Check our exclusive interview with American professional wrestler, model, actress and former American football player gorgeous Danielle Moinet who is currently signed with WWE under the ring name, Summer Rae.
Danielle is one of the featured characters in the popular video games WWE 2k14, 2k15, and 2k16. She was previously the face of the Legends Football League, as well as the brand ambassador and face of Bobby Labonte’s NASCAR race car team.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Independent, motivated, Self starter
What is your background?
I’ve played sports my whole life. I ran track and played tennis in High School, and I’ve danced my whole life. I too have always been a WWE fan. After 3 years of playing football I sought out WWE because it really was a dream of mine to become a WWE Diva! After a few years of training, here I am; living out my dream on live tv weekly!
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My parents have been my biggest influencers. They both immigrated to America and taught me that I can do anything I dream of with hard work & determination. They have also been married for 36 years which is something I respect and look up too.
How do you differ from your character, Summer Rae?
Summer Rae and Danielle Moinet are extremely different. Summer is a self absorbed, manipulative, calculated, witch. I must say it is extremely fun to play because it couldn’t be further away from who I am.
How and when did you start into fitness?
I’ve always lead a healthy lifestyle. I got into fitness in High School while playing sports, but I really started learning about weight training around 22 when I graduated from college and was stuck at a desk job. I needed that physical activity & release after a 10 hour workday!
What keeps you motivated to keep training hard and eating right?
My body is my brand! No one is going to hold my hand and walk me into the gym after a four hour flight with an eleven hour work day ahead of me. So being the best version of myself is very important!
What is the biggest highlight of your career?
There are so many favorite moments for me. One thing that stands out to me is being cast in my first movie role, The Marine 4: Moving Target. I was the first woman in WWE to ever be in a WWE Studios movie and was honored to be trusted with such an opportunity. I learned so much on set and really fell in love with acting.
What kind of training routine do you follow?
I lift weights 3-4 days a week, rotating on a upper and lower body schedule by trying to do cardio twice a week. Switching up my cardio is important so I don’t get bored. I also love SoulCycle!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love eggs! I get a good amount of protein from egg whites with the occasional yolk for a good fat. It’s always a healthy snack, I always try to have a couple hard boiled eggs in my purse!
And your favorite cheat food?
You just can’t go wrong with pizza. It’s a great cheat! That or any kind of dessert or chocolate. I have a big sweet tooth!
What is your best body part?
I’m 5’10” and all legs. I use them in the ring as weapons so I make sure to train them hard in the gym.
And now about WWE, what is the greatest thing about being a WWE diva?
The greatest thing about being a WWE Superstar is being able to reach so many people. We have so many young girls that look up to us and that drives me to lead by example. Being able to volunteer with our charitable causes within WWE and for causes I personally believe in is great with such a large fan base. It allows us to spread the word to so many.
How long have you been a fan of WWE and how did you get into it?
Growing up I always watched WWF with my dad on Saturdays. It was our thing! Now it’s so cool to be able to bring him backstage with me and to Wrestlemania week. It’s a pretty cool full circle moment for us.
What is fun and rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the smiles we put on people’s faces. No matter what kind of day or week or month they were having, when they step into that arena they get to forget about all of that for a couple hours. That is why I do this!
And what is not?
Spending so much time on the road is the biggest challenge for me with WWE. I’ve missed weddings and births. I’ve spent a lot of time away from my friends and family for so many years. That part is really hard.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I’m obsessed with beauty trends and follow a lot of brands on social media. I have a very multi-dimensional take on beauty and think it is such a wonderful way to self-express. It’s important to know when to cake it on and when do dial it back! Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner both do that so well when it comes to beauty and style. They both have killer full glam looks but also have times where they show effortless simplicity that I love!
Who are some of your favorite models and designers?
I love Alice + Olivia, Nasty Gal, Rag & Bone, & JBrand just to name a few. I always love Alexandre Vauthier & Balmain’s red carpet looks! Some of my favorite models are Jourdan Dunn, Candice Swanepoel, and of course Cindy Crawford. Her timeless beauty continues to blow me away!
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
I’m constantly on the road and always carry my Skin Medica eye creams with me. I take my skin care very seriously! Im also never without my favorite tan in a can Quick Tan by Body Drench and Cover Girl Advanced Radiance pressed powder.
What music we can find in your iPod?
I’m big into music and my taste in it is so diverse! On my iPod you’ll find Beyoncé, Drake, Otis Redding, New Found Glory, G-Eazy, Rod Stewart, Carrie Underwood, Future, but then there’s my Bring Me The Horizon, PVRIS, Stick to your Guns, and A Day To Remember.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, my sister started a non profit called the DTM foundation. Our mission is to physical, spiritual, & emotional needs of families with medically fragile children being treated at Duke & UNC Hospitals.
Check them out at facebook.com/dtmfoundation.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Protein bar, lip gloss, and my phone charger.
What do you think of Social Media?
There’s the good and the bad aspects to Social Media. What I do find great is how much social media has changed business’ and the way they structure their marketing. Social media currently has such a strong influence that it has changed how products are marketed and distributed. There’s huge opportunities for both companies and influencers that didn’t exist a couple years ago. Also the influence of social media is so strong that you can really spread your message and make an impact in today’s society.
Where we can follow you?
IG: @DanielleMoinet
Snap: @DanielleMoinet
Twitter: @RealSummerWWE
Song: ‘Passing through a screen door’ by The Wonder Years
Travel destination: Anywhere tropical
Celebrity Crush: Chris Hemsworth
Restaurant: Fig & Olive
Actor/Actress: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jeff Perry. Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway.
Quote: Speak it to existence
Book: House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski
Movie: Love Actually
Drink: Margarita
Photo Credit: Marc Cartwright
