NXT General Manager Ava announced today via Instagram that she is leaving WWE. The 24-year-old, whose real name is Simone Johnson, stated that she is concluding her tenure with the company.
Ava is the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She signed with WWE in February 2020, reporting to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Her signing marked her as the first fourth-generation wrestler in WWE history, following her father, grandfather Rocky Johnson, and great-grandfather High Chief Peter Maivia.
She made her televised debut on the October 25, 2022, episode of NXT, revealing herself as a member of the faction The Schism, led by Joe Gacy. Performing under the name Ava Raine (later shortened to Ava), she acted as a manager and valet for the group.
Her in-ring debut took place at the NXT Stand & Deliver premium live event on April 1, 2023. She competed in an eight-person tag team match, teaming with The Schism against Chase University.
Following the dissolution of The Schism in late 2023, Ava transitioned to an on-screen authority role. She initially appeared as an assistant to Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels.
On January 23, 2024, she was appointed the General Manager of NXT. At 22 years old, the appointment made her the youngest General Manager in the history of WWE.
During her time as GM, she oversaw daily operations of the brand and facilitated roster moves. A significant development during her tenure occurred at NXT Stand & Deliver in April 2024, when she announced the creation of the NXT Women’s North American Championship, establishing a secondary title for the women’s division. She remained in the General Manager position until her announcement today.
