From Adelaide to NXT: Zaria’s WWE Journey and the Michaels Connection
For any aspiring athlete, the chance to meet and learn from their idols is a dream come true. For 26-year-old Australian pro wrestler Zaria, this dream is a daily reality. Hailing from Adelaide, Zaria, whose real name is Daria Hodder, signed with the WWE in 2024 and is rapidly establishing herself as a future star within the company’s NXT developmental brand.
Her training ground is the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida, where she hones her skills alongside a diverse international roster of talent. Guiding this next generation of WWE’s elite is none other than wrestling legend Shawn Michaels. The multi-time champion, a titan of the 1990s and 2000s wrestling scene, has transitioned seamlessly from in-ring competitor to a pivotal figure in coaching and creative direction.
Michaels has also cultivated a reputation for being accessible, often sharing candid behind-the-scenes glimpses of his interactions with NXT wrestlers on social media, revealing a more jovial and approachable side to the iconic performer.
Zaria herself has openly admitted to still experiencing moments of awe when interacting with Michaels. “It’s crazy for me personally – even though he’s my boss, every time I see him I freak out internally because of who he is,” she shared in a recent interview. She elaborated on his impact: “But honestly, he’s a silly goofy guy and the things you see on social media are just a little glimpse into what he’s like. He is awesome and his mind for the business, I just love to pick his brain. He’s a creative wrestling genius and any chance that I get to have a conversation with him is mind-blowing. He’s a great boss, but he’s also a great person.”
Michaels has reciprocated these sentiments, frequently praising the South Australian talent. Her prominent position on the NXT card is a clear indicator of the WWE’s significant investment in her future.
However, Zaria’s path since joining WWE hasn’t been without its challenges. A substantial portion of her time has been spent in a tag team with Sol Ruca, another rapidly ascending star within the company. While their partnership brought them significant attention, it became increasingly evident that Ruca was garnering more favour from both WWE officials and the fanbase. Ruca’s career trajectory has included competing on the same card as John Cena’s farewell match and reaching the final three in this year’s Royal Rumble.
Navigating their on-screen and off-screen friendship, which became a central element of Zaria’s storyline, presented its own set of complexities. “Yes and no – obviously I’d like to have the opportunities that are given to her,” Zaria confessed. “Part of me does live vicariously through her, especially when I don’t get to be there like at the Royal Rumble [in Saudi Arabia]. Even though I didn’t get to be there, I was still proud that she was on it … it gave me goosebumps.”
Despite any personal frustrations, Zaria expressed genuine enjoyment in their tag team run. “I have enjoyed working with her more than I thought I would. Coming into NXT in my debut, I thought I was going to be a singles wrestler and a lone wolf. When we first got paired together, it was unexpected for the both of us – but it was the best thing that could have happened for us at the time. This past year teaming with her has been so fun, her and I are such similar people – more than anybody realises.”
She revealed the initial plan was far more limited: “We were never supposed to team for that long, it was supposed to be for one match and a couple of backstage segments, that was it – but because we worked so well together and have that natural chemistry, it worked so well for us. As much of a rollercoaster of emotions it has been, overall it’s been a great experience and personally, I love her and I think I always will.”
Zaria acknowledged the potential for disappointment when Ruca received more opportunities: “Sometimes I might get frustrated that she gets more opportunities than I do, but I know that my opportunities are going to come in the end. I want to stay ready for my opportunities that are to come.”
These opportunities now seem closer than ever, potentially setting Zaria on a collision course with her former tag team partner. The pair are widely anticipated to face off in a high-profile singles match at NXT’s premier annual event, Stand and Deliver. This year’s event has been strategically moved from its traditional slot during WrestleMania weekend and will take place in St Louis on Sunday, April 5 (AEST).
Relocating NXT’s flagship event away from the WrestleMania frenzy allows it to stand out and gain its own momentum. Furthermore, the confirmation that Stand and Deliver will stream live on YouTube enhances its accessibility for fans worldwide.
Reflecting on her experience, Zaria stated, “I have experience now, from going through WrestleMania season last year. Once we start the new year, the ball is rolling and I feel like I’ve had tunnel vision on what I need to do and where I need to go.”
Zaria is part of a growing contingent of Australian talent making a significant impact on the global wrestling stage. She joins the ranks of established WWE performers like Rhea Ripley, Bronson Reed, and Grayson Waller.
The pipeline of Australian talent showing promise for WWE continues to flow. Recent tryouts saw a number of Australians, including the popular tag team known as “The Dropouts” and Sydney’s Ricky South, vying for developmental contracts.
Zaria expressed strong optimism about the future of Australian wrestlers in WWE. “When I found out about the recent tryouts – I think it was five Aussies who were there – I was so excited and couldn’t wait to see them,” she said. “I’m pretty sure I said something similar last year but now more than ever, Australians have so much opportunity to come to the WWE or wrestle in America. Over the past year, we’ve been given even more of a chance. I’m so proud of everybody that’s hustled to get to where they are and wrestle in America and get tryouts. Australia is going to take over, I just know it.”
WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place across Sunday, April 19, and Monday, April 20 (AEST) from the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
