Simone Garcia Johnson, Known as Ava, Concludes Six-Year Tenure with WWE

Simone Garcia Johnson, professionally recognized as Ava and the eldest daughter of WWE icon Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has officially departed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) following a six-year association with the sports entertainment giant. Her exit, confirmed on Friday, January 31, 2026, marks the conclusion of her contract with the company, a decision she made not to renew.

The announcement came as a notable surprise within the professional wrestling community, particularly as Ava had made an on-screen appearance on WWE’s NXT brand programming just days prior, earlier in the week. Her departure was communicated through a personal statement released via her official Instagram account.

"This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT and subsequently WWE," Ava wrote in her public statement. "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 post garnered significant attention, prompting reactions from fans and industry figures alike.

In an uncommon move for the organization regarding talent departures, WWE issued its own statement acknowledging Ava’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." Professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp, known for his industry insights, highlighted the rarity of such an official corporate statement for a departing talent, suggesting the unique circumstances surrounding Ava’s lineage and role.

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Simone Garcia Johnson initially signed with WWE in February 2020, embarking on a path that positioned her as the first-ever fourth-generation superstar in the company’s storied history. This distinction places her in a unique echelon, extending a wrestling lineage that commenced with her great-grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, continued through her grandfather, Rocky Johnson, and reached global superstardom with her father, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Each of these preceding generations holds a revered place in professional wrestling, with Maivia and Rocky Johnson both inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The weight of such a legacy, characterized by immense expectation and scrutiny, became an inherent aspect of her journey from the outset.

Upon joining WWE, Johnson commenced training at the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. This facility is the primary developmental hub for aspiring WWE Superstars, providing comprehensive training in in-ring mechanics, character development, promo delivery, and overall physical conditioning. Her initial years were spent honing these skills away from the main television spotlight, a standard practice for most developmental talents. The rigorous training regimen at the Performance Center is designed to prepare athletes for the demanding schedule and performance expectations of professional wrestling.

Her on-screen debut came on October 25, 2022, under the ring name Ava Raine, at an NXT live event. She was subsequently introduced on NXT television as a member of "Schism," a villainous faction led by Joe Gacy, alongside Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid. In this role, Ava primarily functioned as a managerial figure and mouthpiece for the group, contributing to their enigmatic and cult-like persona. Her segments with Schism often involved cryptic promos and interference in matches, aiming to solidify the faction’s antagonist status within NXT.

During her tenure with Schism, Ava also participated in a limited number of competitive matches. She wrestled six matches as part of the faction, typically in multi-person contests or tag team bouts, showcasing foundational in-ring abilities developed during her training. These matches, while few, allowed her to gain practical experience in front of live audiences and contribute directly to the faction’s storylines. Her role within Schism, though not centered on a demanding in-ring schedule, provided her with crucial exposure to live television and character development.

A significant shift in Ava’s on-screen persona and role occurred in January 2023, when she transitioned from her active role with Schism to become the Assistant General Manager of NXT. This appointment elevated her to an authority figure position, working alongside then-NXT General Manager Shawn Michaels. Her responsibilities included making announcements, mediating disputes between wrestlers, and overseeing match stipulations. This role required a strong command of character and promo delivery, allowing her to further develop her non-wrestling performance skills.

By October 2023, Ava was promoted to the full-fledged General Manager of NXT, a position she held for approximately three years until her recent departure. As General Manager, Ava became a central figure in NXT programming, responsible for making key decisions regarding matches, championship opportunities, and disciplinary actions. She was frequently featured in segments interacting with the roster, arbitrating rivalries, and setting the stage for major events. Her portrayal as a stern, yet fair, authority figure contributed significantly to NXT’s narrative structure. This role is crucial in professional wrestling, as the GM often serves as a primary antagonist or facilitator of storylines, influencing the direction of the brand’s competitive landscape. Previous NXT General Managers, such as William Regal, have left indelible marks on the brand through their characterizations and decisions.

The context of Ava’s departure is further enriched by her father’s re-engagement with WWE and the broader corporate structure. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, beyond his legendary wrestling career that saw him become a multiple-time world champion and one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment, transitioned into a highly successful acting career in Hollywood. In recent months, Johnson has made a significant return to WWE programming, culminating in a prominent role at WrestleMania 40, where he competed in a tag team match alongside Roman Reigns.

More importantly, Johnson was appointed to the Board of Directors for TKO Group Holdings in January 2024. TKO Group Holdings is the publicly traded entity formed by the merger of WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) under Endeavor. His role on the board signifies a deep corporate involvement in the future direction of both combat sports and entertainment giants. This executive position places him in a unique dual role as both a beloved on-screen personality and a key decision-maker at the highest corporate level. The timing of Ava’s exit, while potentially coincidental, naturally invites speculation regarding any potential influence or discussions between father and daughter given their respective positions within the wrestling ecosystem.

The challenges faced by legacy talents in professional wrestling are well-documented. Children of famous wrestlers often grapple with immense pressure to live up to their parents’ accomplishments, facing heightened scrutiny from fans and critics from the moment they debut. While some, like Randy Orton (son of Bob Orton Jr.), Cody Rhodes (son of Dusty Rhodes), and Charlotte Flair (daughter of Ric Flair), have successfully carved out their own iconic careers, others have found the weight of expectation difficult to manage. Ava’s journey, from in-ring competitor to authority figure, demonstrates an adaptability often required to navigate such a high-pressure environment. Her six-year tenure provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, both as a performer and as an administrative character.

Looking ahead, Ava’s statement of a "new turning point" leaves her future endeavors open to various possibilities. Her experience in WWE, particularly her three years as an on-screen General Manager, has equipped her with valuable skills in public speaking, character portrayal, and understanding the nuances of live television production. These abilities could translate into continued work within professional wrestling, potentially with other major promotions such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Total Nonstop Action (TNA), or international circuits, where her name recognition and experience would be an asset. Alternatively, her skills could be applied to broader entertainment industries, broadcasting, or even corporate roles outside of wrestling.

For WWE and NXT, Ava’s departure necessitates a decision regarding the General Manager role. While NXT has historically experimented with various authority figures, including anonymous GMs, committees, or direct involvement from upper management like Shawn Michaels, the consistency of a dedicated GM character has been a staple. The company will need to determine whether to appoint a new face to the position or pivot to an alternative on-screen management structure for the brand.

Ava’s six-year tenure, culminating in her prominent role as NXT General Manager, concludes a significant chapter for the fourth-generation superstar. Her decision not to renew her contract marks a personal choice for a new direction, leaving behind a legacy of breaking barriers and contributing to the NXT brand during a period of evolution. The industry will observe with interest the next steps in the career of Simone Garcia Johnson, as she embarks on this new phase following her time with WWE.

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