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

Ava, the professional wrestling persona of Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson and the eldest daughter of WWE icon Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, officially concluded her six-year association with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on Friday, January 30, 2026. The departure, announced by Ava herself, stems from her decision not to renew her contract with the global sports entertainment giant. This development arrives as a notable surprise within the industry, particularly as Ava had made an appearance on WWE’s NXT programming just days prior, on Tuesday.

In a statement released via her Instagram account, Ava articulated the circumstances surrounding her exit. "This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT and subsequently WWE," she wrote. "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 statement underscored the personal nature of her choice and hinted at new directions in her career path, though specific future plans were not disclosed.

Ava’s six-year journey within the WWE ecosystem commenced with her signing a developmental contract in February 2020, making her the first fourth-generation superstar in WWE history. Her entry into professional wrestling carried the immense weight of her family’s legendary lineage, tracing back to her great-grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, her grandfather, Rocky "Soulman" Johnson, and her father, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson – all enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame. This unprecedented generational continuity placed a unique spotlight on her career from its inception, setting high expectations for her progression within the company’s developmental system.

Initially training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, Ava spent considerable time honing her craft before making her on-screen debut. Her first major appearance came in October 2022, under the ring name Ava Raine, when she was revealed as the newest member of the villainous faction Schism on the NXT brand. Schism, led by Joe Gacy and also comprising Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid, was characterized by its cult-like ideology and a narrative focus on societal disillusionment. As Ava Raine, she contributed to the faction’s enigmatic aura, often delivering cryptic promos and providing a silent, yet impactful, presence alongside her stablemates. During her tenure with Schism, she participated in a limited number of wrestling matches, with her official in-ring count standing at six bouts. These matches, primarily tag team contests, allowed her to gain foundational experience in front of a live audience, albeit within the protective framework of a faction storyline. Her role within Schism emphasized character development and storytelling over extensive in-ring competition, a common strategy for talent with a strong familial background or unique persona.

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A significant pivot in Ava’s WWE career occurred in January 2023, when she transitioned from her role within Schism to become the on-screen Assistant General Manager of NXT. This shift marked a departure from her in-ring persona, placing her in an authority figure capacity. Her duties as Assistant GM, and later as the sole General Manager of NXT for the past three years, involved making match announcements, mediating disputes between talent, and overseeing various storyline developments for the brand. This non-wrestling role allowed her to develop her speaking abilities, command presence, and contribute to the narrative structure of NXT programming without the physical demands of a regular wrestling schedule. Her final appearance on Tuesday’s NXT episode, which preceded her departure announcement, was in her capacity as the brand’s General Manager, further highlighting the sudden nature of her decision to move on.

In response to Ava’s announcement, WWE issued an official statement acknowledging her contributions and wishing her well. "WWE thanks and applauds Simone Garcia Johnson for her stellar work as Ava and beyond," the company stated. "Her passion, dedication, and impact were felt across the entire NXT and WWE community. We wish her the very best in all future endeavors." This corporate statement, while standard in its well-wishes, was noted by professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp as being atypical for talent departures. Sapp, a recognized reporter in the wrestling industry, highlighted that WWE does not routinely issue public statements for individuals departing its developmental or main roster, particularly when contracts are simply not renewed rather than being terminated. This unusual acknowledgment from WWE could be interpreted as a testament to her unique position within the company due to her lineage and the respect afforded to the Johnson family, or perhaps an indicator of the positive terms on which her exit was finalized.

The departure of a fourth-generation talent, especially one connected to a figure as globally renowned as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, carries broader implications for both the talent and the promotion. For Ava, leaving WWE opens avenues for exploration outside the traditional sports entertainment structure. The professional wrestling landscape has diversified significantly in recent years, with promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and various independent circuits offering alternative platforms for talent. While her in-ring experience was limited, her extensive character work and experience in an authority role within a major promotion like NXT could position her for various roles in or out of the wrestling industry, including continued managerial work, broadcasting, or pursuing ventures entirely separate from wrestling.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ava’s father, has maintained a significant connection with WWE, transitioning from his legendary in-ring career to a global Hollywood superstar, while still making sporadic, impactful returns to WWE programming. More recently, Johnson solidified his ties with the company by joining the Board of Directors for TKO Group Holdings, the parent company formed from the merger of WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This executive role places him at a strategic level within the organization, overseeing its direction and growth. His daughter’s departure, therefore, occurs within a context where the family’s influence and engagement with WWE are multifaceted and enduring.

The Maivia-Johnson wrestling dynasty represents one of the most storied bloodlines in the history of professional wrestling. "High Chief" Peter Maivia, a Samoan-American professional wrestler, gained prominence in the 1960s and 70s. His daughter, Ata Maivia, married Rocky Johnson, an African-American professional wrestler who formed one-half of the first black tag team to win a WWE (then WWF) championship. Their son, Dwayne Johnson, transcended the sport to become one of the most successful entertainers globally, defining an era of WWE and inspiring countless performers. Ava’s decision to not renew her contract marks a personal choice within this powerful legacy, demonstrating an independent direction for her career trajectory.

In conclusion, Ava’s departure from WWE after six years signifies a pivotal moment for Simone Garcia Johnson. Her journey, from pioneering fourth-generation talent to a featured authority figure on NXT, concludes with a mutual parting, as confirmed by her statement and WWE’s rare public acknowledgment. The move prompts speculation regarding her next steps in a dynamic entertainment industry, while underscoring the enduring legacy of her family within professional wrestling, even as one of its newest chapters closes.