During a recent guest appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show”, Sonya Deville, a former WWE wrestler, chatted candidly about events leading up to her sudden departure from WWE, the intense stalker incident that resulted in her home being rented by Vince McMahon, and many other topics.
Here are a few of the not-to-miss storylines from the podcast:
Dishing on why she left WWE: “While we were discussing a new contract, I was under the impression that things were on a smooth course to reach a deal. I was attending a cheerleading event with my daughter when the call came from the higher-ups telling me that ‘we are going our own ways.’ This news was unexpected, and I eagerly asked for reasons behind it. However, they said, ‘creatively, it’s not working out. So we decided to go separate ways.’”
Expressing her immediate reaction after the release: “At first, I was just surprised. I was thinking to myself, ‘What just happened? I didn’t see that coming.’”
Insights on whether she saw it coming: “Truth be told, I had certain intuitions for a year or two. After my ACL tear and subsequent recovery, I was trying to regain my pace and get back to my earlier prowess. In my mind, it was not ‘if’ but ‘when.’ I was investing all my efforts in mastering a new character and storyline given to me by WWE. I was a 10-year veteran of WWE and had cultivated beautiful relationships. So, I genuinely thought the contract would be renewed.”
Contemplating moving on: “To be frank, leaving WWE was something that came up in my discussions with my wife, many times. I do have dreams beyond wrestling. I felt that my creative instincts were stagnating at WWE. Personal control is really important to me. I really feel in element when I’m navigating my own path.”
Reflecting on how she took the news about her contract not getting renewed: “The call was brief. I don’t think fighting it was my style. They had their reasons to part ways, and I respect that. Besides, I’m a firm believer in fate and reasons for everything happening. To me, it seemed like a sign for starting a new chapter in my life.”
Sharing about the aftermath of the stalker incident: “Post the stalker incident, WWE provided for my security. However, I was paranoid and felt that he could even get a bail. And the Tampa police didn’t help alleviate my fears either. I was worried that he would come back, as he clearly stated that ‘he wasn’t done with me.’ With fear mounting in me, I checked into a hotel under a false name, along with Mandy Rose. I was so petrified that I moved a dresser in front of the hotel room door.
“I had a heart-to-heart talk with Vince McMahon and he offered to rent a house for me in another part of Florida. My mother, as well as Mandy and her mother, stayed with me there for some time. We even hired armed security round-the-clock.”
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