The Viall Files

Monét X Change & Daria Berenato Talk Traitors, The Valley: Persian Style, RHOBH & Blake/Taylor Texts

January 27, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • Wrestler Daria Berenato, who recently moved from WWE to TNA, prefers playing the villain ('heel') role in wrestling because she finds it more enjoyable to be hated than to pretend to be liked. 
  • Daria Berenato shared a harrowing, premeditated home invasion experience involving a stalker who is now serving a 15-year sentence. 
  • The hosts and Daria discussed the Blake Lively and Taylor Swift text messages, concluding they were a sweet exchange between friends navigating personal drama, despite online attempts to frame it as a scheme against Justin Bieber's wife's ex-husband. 
  • The discussion on *The Traitors* suggests that Candace made a strategic error by accepting the jewel, and that Colton's aggressive gameplay, while disruptive, might actually benefit the actual Traitors by serving as a distraction. 
  • Monét X Change advises future *Traitors* players to 'hunt the housewives' because they are the most disloyal and likely to betray others in the game. 
  • The hosts and Monet agree that the current season of *The Traitors* is compelling, especially noting Natalie's strong, under-the-radar gameplay and the strategic error of Maura Higgins not calling out Candace's lie. 

Segments

Intro and Weather Update
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(00:01:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Nick Viall is recording the episode from a hotel due to a severe snowstorm causing a power outage at his home.
  • Summary: Nick Viall is hosting the episode from a hotel because his home lost power during a major snowstorm affecting millions. Natalie Joy is home with their family due to the weather conditions. The show must go on despite the blizzard, with the household members present for the recording.
Episode Guest Preview
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(00:02:32)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode features Daria Berenato discussing her recent departure from WWE to TNA and her experience with a stalker, alongside Monét X Change discussing The Traitors.
  • Summary: Daria Berenato joins to discuss leaving WWE for its competitor and a dark, dangerous stalking incident she experienced. Monét X Change will also appear to provide perspective from The Traitors castle. The episode will cover reality TV news including RHOBH and The Valley: Persian Style.
Live Show Announcement
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(00:03:14)
  • Key Takeaway: The Viall Files is hosting a live show on May 6th at (9:45) p.m. as part of the Netflix is a Joke Festival, featuring the cast of the upcoming season of Temptation Island.
  • Summary: Tickets are on sale now for the live show on May 6th, where Nick and Natalie will be joined by the new Temptation Island cast. The showrunner for Temptation Island is the same as for Age of Attraction, promising inside tea. Tickets are available via the link in the show description.
Viall Files Plus Promotion
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(00:04:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Viall Files Plus offers ad-free episodes, deep dives into shows, pop culture roundups, and updates on ‘Ask Nick’ callers.
  • Summary: Subscribers to Viall Files Plus receive content without advertisements, including bonus deep dives on beloved shows. The subscription also grants access to the ‘Pop Extra Roundup’ for unaddressed pop culture topics. An ‘Update Plus’ special provides follow-ups on previous ‘Ask Nick’ callers.
Household Weather Check
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(00:04:43)
  • Key Takeaway: The LA-based household members experienced pleasant, sunny weather, contrasting sharply with Nick’s blizzard conditions.
  • Summary: While Nick was dealing with a blizzard, the LA-based household members enjoyed nice weather in the mid-70s. Mary had an improv show attended by Susie Evans, while Leia missed it due to a severe sinus infection.
Toilet Seat Etiquette Debate
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(00:07:23)
  • Key Takeaway: A debate erupted over whether using public toilet seat covers is necessary, with Nick and Leia siding against Danny’s bare-bottom approach.
  • Summary: The segment began with a discussion about Chrissy Teigen not passing gas or using the restroom in front of John Legend, leading to an argument between Nick and Danny over using public toilet seat covers. Leia argued that using covers is more hygienic than touching public surfaces like escalator rails with bare hands.
Blake/Taylor Texts Analysis
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(00:15:02)
  • Key Takeaway: The released texts between Blake Lively and Taylor Swift showed a sweet, honest exchange where Blake acknowledged her recent emotional distance due to personal drama, which Taylor empathized with.
