If you’ve watched even five minutes of WWE NXT lately, you know that Zaria—the Australian sensation formerly known as Delta—is basically a human wrecking ball. She’s got this intense, post-apocalyptic vibe with dark eye makeup and a "don't mess with me" snarl that makes her look like she just walked out of a Mad Max set. But honestly, fans are always curious about what these larger-than-life characters look like when the cameras aren't rolling and the face paint comes off. Seeing Zaria WWE without makeup is actually a pretty cool reminder that underneath the "Adelaide Powerhouse" persona is a normal, incredibly hardworking athlete named Daria Hodder.
She’s not just some character created in a lab in Orlando. Daria spent years grinding in the Australian indie scene, specifically Riot City Wrestling (RCW), where she was known as Delta. Back then, her look was often a bit more stripped back than the polished, high-contrast war paint she wears now on the CW Network.
Why Zaria’s Natural Look Is Gaining Attention
Wrestling is theatre. It’s loud, it’s colorful, and it’s exaggerated. When Zaria debuted at NXT Halloween Havoc in late 2024, her look was designed to intimidate. The heavy eyeliner and dark aesthetic scream "powerhouse." However, if you dig through her older social media posts or catch her in candid training clips with her tag partner Sol Ruca, you see a completely different side of her.
Actually, she looks like a high-level CrossFit athlete.
Without the character makeup, Daria Hodder has a very classic, athletic Australian look. She has these sharp, focused features and a naturally powerful build that 5'8" frame provides. In a world where some wrestlers hide behind a mask or heavy layers of "glam" makeup, Zaria’s choice to lean into a grittier, darker look for TV is a deliberate character choice. It's meant to contrast with the "pretty girl" tropes often seen in women's divisions.
The Contrast Between Delta and Zaria
Before she was Zaria, she was Delta Brady. If you look at photos from her time in Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW), the makeup was significantly lighter. She focused more on the "tough Aussie girl" vibe.
- Independent Days: Lighter eye makeup, more focus on her natural freckles and skin tone.
- WWE Evolution: Since joining the big leagues, the makeup has become a "shield." It’s part of her armor.
- Gym Life: On her Instagram stories (or those of her brother, Dean Brady), she’s often seen totally fresh-faced, drenched in sweat, and looking every bit the world-class athlete she is.
The "Raw Beauty" Trend in WWE
It’s worth noting that WWE has a history of showing off their stars' natural looks. A few years ago, they did a "Raw Beauty" shoot where stars like Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks posed without any makeup at all. While Zaria hasn't been part of a formal shoot like that yet—mostly because she's still relatively new to the main roster scene—the fan interest is definitely there.
People want authenticity.
There’s something relatable about seeing a woman who can powerbomb someone through a table one minute, and then look like the girl next door the next. Honestly, it makes the character more impressive. It shows that the "monster" we see in the ring is a performance—a very convincing one—built on top of a real person.
Is She Wearing Makeup in the Ring?
Sorta. It’s more like "war paint." Pro wrestling makeup has to be bulletproof. It needs to survive sweat, grappling, and the heat of the ring lights. Most WWE women use heavy setting sprays and high-pigment products. When you see Zaria with those dark circles under her eyes, that's a choice. It’s meant to look a bit "undone" and chaotic. It’s "anti-glam."
Why Fans Care About Zaria Without Makeup
It isn't just about "pretty vs. not pretty." It’s about the transformation.
When you see Zaria’s social media clips of her training at the Performance Center, she looks approachable. She looks like someone you’d see at the local gym. Then, the transformation into the Zaria we see on Tuesday nights happens. That shift is what makes a superstar. It’s the ability to put on a "face" and become someone else.
Also, Zaria is part of a new wave. Along with stars like Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia, she represents a shift toward more "bruiser" style female wrestlers. For them, makeup isn't about looking like a pageant queen; it's about looking like a threat.
Where to Find Candid Photos
If you're looking for the most authentic "no makeup" shots of Zaria, your best bet isn't her official WWE profile—that's all in-character. Instead, check out:
- Old RCW match posters: Search for "Delta vs. Jordynne Grace" or her tag matches with Dean Brady.
- Training vlogs: The WWE PC YouTube channel often shows talent in the gym without the full TV kit.
- Fan conventions: Candid photos from meet-and-greets usually show the talent in a much more relaxed, natural state.
Final Insights on Zaria's Look
Zaria is a powerhouse. Whether she’s wearing three pounds of eyeliner or she’s just stepped out of the shower, her presence is undeniable. The interest in seeing Zaria WWE without makeup really just proves that she’s connected with the audience. People are invested in the human being behind the "Adelaide Powerhouse."
She’s currently tearing it up in the tag division with Sol Ruca (the "ZaRuca" pairing), and her look is likely to keep evolving as she moves toward a singles title. For now, enjoy the character. The face paint is just the icing on the cake for one of the best technical and power-based wrestlers Australia has ever produced.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the WWE PC YouTube channel for "Behind the Scenes" or "Day in the Life" features. These are the goldmines for seeing wrestlers in their natural element, often without the heavy TV makeup. Also, if you want to see her full evolution, track down some of her old Riot City Wrestling footage from 2021-2023. It’s a great way to see how Daria Hodder transformed into the Zaria we see today.