D
ARIA Berenato (a.k.a.
Sonya Deville) paved
the way as WWE’s first
openly lesbian athlete in the
wrestling world — and she’s
not stopping there. Star chats
with the Tough Enough alum.What’s it been like, being
the first openly lesbian
Superstar in the WWE?
It’s been a blessing in
disguise. When I first
came out, it was on Tough
Enough. I was forced to
face my truth on a public
platform. I became more
and more comfortable
with myself, and now
I’m an advocate for LGBTQ
inclusion. I work with WWE
to make changes and influ-ence men and women who are
in the same boat I was in.Who would be your
dream opponent in
the ring?
My dream opponent would
probably be Ronda Rousey.
There’s an unwritten story
awaiting us. Our paths are
bound to cross eventually.What’s been your
toughest match?
Both of the Elimination
Chamber matches
I participated in
— those were
brutal. There’s
so much that
goes into them;
and, of course,the steel cage surrounding
the ring adds an extra layer of
physicality.What tips can you share
for those looking to get
into the industry?
Find your local wrestling
school, start training, really
master the fundamentals and
try to get out on your local cir-
cuit and start competing. Also,
take pride in your fitness as
well as your on-camera skills.
Acting classes are alwaysDARIA BERENATO
WWE
SUPERSTARSTRAIGHT UP STEVE AUSTIN
Steve Austin
Premieres Aug. 12 on USA
The WWE Hall of Famer’s new show — which follows
Monday Night Raw — features a rotating group of
celebrities who join him on thrilling adventures that
may or may not include cracking open some stone
cold beers. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rob Riggle and Raw
women’s champion Becky Lynch, among others, will
also chat about their careers and lives in the spotlight.
And that’s the bottom line!ENTERTAINMENT
TELEVISION
MIZ & MRS.
Michael Mizanin, Maryse Mizanin
Returns Aug. 6 on USA
WWE’s power couple the Miz and Maryse are
a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling
world, but back home they’re just Mom and
Dad to 16-month-old daughter Monroe
and their four pets. Surprise! The couple’s
marriage is as entertaining outside the ring
as inside it.WWE
SmackDown
Live
Tuesdays
at 8 PM ET
on USAMOVIES
THE PEANUT
BUTTER FALCON
Zack Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf,
Dakota Johnson, Mick Foley
In theaters Aug. 9 PG-13
An unlikely friendship forms when
Zak (Gottsagen) — a young man with
Down syndrome — runs away from
his care facility to pursue his dream
of becoming a professional fighter. En
route to the wrestling school of his
dreams, he meets a fugitive on the run
named Tyler (LaBeouf), who joins him
on the journey.50 Star AUGUST 12, 2019