Simone Johnson (WWE’s Ava Raine) announced on Thursday that Tuesday was her final appearance in WWE as she has left the company. In a statement posted on her Instagram account, the Rock’s daughter announced the news, writing, “This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT & 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 & a privilege to be Ava.”
Ava made history when she arrived at WWE’s Performance Center in 2020, as she was the first-ever fourth-generation wrestler signed to the company. She made her televised debut in 2022 as a member of the Schism. Her in-ring debut came later that year as she took part in an eight-man tag team match against Chase University. As the Schism was dissolved, Ava found herself in a new backstage role as she became the assistant to Shawn Michaels. In January 2024, Ava was elevated to the General Manager of NXT, becoming the youngest ever to hold the position. In the ensuing years, Ava oversaw NXT’s announcement of the Women’s North American Championship, the first secondary women’s title in the company, and took on a lead role with WWE Evolve.
Ava ends her six-year tenure in WWE having wrestled six matches but with numerous television appearances both in her role with the Schism and as NXT’s GM.
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