Sonya Deville, a prominent WWE Superstar known for breaking ground as one of the company’s first openly gay performers, has publicly criticized WWE for what she describes as being “ghosted” during the most critical phase of her career. After a decade-long tenure filled with milestones and challenges, Deville expressed deep disappointment at how WWE handled the non-renewal of her contract amid ongoing negotiations.
Shocking End to a Decade-Long WWE Journey
Earlier this year, WWE informed Sonya Deville that her contract would not be renewed, ending her 10-year relationship with the company. What made the news particularly jarring for Deville was that she was in the middle of negotiating a new deal when WWE abruptly communicated their decision. She recounted receiving the call while working out in Washington D.C., expecting to finalize a contract extension but instead hearing, “We are not renewing your contract”[2][3][4].
Deville described the moment as shocking but also shared that she quickly came to terms with it. “It was such a feeling of shock, but then almost instantaneously, my trust in the universe allowed me to be at peace with it,” she said in a candid video on her and her wife’s podcast channel “Daria & Toni Unwrapped”[3][6].
The Height of Her Career — Left in the Dark
Sonya Deville’s frustration stems not just from her departure but from how WWE reportedly distanced themselves during a pivotal period for her. Sources close to the former WWE star indicated that she felt sidelined creatively and from company communications, contributing to a sense of being “ghosted” despite her recent return from an ACL injury in mid-2024[3].
Backstage insiders suggest that while Deville had been placed in a prominent faction — the Pure Fusion Collective with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark — her momentum stalled, and clearer booking directions failed to materialize. “Sonya was eager to build on the momentum from her return, but the creative direction remained unclear, leaving her in a frustrating limbo,” revealed a WWE insider. “She was expecting more support but felt the company pulled away when it mattered most”[3].
A Career of Resilience and Achievement
Sonya Deville’s time in WWE was marked by determination and notable accomplishments. After entering the company through “Tough Enough” and signing in 2015, she quickly emerged as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in wrestling. Despite facing personal challenges, including a terrifying stalking incident in 2020 where a stalker attempted to kidnap her at home, Deville persevered both professionally and personally[1][5].
She held the Women’s Tag Team Championship once and was viewed as a versatile in-ring performer with a growing fan base. Her public openness about dealing with adversity, combined with her in-ring skills, made her a respected figure backstage and among fans.
Reflections from Sonya and the Wrestling Community
Following her release, Deville chose to look back with gratitude despite the shock and disappointment. “I had the greatest 10 years of my life,” she shared. “The experiences, the travel, the performances—I truly lived out my dreams”[6].
Yet, her words also conveyed unresolved feelings about how the company handled her exit. It’s rare for talents in WWE to speak so openly about the emotional and professional difficulties surrounding contract non-renewals and creative shelving. According to a source close to WWE’s women’s division, “There’s been growing frustration among female talent about inconsistent booking and communication gaps. Sonya’s experience is part of a broader pattern that WWE needs to address.”
What’s Next for Sonya Deville?
Though her WWE chapter has closed unexpectedly, Sonya Deville seems poised to transition into new ventures both inside and outside wrestling. With her podcast and public platform growing, she remains a prominent voice in wrestling and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Many industry observers expect her to explore roles in commentary, coaching, or even appearances in other wrestling promotions.
Deville herself has expressed optimism, stating, “That chapter was meant to close, and all these new beautiful blessings were meant to come”[6]. With fans rallying behind her, the wrestling world watches closely to see how Sonya Deville will redefine her career in this new phase.
This article is based on details shared by Sonya Deville through her own platforms and interviews, as well as reports from wrestling news outlets and backstage sources.