The Evolution of Daria Berenato- Athlete, Wrestler, Trailblazer

This week on the Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci is joined by Daria Berenato — actress, former WWE Champion, MMA fighter, and media host. After a groundbreaking WWE career that included championship success and leadership roles as Raw and SmackDown General Manager, Daria returned to wrestling television with TNA Wrestling on AMC as authority figure The S.U.I.T., Daria Rae. She also serves as an executive partner and commentator with Invicta FC and co-hosts the podcast Unwrapped.

Kenny and Daria discuss her journey from a competitive multi-sport athlete in South Jersey to discovering MMA, training at a time when women’s combat sports were far less mainstream, and her experience on Tough Enough, which led to her signing with WWE despite early elimination. She shares lessons learned from other talents in the industry, reflects on leaving WWE after 10 years to pursue acting and producing, and opens up about embracing her sexuality and the support she’s received from the LGBTQ+ community.

00:00 Women in Combat Sports

00:53 Podcast Intro and Guest

01:23 Daria Name Origins

02:36 South Jersey Roots

03:31 Wild Gyms and Money Talk

05:04 Philly Food and Cheesesteaks

06:10 Jersey Shore Life and Real Estate

10:07 From Team Sports to Fighting

11:01 Inspired by Gina Carano

12:41 First MMA Gym Initiation

14:35 Proving Herself in Tournament

16:07 Wrestling Roots

16:48 Women Rising

18:39 Jiu Jitsu Proof

19:23 Divas Revolution

20:39 Tough Enough

22:10 Money Reality

24:17 Raw Debut

25:33 Backstage Mentors

27:31 Character Evolution

28:55 WWE To TNA

30:41 Coming Out Story

34:48 Fans And Kids

36:24 Pump Session Wrap