  • Summary: The texts revealed Blake reaching out to Taylor about feeling disconnected, which Nick viewed as endearing and relatable. The conversation touched upon the narrative spun by Justin Bieber’s wife’s supporters, suggesting Ryan Reynolds mocked Justin Bieber’s movie. Nick emphasized that supporting a friend against someone making women uncomfortable is justifiable.
Daria Berenato Interview Begins
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(00:20:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Daria Berenato, a recent WWE departure now with TNA, is joining to discuss her career transition and a dangerous stalking incident.
  • Summary: Daria is joining to discuss speculation surrounding her exit from WWE and her new role at TNA, which offers more contractual freedom. She will also share a very intense, dark story involving a stalker that required police intervention. Daria is also a dedicated fan of the current season of The Traitors.
Wrestling Heel vs. Babyface
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(00:23:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Daria Berenato has exclusively been a ‘heel’ (villain) throughout her 10.5-year wrestling career, preferring the role over being a ‘babyface’ (hero).
  • Summary: Daria finds embracing the hate as a heel more enjoyable than attempting to win over fans, comparing the latter to the horror of stand-up comedy. She noted that in wrestling, fans are split 50-50 between those who genuinely hate the villain and those who appreciate the acting. Daria briefly experienced being cheered when she pretended to be a good guy in TNA before immediately turning on the crowd again.
WWE to TNA Transition
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(00:28:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Daria’s departure from WWE was unexpected after contract negotiations stalled at the last minute, leading her to TNA where she has more freedom for outside projects.
  • Summary: Daria’s WWE contract was not renewed at the last minute despite her expectation to re-sign, leading her to TNA. TNA recently secured a TV deal on AMC, and the environment is described as hungry and exciting. The move allows Daria the contractual freedom to continue acting and podcasting, which was not possible under WWE.
Stalker Home Invasion Details
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(00:30:03)
  • Key Takeaway: A stalker who had messaged Daria for four years drove from South Carolina, army-crawled through wetlands, cut a hole in her screen enclosure, and was apprehended inside her house with a knife and pepper spray.
  • Summary: The incident occurred while Daria and her friend Mandy were asleep; the alarm alerted them to an open sliding door, and the stalker was found inside. The police tackled the man, who was later revealed to have planned the break-in meticulously, including saving money for gas. The stalker took a 15-year plea deal to avoid trial.
Trauma and Fan Interaction
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(00:38:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Daria manages trauma by viewing her case as a best-case scenario due to the stalker’s capture, and she refuses to let a few bad actors taint her positive relationship with the majority of her fans.
  • Summary: Daria initially experienced intense paranoia, sleeping with a gun and staying awake until sunrise, but eventually acquired a Rottweiler and a roommate for security. She believes the laws regarding restraining orders need changing as they often require a prior relationship. Despite creepy incidents since, she remains committed to interacting positively with fans who have supported her career.
The Traitors Episode 6 Analysis
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(00:40:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Lisa Rinna is Daria’s favorite cast member for embracing her iconic status, while Michael is criticized for using a ‘broken clock’ strategy of making numerous accusations.
  • Summary: Daria loves Lisa Rinna’s confidence, especially her dismissal of Rob’s charm due to being married to Harry Hamlin. Michael’s habit of shoveling food off his plate and incorrectly defining ‘commiserate’ with Rob provided reality TV gold moments. Daria believes Underwood’s strategy of accusing everyone means he will eventually be right, but it lacks genuine conviction.
Roundtable Dynamics and Strategy
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(00:46:11)
  • Key Takeaway: The roundtable dynamic favors the person with the strongest personality who speaks first, as most players fear being the outlier or looking like an asshole.
  • Summary: The failure of Johnny’s coalition against Colton demonstrated how promises made earlier often collapse at the roundtable. Daria suggests that if she were a Faithful, she would vote out an aggressive player like Colton for being a distraction, regardless of their Traitor status. Rob’s strategic vote against Lisa was smart because it allowed him to maintain cover while looking like he was thinking moves ahead.
