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From her start as a contestant in WWE's "Tough Enough" in 2015, Sonya Deville has carved out an impressive trajectory in her wrestling career. During a recent appearance on Maria Menounos' podcast, Deville took listeners on a trip down memory lane, recalling her surprising entry into wrestling and the milestones she crossed along the way.
The former MMA fighter admitted her initial naivety towards the wrestling world, citing that her exposure was limited to big names like The Rock and John Cena. "I was like, 'Wait wrestling like the fake stuff?' I didn't know much about it," she shared candidly.
Yet, her world soon took a dramatic turn when she was offered a WWE developmental deal.
Deville Bold Request to McMahon
Six months after her transition, Menounos suggested Deville hire an acting coach to help hone her skills.
Heeding her advice, Sonya saw an opportunity to showcase her evolution as a character. She mustered the courage to make a bold request to Vince McMahon, the WWE's Chairman. "In the midst of a fiery storyline with Mandy [Rose], my best friend, I called him.
'Sir, can you please give me one chance to show the passion and intention I put into the ring can also shine through the microphone? Just one promo, that's all I'm asking for. If I fail, you can strip me of the mic forever.'
" Deville narrated. To her delight, McMahon granted her request a week later, offering her a six-minute promo time slot with Rose that was initially allocated to another canceled segment. She poured her heart into the promo, delivering it with raw confidence and a well-prepared script co-crafted with one of WWE's writers.
"I remember I walked off-stage and Miz was standing backstage. He said, 'That's one of the best promos I've ever heard.' Hearing that from someone so experienced and acclaimed as him, I couldn't hold back my tears," she shared.
Additionally, Vince McMahon's nod of approval with the words 'good job, you delivered' was the icing on the cake. It was a moment of pure validation and accomplishment for Deville, marking a significant milestone in her WWE journey.