Survivor Edge of Extinction cast assessment: Wendy Diaz the Energizer Bunny

Wendy Diaz comes into Survivor: Edge of Extinction with more enthusiasm and energy than the rest of the cast put together. Will that help her or hurt her?

Some Survivor contestants are selected to play this game because of their dynamic personality. Production might not believe that they have a strong shot at winning, but they can’t pass up on a polarizing character. It’s always tough to tell from pre-game alone, but Wendy Diaz appears to fit that description.

She is joined by Rick Devens as the only two newbies to be featured in Edge of Extinction’s first teaser trailer at season 37’s reunion. If you look at the previews over the past few seasons, production always features the winner and the most popular players. David vs. Goliath’s preview introduced viewers to the Sole Survivor, Nick, but it also showed us the most dynamic players of the season in Natalie, Angelina and Christian.

At this point, Wendy seems to fall in the Natalie and Angelina category. Someone whose personality overruns their gameplay, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In her interview with ET Canada, Wendy couldn’t finish a comment before bubbling over with excitement! It is refreshing to watch a castaway come into the game with uncontrollable enthusiasm. However, that could also lead to her downfall.

The one advantage that Wendy has over players like Natalie and Angelina is that she’s built for Survivor. She mentioned in her interview that she grew up in similar conditions, she is comfortable with the outdoors and knows how to make a shelter. Her fire-making skills are extremely good, as she claims to be able to start one in under a minute!

In her CBS bio, Wendy listed swimming, rock climbing and anything active as her hobbies. So her personality may hide the fact that she’s a strong, physical player, and she’s also not afraid to make a big move when she has to.

Taking all things into consideration though, I think Wendy has the capability to be part of some of the most memorable moments of this season, but I can’t see her winning the million. Her unique personality does feel like a good fit for Survivor, but it could also lead to a pre-merge exit.