Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, better known as Ava Raine, has bid farewell to WWE after a promising start in the ring. The 23-year-old wrestler shared the news on Instagram, marking the end of her contract with the organization that launched her father's legendary career. It's a tough call, but she's eyeing new horizons.
Hold onto your championship belts, because The Rock's daughter just dropped a bombshell! Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, aka Ava, announced she's not renewing her WWE contract, calling it a 'difficult decision' but one she's ready to embrace as she moves on from the squared circle that made her pops a global icon. 🔥
In a heartfelt Instagram statement shared Friday — just days after her final NXT appearance on Tuesday — Johnson reflected on her journey: "This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT & subsequently WWE," she wrote. "Thank you to all who have cheered, watched, and supported me through my journey." She added that it's "a new turning point in my life. It has been an honor & a privilege to be Ava."
Ava kicked off her wrestling career back in 2020 when WWE signed the 5'10" powerhouse under the ring names Ava and Ava Raine. Her in-ring debut came on April 1, 2023, at the NXT Stand & Deliver event, where she teamed up with The Schism for an eight-person tag team match. Post-Schism, she stepped into an on-screen role as assistant to Shawn Michaels before leveling up to general manager of NXT. Talk about climbing the ranks! 👏
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson couldn't be prouder, gushing last year about his daughter following in his footsteps while carving her own path. "She's an amazing human being," he said. Sources close to the family tell TMZ this exit is all about fresh opportunities, but fans are already buzzing — will we see Ava popping up in Hollywood next, or maybe another promotion? So, is this the end of an era or just the setup for Ava's blockbuster comeback? 😏