EXCLUSIVE: Aussie WWE star 'still freaks out every time' she works with Hall of Fame boss

It's always a thrill for young athletes to meet the heroes who shaped them - but in the case of Australian pro wrestler Zaria, she gets to work with one of hers every day.

The 26-year-old from Adelaide signed with WWE in 2024 and has become one of the company's clear-cut future stars, competing on the NXT developmental brand.

Zaria - real name Daria Hodder - trains out of the world-class WWE Performance Centre in Orlando on a daily basis alongside talent from all over the world.

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The man steering the ship for the next generation of WWE superstars is not only a Hall of Famer but undoubtedly one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time, Shawn Michaels. 

The multi-time champion was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s and 2000s, but since retiring from in-ring competition has merged into a coach and head of creative. 

Michaels has also shown he isn't afraid to let his guard down, posting various behind-the-scenes videos with the NXT wrestlers, showing a much lighter side to the legend.

Speaking to Wide World of Sports last month, Zaria admitted she still 'freaks out' every time she interacts with Michaels and spoke glowingly of his influence.

"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 said.

"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.

"Hs 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 spoken glowingly about the South Australian product on multiple occasions and her position on the card as one of the top female wrestlers is a clear indication of how highly the company thinks of her moving forward.

It hasn't been all smooth sailing however since Zaria put pen to paper with WWE.

The powerhouse has spent a large majority of her time in WWE teaming with one of the company's fastest-rising stars, Sol Ruca.

While they became household names as a team, it was starting to become clear that Ruca was receiving more of the love from officials and fans. 

Ruca wrestled - and won - on the same card as John Cena's retirement match, before entering the Royal Rumble in January, making it to the final three wrestlers in the match.

While their friendship on and off camera became a major part of Zaria's story, the Aussie star conceded it was difficult to navigate at times.

"Yes and no - obviously I'd like to have the opportunities that are given to her," she said.

"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. 

"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. 

"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.

"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."

Those opportunities appear to be more in reach than ever before and it puts Zaria on a collision course with her now-former teammate.

The pair look likely to face each other in a high-profile singles match at NXT's annual event, Stand and Deliver, which has been shifted from its usual slot on WrestleMania weekend and will take place in St Louis on Sunday, April 5 (AEST).

Placing the biggest yearly showcase of the NXT brand away from the hustle and bustle of WWE's version of the Super Bowl will give things room to breathe, while it will be more accessible than ever after confirmation the event would stream live on YouTube.

"I have experience now, from going through WrestleMania season last year," Zaria said. 

"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 just one of many Aussie talents making her mark on a global stage, with the likes of Rhea Ripley Bronson Reed and Grayson Waller among WWE's marquee performers.

And with any luck, there could be more on the way.

Just last month, a handful of Aussies - including an incredibly popular tag team known as "The Dropouts" and Sydney tough man Ricky South - were afforded the opportunity to try out for a WWE developmental contract. 

Zaria believes it's only a matter of time before more Aussies are taking over 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 will take place at 9am on Sunday April 19 and Monday April 20 (AEST) from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.