal for AEW’s women’s division, which has faced criticism for inconsistent booking. Deville’s hybrid MMA-wrestling style would provide a credible threat to current champion Toni Storm, potentially revitalizing interest in the division.

• Could reform tag team with former partner Chelsea Green (currently in WWE)
• Potential feuds with Thunder Rosa or Jamie Hayter
• Could bring authority figure persona to Collision

Mr. Owl: “While AEW needs credible female heels, Tony Khan tends to prioritize former WWE main eventers over mid-card talent. Unless Deville accepts a modest contract, this might not happen.”

The Competition Factor

AEW’s roster has become increasingly crowded with WWE releases. For Deville to stand out, she would need to:

1. Develop a distinctive character beyond WWE constraints
2. Showcase improved in-ring abilities
3. Connect with AEW’s more adult-oriented audience

“Retired For Now”: Examining Deville’s Wrestling Future

Deville’s description of her wrestling status as “retired for now” follows a pattern seen throughout wrestling history. Many performers announce retirements only to return when circumstances change or emotional wounds heal.

The phrase carries specific implications in wrestling lingo:

Mr. Owl: “In wrestling, retirement announcements are about as permanent as a mid-card title reign. Unless there’s physical inability, most ‘retirements’ last until the right offer arrives or creative juices return.”

Historical Precedents

Several WWE stars have taken similar paths:

• Mickie James: Left WWE in 2010, returned in 2016 after TNA run
• Drew McIntyre: Released in 2014, rebuilt career outside WWE
• Gail Kim: Retired from WWE only to thrive in TNA

Alternative Paths: Acting, Business Ventures, and Life Beyond Wrestling

Unlike many wrestlers tied solely to the industry, Deville has multiple career avenues:

1. Acting: Previous experience on reality TV and model
2. Podcasting: Could join the growing wrestling podcast market
3. MMA coaching: Combine WWE performance with real fighting
4. Entrepreneurship: Build on her “Deville’s Den” brand

The most realistic Hollywood path might mirror Zelina Vega’s voice acting work rather than The Rock’s blockbuster success. Streaming platforms hungry for action content could utilize her combat sports background in stunt-heavy roles.

Mr. Owl: “The Bautista blueprint requires patience. Even Batista needed years of smaller roles before Guardians of the Galaxy. Deville would be wise to start with WWE Studios projects if available.”

Health Considerations

Deville’s 2023 ACL tear remains a career wildcard:

• Affects mobility needed for MMA
• Could limit demanding wrestling schedules
• Requires careful management in any physical role

However, modern sports medicine has allowed many athletes to return stronger from ACL injuries. Edge’s WWE return after neck injuries shows what’s possible with proper rehabilitation and adapted styles.