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

Ava, the daughter of WWE legend Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, announced on Friday, January 30, 2026, her departure from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after a six-year tenure with the professional wrestling promotion. Her exit, which came as a significant surprise following her appearance on NXT programming earlier this week, marks a pivotal moment for the fourth-generation superstar.

In a statement released via her Instagram account, Ava confirmed her decision not to renew her contract with WWE. "This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT and subsequently WWE," Ava 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 announcement, issued just days after her on-screen presence, signals an immediate cessation of her involvement with the company.

WWE, in a rare public acknowledgement of a departing talent, issued its own statement regarding Simone Garcia Johnson, her real name. "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." Professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp, a respected voice in the industry, highlighted the unusual nature of WWE issuing such a formal statement for a departing performer, particularly one from its developmental brand, NXT. This suggests an amicable separation and a recognition of her unique position within the company.

Ava’s journey within WWE began in February 2020 when she was officially announced as having signed with the company, making her the first fourth-generation wrestler in WWE history. Following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, her grandfather, Rocky Johnson, and her father, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, she entered the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, to begin her intensive training. The pressure of such a storied lineage was immense, with immediate comparisons and expectations placed upon her. She spent considerable time honing her craft, learning the intricacies of professional wrestling, from in-ring mechanics to character development and promo delivery, under the tutelage of experienced coaches and former superstars.

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Her on-screen debut came nearly three years later, in October 2022, when she was unveiled as the mysterious fourth member of the villainous faction known as Schism. Led by Joe Gacy, Schism was characterized by its anti-establishment rhetoric and a cult-like devotion among its members, which also included Rip Fowler (formerly Zack Gibson) and Jagger Reid (formerly James Drake). As Ava Raine, she embraced the group’s dark aesthetic and ideology, aligning herself with their mission to recruit and indoctrinate individuals seeking a sense of belonging. Her role within Schism was primarily as a mouthpiece and an enforcer, delivering cryptic promos and supporting her stablemates. While part of Schism, Ava wrestled a limited number of matches, reportedly six in total, mostly in tag team contests or non-televised dark matches at NXT live events. These matches served to give her initial in-ring experience while maintaining her character’s aura. Her most prominent televised match was likely during a multi-person tag contest, showcasing glimpses of her developing in-ring style.

Approximately three years ago, Ava transitioned from an active wrestling role within Schism to an authoritative on-screen position, being appointed as the General Manager of NXT. This move marked a significant shift in her career trajectory, placing her in a pivotal position overseeing the brand’s weekly programming. As NXT GM, Ava was responsible for making matches, mediating disputes between talent, and enforcing rules, all while maintaining a commanding, no-nonsense persona. Her tenure as General Manager saw her involved in numerous key storylines, often clashing with established NXT champions and contenders, and setting the stage for major events. She brought a distinctive presence to the role, demonstrating a natural aptitude for live television and character portrayal, even without the physical demands of regular in-ring competition. Her performance as GM was generally well-received, highlighting her strong mic skills and ability to command attention, traits often cited as essential for success in professional wrestling.

The legacy Ava carries is unparalleled in professional wrestling. The Anoa’i and Maivia families represent arguably the most dominant and widespread dynasty in the sport’s history. It began with "High Chief" Peter Maivia, Ava’s great-grandfather, who was a respected Samoan-American wrestler in the mid-20th century. His daughter married Rocky Johnson, Ava’s grandfather, a trailblazing African-American wrestler who, alongside Tony Atlas, became one of the first black tag team champions in WWE history. Their son, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, transcended professional wrestling to become one of the most recognizable global entertainment figures. Beyond this direct lineage, the extended Anoa’i family tree includes an astounding number of Hall of Fame talents and current superstars, such as Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey and Jimmy), Solo Sikoa, Yokozuna, Umaga, Rikishi, and many others. Simone Garcia Johnson’s entry into WWE as the first fourth-generation talent carried the weight of this extraordinary heritage, setting her apart from virtually every other newcomer and placing an immense spotlight on her developmental journey.

Her departure comes at a time when her father, Dwayne Johnson, holds a significant corporate role within WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings. In January 2024, Johnson was appointed to the Board of Directors of TKO, the merged entity of WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and was granted full ownership of the trademarked name "The Rock." This corporate elevation underscored his enduring influence and commitment to the future of professional wrestling. Concurrently, Johnson made a highly anticipated return to WWE programming, culminating in a prominent role at WrestleMania 40, where he participated in the main event alongside Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. His corporate position and recent in-ring resurgence have further intertwined the Johnson family name with the highest echelons of WWE’s business and creative landscape.

During Ava’s six years under the WWE umbrella, the NXT brand itself underwent significant transformations. Originally established as WWE’s premier developmental territory, the "black and gold" era of NXT garnered critical acclaim for its high-quality matches and compelling storytelling, often rivaling the main roster shows. In late 2021, NXT transitioned into "NXT 2.0," adopting a more colorful, youth-focused presentation aimed at fast-tracking talent to the main roster. While some of the stylistic elements of NXT 2.0 have since evolved, the brand continues to serve as a crucial proving ground for future WWE superstars, regularly airing live on USA Network and featuring its own championship scene and major events like NXT Vengeance Day and NXT Stand & Deliver. Ava’s tenure spanned these evolutions, allowing her to experience different facets of the brand’s identity and contribute to its ongoing narrative as both a character and an authority figure. Recent NXT programming has seen a resurgence in viewership and critical reception, with a focus on fresh talent and innovative storylines, making her departure from the General Manager role a notable event for the brand.

While the specific reasons for Ava’s decision not to renew her contract have not been publicly disclosed beyond her statement of a "new turning point," such departures are not uncommon in the dynamic world of professional wrestling. Talents often seek new opportunities, different creative avenues, or pursue interests outside of the squared circle. Given her lineage and natural charisma, Ava possesses considerable potential in various fields. She could explore acting, follow her father’s footsteps into Hollywood, or potentially pursue independent wrestling ventures, offering her a different creative environment. The rarity of WWE’s formal statement, as noted by industry observers, strongly suggests that her departure was handled professionally and amicably, allowing both parties to move forward respectfully. This contrasts with more contentious exits that sometimes occur, indicating a mutual understanding and appreciation for her contributions during her time with the company.

Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson leaves WWE having forged her own path within the shadow of a colossal family legacy. As the first fourth-generation superstar and a prominent on-screen authority figure for NXT, she carved out a unique space for herself. Her future endeavors will undoubtedly be watched with interest, as she embarks on the next chapter of her professional life.

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