Sonya Deville Opens Up About Forced Wrestling Hiatus After Terrifying Kidnap Ordeal
In a candid and revealing interview, TNA Wrestling star Daria Rae – best known to global audiences as Sonya Deville during her impactful decade with WWE – has spoken out about the profound frustration she experienced when compelled to step away from the ring following a traumatic kidnap attempt. The 32-year-old performer, whose real-life ordeal unfolded in August 2020, has described feeling "so mad" at the enforced break, despite now appreciating the necessity of that time for her personal safety and recovery.
The Incident That Changed Everything
The terrifying event occurred when Phillip Thomas unlawfully entered her home with a detailed plan to abduct her. This led to a significant legal process, culminating in Thomas receiving a 15-year prison sentence in 2023 for charges including aggravated stalking, armed burglary, attempted armed kidnapping, and criminal mischief. At the time of the attack, Daria was deeply immersed in a high-profile WWE storyline alongside her real-life friend, Mandy Rose, a narrative that also involved Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) and Otis.
"I never wanted to step away. That wasn’t my choice," Daria emphasised exclusively. "It was probably what was best for me at the time, so I’m glad people had my personal well-being in mind, but I never wanted to step away. I was chomping at the bit every second I was home, texting the powers that be like, ‘When can I come back? When can I come back?’"
Frustration and Forced Reflection
Daria admitted that the directive to stay away from wrestling initially sparked intense anger. "I was so mad," she confessed, reflecting on being told she could not immediately return. "I was hungry, I was in the middle of it. I had loved the angle and the storyline... I was kind of just getting my footing, I feel like, as a character on screen." The planned SummerSlam match with Mandy Rose was altered to accommodate her absence, a decision she now views with clearer perspective. "Obviously, hindsight is 20/20," she added, acknowledging the wisdom in prioritising her recovery.
A New Chapter in TNA Wrestling
Upon her return to WWE screens in January 2021, Daria assumed an authority figure role, a position she found unexpectedly fulfilling. "Coming back in the authority role was arguably the most fun I had in [WWE]. It was cool," she recalled. This experience paved the way for her recent high-profile move to TNA Wrestling, where she made her debut last week during the company’s inaugural broadcast on AMC in the United States.
Her journey to TNA followed the non-renewal of her WWE contract a year ago. After taking some necessary personal time, Daria felt a compelling pull to return to the industry she loves. "When you perform in front of live audiences, like I did, and anyone who’s experienced that, you know that there’s nothing really that can replicate that," she explained passionately.
Perfect Timing and a Heavenly Match-Up
The transition to TNA felt serendipitous. Daria revealed she had initial conversations with TNA’s Carlos immediately after leaving WWE, but the timing was not right. "And then it just felt right," she said. "So I shot him a text, and it happened to be the day before they announced the AMC TV deal." She described the synchronisation as "perfect timing."
In TNA, she has returned to an authority role, positioned as an antagonist to the beloved director of authority, Santino Marella – a dynamic she enthusiastically labels a "match made in heaven." "He understands what people want, but also he just genuinely has that likeable factor," Daria analysed. "I think I genuinely have the unlikable factor. So it worked perfectly." She expressed admiration for Marella’s impeccable comedic timing and fan adoration, quipping that she wanted to "come in there and dim his light" for compelling television.
Building on Past Experience and Looking Forward
Daria’s new role also allows her to build upon the experience gained during her WWE tenure working opposite current Raw general manager Adam Pearce. "Oh, God, we had so much fun," she laughed. "I love the dynamic and the dichotomy that I had with Pearce. And I think having someone to work off of and play off of is really fun."
Now fully focused on her future with TNA, Daria is optimistic about the company’s trajectory and the broader wrestling landscape. "I don’t think there’s ever been a better point in history to be in the sports entertainment industry," she declared. "I think what TNA is doing is so unique, and it really is the The Little Engine That Could. And now everyone’s the great product that they’ve always loved is coming to the big screen."
Reflecting on her tumultuous journey from the kidnap attempt to her current success, Daria maintains a philosophical outlook. "I can’t ever look back and be like, ‘Oh I wish that didn’t happen’. Because everything leads to the next thing, and where you’re supposed to be," she mused, smiling. "Look at me now – I’m in TNA, it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be right now, I believe that."
