Simone Johnson, known to WWE fans as Ava Raine, has stepped away from the wrestling world after a notable six-year run. The 24-year-old daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared the news on Instagram, marking the end of her time as NXT’s General Manager and a key figure in the promotion.
A difficult goodbye
In her emotional post, Simone reflected on her journey with gratitude. “This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT and subsequently WWE,” she wrote. “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,” she added.Her girlfriend, fellow WWE star Tatyanna “Tanna D” Nicholas, echoed the sentiment on their shared social media account. They announced a pause on scheduled content, asking for respect during this transition. “We appreciate your continued support and understanding,” Tanna D added, highlighting the personal weight of the moment.
Simone’s exit comes without a scripted farewell angle on NXT, leaving fans wondering how the brand will address the void left by its youngest-ever GMELook at her post hereID@undefined Caption not available.
Carving her own legacy
Simone joined WWE in 2020 as the fourth generation of her family in wrestling, following her grandfather Peter Maivia and father, The Rock. Debuting on TV in 2022 as Ava Raine, she wrestled briefly in the Schism faction before shifting to a managerial role. By January 2024, at age 22, she became NXT GM, introducing the NXT Women’s North American Championship at Stand & Deliver.Just months ago, Dwayne Johnson teared up praising her independence. “I’m so proud of her,” he told MTV UK in September 2025. “She wants to do what I do but on her own path. That was a big deal for me.” His words underscored theSimone Johnson, known to wrestling fans as Ava Raine, has stepped away from WWE after six impactful years. The 24-year-old daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made the announcement on Instagram, marking the end of her tenure as NXT’s General Manager and her wrestling persona.That pride underscores a family bond steeped in wrestling history. Yet Simone’s choice signals growth beyond the squared circle. Fans speculate on her next steps, from acting to other ventures, but she has shared no specifics yet.
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