Backstage News on Two Big Reasons Why WWE Signed Former Tough Enough Competitor Daria Berenato, News on Her Current NXT Gimmick

December 13, 2015

As noted, WWE ended up signing last season’s Tough Enough contestant Daria Berenato, who goes by the nickname of “Jersey Devil”, and she’s been training down at the WWE Performance Center since the show ended.

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Daria was signed as a favor to WWE celebrity friend Maria Menounos, who appears to be longtime friends with Daria and a co-worker on Afterbuzz TV. It was also reported that Berenato was signed because WWE wanted an openly gay female on their roster.

Berenato has been using the “Jersey Devil” nickname at WWE NXT Live Events recently, and because she has a background in professional fighting, NXT has given her an MMA look and gimmick.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.