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 Sports00:53 Podcast Intro and Guest01:23 Daria Name Origins02:36 South Jersey Roots03:31 Wild Gyms and Money Talk05:04 Philly Food and Cheesesteaks06:10 Jersey Shore Life and Real Estate10:07 From Team Sports to Fighting11:01 Inspired by Gina Carano12:41 First MMA Gym Initiation14:35 Proving Herself in Tournament16:07 Wrestling Roots16:48 Women Rising18:39 Jiu Jitsu Proof19:23 Divas Revolution20:39 Tough Enough22:10 Money Reality24:17 Raw Debut25:33 Backstage Mentors27:31 Character Evolution28:55 WWE To TNA30:41 Coming Out Story34:48 Fans And Kids36:24 Pump Session Wrap