WWE's Sonya Deville is on a mission to make a name for herself. In a recent interview, she said "I have everything it takes to be the top superstar, whether it be male or female, in the WWE".

With the recent news that Becky Lynch is pregnant and departing from WWE programming, could this be the time that Deville becomes the top woman in WWE? 

Kaitlin O'Toole is joined by SI's Justin Barrasso for his thoughts on if she could be the next superstar

Read Full Transcript Below:

Kaitlin O'Toole:  WWE Sonya Deville is on a mission to make a name for herself. In a recent interview, she said, "I have everything it takes to be the top superstar, whether it be male or female in WWE." Joining me now for more on this is SI's, Justin Barrasso. Justin with Becky Lynch's departure from the WWE programming. Do you think Deville can be someone who comes to the top woman in WWE?

Justin Barrasso: Yeah, I think so. Lynch obviously, it's tough to supplant, you know, replace whomever, is at the top, especially in pro wrestling, where you really are firmly entrenched once you at the top of that card. In Lynch's build such popularity and she was she headlined to Wrestlemania with Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair. So I think that her departure, even though it's temporary with the pregnancy definitely opens up an opportunity. I know that Sonya Deville is on the Smackdown brand. Lynch was on Raw. But in terms of WWE is always looking there, always, you know, one-star away and they're always looking for that next big star. I think it could be Sonya, her work has gotten continually better. Her work on the microphone, her look. Just that she's the total package in terms of, I think, what WWE is looking for. 

Courtesy of WWE

And she's intense. She's tough. She's physical. Again, very similar qualities and characteristics to Becky Lynch, the man character like Sonya Deville's just tough. I think she's a role model. She's someone that kids can look up to, that adults enjoy watching and seeing her as a villain. In this heel turn, working against Mandy Rose, which it needs to be mentioned. How much chemistry they have together has been perfect for and I agree. I think the sky's the limit for Sonya. I think that she definitely could be WWE next big thing.

Kaitlin O'Toole: Deville is WWE's first openly lesbian star, and she stands for Equal Rights. Is she a big part of WWE equal representation?

Courtesy of WWE

Justin Barrasso:  It's a good question. I think so, you know, representations key, it's I always go back to the Kofi Kingston title run or even Becky Lynch. And Flair and Rousey closing out Wrestlemania 35. I think representation is key in wrestling. We need to see we can't see the same stars over and over again, but especially with such a diverse, talented roster, representation big and connecting with different fans. Yeah, I think so her sexuality hasn't played into a storyline. I know she pitched at a couple of years ago and Mandy Rose on Total Divas. But I know we're talking to Sonya. Speaking, she's very happy with the direction of her character. Maybe they'll go in a different direction in the future. But again, I think kind of the role right now is as the ass-kicker, as the one who is talented beyond belief. And that's the character she needs to be now. I think that can lead her to a Smackdown woman's title run. It's tough, though. A lot of times, especially with the women's singles titles, we don't see too many new champions. I think she is a perfect candidate for a new champion. And yes, representation is huge for WWE. It's especially important for Deville and I think she's the perfect fit again. She's someone that WWE should build around long term.

Kaitlin O'Toole: All right, Justin, thanks so much for your insight on this. 

Justin Barrasso: Appreciate it.

Latest News and Videos from Sports Illustrated

• Albert Breer: Mailbag: Overrated and Underrated Draft Prospects; Rob Gronkowski in Tampa
• Tom Verducci: MLB, Players Association Worked on Plan to Isolate Replay Room
• This Day in Sports History: Ted Williams Hits First Home Run
• Hot Clicks: Michael Jordan is Having Trouble Selling Expensive Home
• Daily Cover: Daily Cover: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at Rams GM Les Snead's Draft Day War Room
• Point After: Hopefully ESPN's 'The Last Dance' Encourages MJ to Return to the Public Eye
• Will the NFL Schedule See Changes Due to Coronavirus?