Simone Johnson, better known to WWE fans as Ava, has officially parted ways with WWE after six years with the company. The daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ava made history as a fourth-generation superstar, but now she’s closing the chapter on her WWE journey—for now.
While she didn’t spend long inside the ring, Ava left a lasting mark as General Manager of NXT, a role that showcased her charisma, presence, and potential far beyond in-ring action.
From Schism to the NXT Office: Ava’s WWE Journey
Ava first joined WWE in 2020, training at the WWE Performance Center with big expectations surrounding her due to her family legacy. She later debuted as a member of the mysterious Schism faction alongside Joe Gacy and The Grizzled Young Veterans on NXT. The group had a unique aesthetic and gave Ava her first real taste of on-screen storytelling.
However, her time as a wrestler was short-lived. Rather than continuing in the ring, Ava transitioned into an authority role, eventually becoming the General Manager of NXT—a role similar to Adam Pearce on Raw and Nick Aldis on SmackDown.
Highlights as NXT General Manager
In her time as GM, Ava:
- Announced matches and managed rivalries on NXT
- Worked alongside Shawn Michaels in storyline roles
- Had memorable segments with stars like Ethan Page, Blake Monroe, Paul Heyman, and Stevie Turner
- Introduced titles and big matches, playing a key leadership figure on-screen
- Appeared with her father, The Rock, on WWE programming—a big moment for fans
One unique highlight was her inclusion in WWE 2K, where fans could select her as a General Manager in MyGM mode, and even use her as a ringside manager.
Ava Bids Farewell to WWE
On Instagram, Ava confirmed that her appearance this past Tuesday on NXT was her last. She chose not to renew her WWE contract, sharing an emotional message with fans:
“This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT & subsequently WWE… 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 & a privilege to be Ava.”
Though Ava didn’t specify what’s next, her departure opens the door to new possibilities—whether in wrestling, acting, hosting, or something entirely different.
What’s Next for Ava?
Right now, her next steps remain a mystery. There’s always the chance she could return to wrestling in the future, either in WWE or elsewhere. Given her experience, legacy, and industry connections, Ava has many options in both entertainment and sports media.
Many fans are also hopeful that this isn’t the end of her story in professional wrestling. Whether or not she ever laces up the boots again, her time as a GM has proven that she has what it takes to own the spotlight.
