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WWE Superstar Daria Berenato Doesnt Want to Be Known as the Gay One

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Just a quick glimpse at warriors Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg is all Daria Berenato needed to know what she wanted to do with her life. With the support and encouragement from her mother, the aspiring professional fighter went from school to the gym and back, falling more in love with the sport’s “intensity and passion” every single day.

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“I knew this was what I wanted to do for work,” said Berenato. “I trained all over the country, moving from New Jersey to South Florida to New York City, eventually [landing in] LA where I pursued acting and fighting full time. After meeting my soon-to-be mentors Maria Menounos and her husband Keven Undergaro while working for them at AfterBuzz TV studios in the valley, they mentioned that I would be perfect for WWE. Having not ever really watched wrestling, I began studying up and learning about the world of sports entertainment. I soon realized that this is what I’d been meant to do my entire life.”

Despite having plenty of confidence in her abilities, Berenato was still hesitant to be her true self in such an aggressive, male-dominated sport. Thankfully, her nerves were put at ease after publicly speaking about her sexuality and representation as a lesbian.

“I remember being asked on the premiere special of the ‘Tough Enough’ reality show if I was in a relationship,” she said. “I remember being genuinely nervous to answer, unsure if that would affect my chances of being hired in any way. Obviously, it didn't and the company has been nothing but warm and accepting of me since day one. Now, being able to not only work here and do what I love, but to represent and be a voice for those who may not have one at the moment, is a super special part of my job.”

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A post shared by Daria Berenato (@sonyadevillewwe) on Jun 13, 2019 at 7:27am PDT

From mixed martial arts to wrestling, AskMen spoke with the first openly-lesbian WWE Superstar in WWE history about LGBTQ+ representation in her industry, feeling empowered outside the ring and some career highlights.

Are there any wrestlers, past or present, that you really draw from when stepping into the ring?

I try to channel from within myself. I don’t want to be anyone else. I don’t want to replicate anything that’s already been done. I want to continue to pioneer and pave a path of my own.

As the first openly-lesbian WWE Superstar in WWE history, what are you hoping to see in terms of representation and equality for the LGBTQ community, specifically within the WWE?

Acceptance. Overall normality in the fact that we have LGBTQ wrestlers. I don’t want to be known as the gay one, I simply want to be here doing my job. Yes, I so happen to be gay, but I want that to be the afterthought. I also want people watching who need the strength or encouragement to come out to be able to know I did. I want them to see that it is OK to be you.

Do you think your strong social media presence has helped or hindered you in life?

I think I’m blessed with having this social platform to share my story, my everything with the fans. It’s awesome to think how accessible such a huge platform is that we freely get to share our journeys and stories on. It’s an amazing thing about this generation.

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A post shared by Daria Berenato (@sonyadevillewwe) on Apr 22, 2019 at 9:47am PDT

People must be sliding head first into your DMs like crazy. Have their pick-up lines worked?

Definitely got some DMs more than ever since “Total Divas” started airing. Some of the things people say kills me, but I got my girl. No DMs for me!

What's more nerve-wracking: stepping into the ring or going on a first date?

I’m not typically a nervous person. When I wrestle, I get super amped up still but not too nervous. First dates can be awkward, but I’m a people person and I’m a talkative person. I’m usually good with those.

Is there a quality you always tend to look for when meeting someone new?

I love someone who can make fun of themselves and joke around. Also, I’m a very black and white kinda person, so someone who cuts to the chase. I don’t like games.

When you’re not in the ring, what can we find you doing? Is there something that really gets you back to center after a long day?

I’ve started doing yoga. With all the traveling, wrestling can be hard on your body. I like to do zen yoga when I’m home to stretch out and also calm my mind. I also go to sleep every night to my meditation playlist on YouTube.

At what point do you feel your sexiest or most empowered?

I love doing photo shoots. I love just feeling strong, sexy and getting some badass pictures. Ryan Loco is an awesome photographer and one of my friends, I probably shoot with him once every few months.

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A post shared by Daria Berenato (@sonyadevillewwe) on Oct 19, 2018 at 9:53am PDT

What’s been a highlight of your career thus far?

Being able to be a part of so many firsts for women. First-ever Elimination Chamber, first-ever WrestleMania Battle Royal, Evolution, Royal Rumble. Making history.

And how have you gone on to prove to audiences that you are way more than just a beautiful woman in the WWE with a large social media following?

I kick ass. Don’t get me wrong, I love to look nice and have nice things, but at the end of the day, I’m a fighter at heart. I like to fight and that’s what I think the fans gather from me, too.

So what’s next for you?

Everything. Damandyz Donutz brick and mortar and online sales coming soon! It's my own clothing line that is going to capture my tomboy sexy, femme style for girls like me that mostly shop in the men’s section and struggle with sizing. TV and film are where my heart has always been, and most importantly winning, the women’s tag team championship.

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Sean Abrams, Khareem Sudlow