The Rock's Daughter Ava Announces WWE Departure, Explains Decision to Not Renew Contract
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's daughter, Ava, announced Friday that she did not renew her WWE contract and is departing the company.
In a post on Instagram, Ava wrote, "This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT and subsequently WWE. 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."
Ava, whose real name is Simone Garcia Johnson, signed a developmental contract with WWE back in 2020. She made her televised appearance in NXT in late 2022, beginning as a wrestler under the name Ava Raine.
As a member of a heel faction known as Schism, Ava wrestled only a few televised matches before transitioning into a non-wrestling role.
The 24-year-old had been the general manager of NXT since January 2023, and she appeared on the show as recently as this week's episode of NXT.
No angle to write Ava off NXT programming was run on that show, and it remains to be seen if her departure will be addressed next week on NXT.
If an on-screen replacement is named for Ava as the chief authority figure in NXT, Robert Stone is an option since he has been serving as Ava's assistant. NXT head Shawn Michaels, who has made televised appearances from time to time, could also be a possibility.
