Sonya Deville received some much-needed news this week.
A man who attempted to kidnap WWE Superstar Sonya Deville in 2020 was sentenced to 15 years in prison Tuesday.
According to Gloria Gomez of Fox 13 in Tampa, Phillip Thomas agreed to a plea deal where he plead guilty to attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking, and armed burglary.
Back in 2020, Thomas broke into her home, armed with a knife, zip ties, and duct tape. Deville ran away after spotting Thomas through a sliding glass door that had been opened. He would subsequently be arrested after entering the home.
Prosecutors said back in 2020 that Thomas admitted his intention was to pepper spray and subdue Deville, and prevent her from leaving her home “without her answering all of his questions.” Deville also revealed Thomas sent threatening messages to her, as well as her friends and family in the months prior to the break-in.
The 29-year-old Deville was in the midst of a storyline with real-life friend Mandy Rose, which was leading to a grudge match at SummerSlam. Deville and Rose went through with the match, but she would step away from the company temporarily following it to focus on testifying against Thomas. She did not have her next match until 14 months after facing Rose at SummerSlam 2020.
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Deville returned to her role as a full-time in-ring performer last year, and she is currently part of a tag team with Chelsea Green.
Deville first gained prominence as a contestant on the sixth season of the reality television show “Tough Enough” in 2015, where she finished in the top 13. She was subsequently signed by WWE and assigned to their developmental territory, NXT.
Deville made her NXT debut in October 2015 and quickly established herself as a promising wrestler. In 2017, she was promoted to WWE’s main roster and began competing on the SmackDown brand. She has since become known for her intense and aggressive wrestling style, as well as her outspoken personality.
In 2017, she was promoted to WWE’s main roster and began competing on the SmackDown brand.
Deville has also been an advocate for LGBT rights and has used her platform to speak out about social issues.
