WWE recently commented on the sudden departure of Ava, who acted as NXT’s GM.
In a surprise move this week, Ava announced that she would be leaving WWE. The move seemed to indicate Ava had chosen not to renew her contract with the company. In a report from Fightful Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select) on the news, WWE commented on the move.
“WWE thanks and applauds Simone Garcia Johnson for her stellar work as Ava and beyond. Her passion, dedication, and impact were felt across the entire NXT and WWE community. We wish her the very best in all future endeavors,” said WWE in their statement.
Simone Johnson is the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She joined WWE in February 2020 to begin training. This made her the first fourth-generation wrestler to sign a contract with WWE. Johnson made her first televised appearance on the October 25, 2022, episode of NXT, as Ava Raine, a member of Joe Gacy’s Schism faction.
Ava Raine was later shortened to the mononym Ava, and she later became the on-air assistant to Shawn Michaels. A short time later, Ava was promoted to the role of General Manager of NXT, which also made her the youngest general manager in WWE history.
In addition to her role on NXT, Ava was also the inaugural GM of WWE’s Evolve brand.
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