Traitors Jewel Strategy Critique
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(00:54:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Giving Renna the jewel was a strategic mistake that should have gone to Candace to deflect heat after Colton’s murder.
  • Summary: The speakers analyze the Traitors’ decision regarding the jewel, suggesting Candace should have taken it instead of Renna. If Candace had killed Colton, the resulting heat would not have fallen on Renna. They also note that Colton’s tendency to comment on fashion might lead him to touch the magical jewel himself.
Danielle Reyes’s Statement on Bullying
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(01:00:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Danielle Reyes confirmed that The Traitors producers and wellness team supported her during Season 3 airing and that she understood the assignment of being hated as a Traitor.
  • Summary: Danielle Reyes issued a statement clarifying that producers checked in on her mental health during Season 3, which she did not feel was necessary due to her experience on Big Brother. She stated she understood the assignment to be hated as a Traitor, though she did not plan moves in advance.
Mormon Wives Season 4 Updates
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(01:02:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4 is announced for March 12th, and the storyline involving Demi and Marciano may carry over into Vanderpump Villa.
  • Summary: The announcement of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 4 on March 12th is noted, alongside confusion regarding which season the current filming fallout belongs to. Latia from The Bachelor has been spotted filming with cast members, potentially replacing Demi. The show’s filming schedule creates a time-travel effect for viewers.
Reality TV Headline Roundup
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(01:08:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Carl Radkey and Vanita from Summer House are rumored to be dating after showing chemistry at BravoCon.
  • Summary: Carl Radkey and Vanita are rumored to be a potential pairing after Carl called her beautiful and entertaining, with Vanita expressing she is a fan. Meredith Marks and Charlie XCX connected at Sundance, with Charlie praising Meredith’s DJing. The Ultimate Girls Trip filming is bringing back numerous OGs, including Eileen Davidson and Vicki Gunvalson.
Monét X Change Traitors Exit Analysis
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(01:11:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Monét X Change blames her early exit from The Traitors on trusting Candace, a ‘housewife,’ and advises future players to target housewives.
  • Summary: Monét expressed regret for trusting Candace, stating she will never trust a housewife in the castle again, except perhaps Phaedra. She believes housewives put targets on their backs due to their inherent lack of loyalty, citing how Caroline and Lisa Rinna were treated. Monét also noted that if Maura had not covered for Candace’s lie, the game’s trajectory might have changed.
Traitors Player Archetypes and Drag Race Fun
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(01:16:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Natalie is playing a strong, under-the-radar faithful game, and Portia Williams would be the best Drag Race guest judge while Peppermint would be the worst Traitor.
  • Summary: Colton is viewed by some as an aggressive but effective player, while others see him as a useful distraction for the Traitors. Natalie is highlighted as a strong faithful who is vocal but not targeted by the Traitors, possibly because she is known to be faithful. Monét believes Portia Williams would excel as a Drag Race judge, but Peppermint is too kind-hearted to be a successful Traitor.
RHOBH Rapid Recap
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(01:22:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Amanda’s tendency to ‘one-up’ others, particularly regarding her self-made success and comments about Dorit’s divorce, is causing friction with the established RHOBH cast.
  • Summary: The recent RHOBH episode featured Rachel Zoe’s party, Dorit writing a book (with a ghostwriter, which Amanda questioned), and Kyle confronting Sutton about Jennifer Tilly’s comments. Amanda’s comments about Dorit’s divorce and her self-made status are rubbing the other women the wrong way, possibly stemming from insecurity or a need to relate through shared success.
The Valley: Persian Style Dynamics
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(01:32:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Tommy’s refusal to support MJ by avoiding Reza and vandalizing his property is seen as selfishly protecting his ego rather than supporting his wife’s relationships.
  • Summary: The latest The Valley: Persian Style episode featured Dennis crashing Adam’s birthday dinner, leading to Reza and MJ reading him to filth. Tommy’s refusal to attend events with MJ because of Reza is criticized as making MJ’s life more difficult to protect his own ego. The show is praised for feeling like a genuine friend group navigating adult issues, unlike previous iterations of The Valley.