Simone Garcia Johnson, Known as Ava, Concludes Six-Year Tenure with WWE's NXT Brand

Ava, daughter of global entertainment icon and WWE legend Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has officially concluded her six-year association with World Wrestling Entertainment, departing from its developmental brand, NXT. The decision, announced by Ava herself on Friday, January 31, 2026, marks a significant turning point for the first fourth-generation superstar in WWE history and introduces an unexpected shift within the NXT landscape.

The announcement came directly from Ava, whose real name is Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, via a statement posted on her Instagram account. She revealed that her appearance on NXT programming earlier in the week was her final one under the WWE banner, having opted not to renew her contract with the promotion. "This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT and subsequently WWE," Ava wrote, expressing gratitude to her supporters. "Thank you to all who have cheered, watched, and supported me through my journey. While my decision to not renew my contract was very difficult, it’s also a new turning point in my life. It has been an honor and a privilege to be Ava." The timing of her public statement, shortly after her last televised appearance, caught many observers by surprise, particularly given her prominent role on the NXT brand.

In an atypical move for the company regarding talent departures, WWE issued its own statement acknowledging Garcia Johnson’s contributions. "WWE thanks and applauds Simone Garcia Johnson for her stellar work as Ava and beyond," the company’s statement read. "Her passion, dedication, and impact were felt across the entire NXT and WWE community. We wish her the very best in all future endeavors." Veteran professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp, known for his comprehensive coverage of industry news, highlighted the unusual nature of WWE’s detailed and complimentary statement. Typically, the promotion often issues brief "future endeavors" announcements or, in many instances, refrains from making public comments about departing talent, particularly those not on the main roster. This deviation suggests a notably amicable and mutually respectful separation between Garcia Johnson and the organization.

Ava’s journey within WWE began six years prior, when she signed with the company in early 2020. Her signing generated considerable buzz due to her lineage, immediately establishing her as a unique prospect. As the daughter of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, granddaughter of Rocky Johnson, and great-granddaughter of "High Chief" Peter Maivia, she carried the torch of one of professional wrestling’s most esteemed and impactful families. This made her the first recognized fourth-generation talent to sign with WWE, a distinction that underscored the weight of expectation and the rich heritage she represented.

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Upon joining WWE, Garcia Johnson commenced her training at the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The facility, renowned for developing future WWE Superstars, provided her with intensive instruction in wrestling fundamentals, character development, and the intricate performance aspects of sports entertainment. Her initial years were spent honing her craft away from the spotlight, a standard practice for many developmental talents.

Her on-screen debut for NXT occurred in October 2022, marking her as Ava Raine, a member of the enigmatic and villainous faction known as Schism. Led by the enigmatic Joe Gacy, and including Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid (formerly The Grizzled Young Veterans), Schism presented itself as a cult-like entity promoting messages of inclusivity and acceptance that often veered into manipulative and sinister undertones. Ava’s role within Schism was primarily that of an enforcer and mouthpiece, often delivering cryptic promos and supporting her faction mates at ringside. Her character was portrayed as intensely loyal to Gacy, adding a layer of mystique to the faction’s narrative.

During her tenure with Schism, Ava participated in a limited number of competitive matches, totaling six over her career. These bouts typically involved multi-person tags or six-person mixed tag matches, where she demonstrated nascent in-ring abilities while primarily focusing on her character’s presence and psychological impact. Her most notable in-ring appearances often involved interference or strategic maneuvers to aid Schism, reinforcing her role as a formidable, if not always directly competing, presence. These initial experiences provided her with valuable exposure to live television and the intricacies of character performance within a wrestling storyline.

In January 2023, Ava underwent a significant character evolution, transitioning from a member of Schism to an authority figure within NXT. She was officially introduced as the brand’s Assistant General Manager, a role that quickly evolved into her becoming the sole General Manager of NXT in July 2023. As NXT General Manager, Ava became a central figure on weekly programming, responsible for overseeing matches, making critical announcements, and resolving disputes between talent. Her portrayal as a heel (villainous) authority figure allowed her to exert control over the NXT roster, often making decisions that benefited certain performers or fueled rivalries, aligning with traditional wrestling tropes for such roles. Her presence added a distinct dynamic to NXT, providing a consistent on-screen authority who could advance storylines and dictate the flow of the show. For nearly three years, this managerial role was her primary contribution to WWE programming, showcasing her strong promo skills and ability to command attention without relying solely on in-ring competition.

The legacy of the Anoa’i and Maivia families in professional wrestling is unparalleled, with Ava’s connection adding another chapter to this storied dynasty. Her great-grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, was a legendary figure in the 1960s and 70s. Her grandfather, Rocky Johnson, was a groundbreaking African-American wrestler who, alongside Tony Atlas, became one-half of the first Black tag team champions in WWE history. Her father, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is arguably the most electrifying and globally recognized superstar in wrestling history, transcending the sport into a massively successful career in Hollywood. The family tree also extends to numerous other prominent wrestlers, including Roman Reigns, The Usos, Rikishi, Yokozuna, and Umaga, making it one of the most dominant bloodlines in sports entertainment. Ava’s position as the first fourth-generation talent within this lineage to sign with WWE underscored the immense pressure and unique opportunities that came with her surname.

Adding another layer of intrigue to her departure is her father’s current corporate role. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson currently serves on the Board of Directors for TKO Group Holdings, the parent company formed from the merger of WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Johnson’s appointment to the board and his acquisition of the trademark for "The Rock" name in January 2024 further solidified his influence within the organization. While his corporate position is distinct from his daughter’s career trajectory, the familial connection to one of TKO’s most prominent figures undoubtedly placed an additional spotlight on Ava’s tenure and subsequent exit.

The departure of talent from WWE is a regular occurrence within the dynamic landscape of professional wrestling. Many former WWE Superstars pursue opportunities on the independent circuit, join rival promotions such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, or transition into other forms of entertainment like acting, broadcasting, or entrepreneurship. While Ava’s specific future endeavors have not been publicly disclosed, her strong social media presence, family connections, and experience within the WWE system provide a foundation for various potential paths outside the company. Her six-year tenure, particularly her significant time as NXT General Manager, has provided her with invaluable experience in live television production and performance.

Ava’s exit marks the conclusion of a unique chapter in NXT, where she held a visible and influential authority role. Her departure will necessitate a new direction for the NXT General Manager position and potentially reshape ongoing storylines that involved her character. For Simone Garcia Johnson, it signifies a new turning point, as she steps away from the company that introduced her to the world of professional wrestling, leaving behind a legacy as the first fourth-generation talent to grace a WWE ring. The industry will closely observe her next steps, curious to see how she leverages her extensive family heritage and six years of professional experience in her future pursuits.

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