Former WWE Superstar Daria Berenato, better known to wrestling fans as Sonya Deville, is set to make an appearance at Invicta FC 61 this Friday, April 4, at the Grand Hotel & Casino in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her presence at the all-female MMA event has sparked speculation that she may be considering a return to the sport where she first made a name for herself.
A Return to Her MMA Roots?
Before stepping into the world of professional wrestling, Berenato built a respectable record in mixed martial arts, holding a 2-1 record in professional fights. She competed in the amateur circuit before making her way to WWE, where she developed a fanbase with her unique fighting style and no-nonsense persona.
While her primary focus over the past few years has been wrestling, she has hinted in past interviews about possibly revisiting her MMA career. In a March 3, 2025 interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Berenato spoke about her love for combat sports and how she missed the intensity of MMA training.
Her upcoming appearance at Invicta FC 61 has fueled rumors that she may be preparing for a comeback. Though she hasn’t confirmed any plans to fight again, fans have been quick to speculate, especially since she recently parted ways with WWE after her contract expired.
WWE Career and Departure
During her time in WWE, Berenato made history as the company’s first openly gay female wrestler. She was known for her hard-hitting style, which often incorporated MMA techniques. Over the years, she played several roles—from a competitor to an authority figure—and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Chelsea Green.
However, after suffering an ACL injury in 2023, her in-ring time significantly decreased. Following months of rehabilitation, she made sporadic appearances but was ultimately released from WWE in early 2025 when her contract expired. This departure has left the door open for new career opportunities, and MMA could be one of them.
A Star-Studded Invicta Event
Berenato isn’t the only well-known figure scheduled to be at the event. TNA X-Division Champion Moose has also been confirmed for the seven-fight card, which will air live on CBS Sports Network at 8 PM EST. His presence, alongside Berenato’s, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already exciting event.
While Moose made his Invicta FC 61 appearance known via social media, Berenato’s involvement was first reported by PWInsider, and fans have been buzzing ever since.
Twitter Exchange Sparks More Speculation
One major clue fueling the return rumors is a recent Twitter exchange between Berenato and Invicta commentator Megan Anderson. Anderson extended an invitation to the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, which Berenato accepted. While it could simply be a friendly visit, many believe this could be the first step toward an eventual MMA return.
Berenato has always had a passion for combat sports. Even during her WWE tenure, she regularly showcased her MMA-influenced style in the ring, blending strikes and submissions seamlessly. With her athletic background and previous fighting experience, a return to the cage wouldn’t be far-fetched.
What Would a Comeback Look Like?
If Berenato does return to MMA, she would be joining a growing trend of former professional wrestlers who have made successful transitions back into combat sports. Jake Hager (Jack Swagger) found success in Bellator, while CM Punk had a short-lived stint in the UFC. If Berenato signs with Invicta, she could immediately become a marketable name in the promotion’s bantamweight or featherweight divisions.
Her previous experience gives her an edge, but she would need to undergo extensive training to prepare for the modern MMA landscape. Women’s MMA has evolved significantly since her last fight, and she would need to sharpen her skills to compete with today’s elite fighters.
What’s Next for Berenato?
At this point, nothing is official. Berenato hasn’t confirmed whether she’s planning a comeback, and Invicta FC has not announced her for any future fights. However, her presence at the event alone is enough to keep fans talking.
Could this be a simple appearance to support women’s MMA? Or is she gearing up for a return to the cage? One thing is for sure—Daria Berenato’s next move will be one to watch.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
