Simone Garcia Johnson, better known by her ring name Ava Raine, made headlines when she joined WWE’s NXT brand in 2020. At only 19 years old, she faced intense scrutiny as the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of wrestling’s biggest icons. Her association with her famous father placed immense pressure on her to prove herself or risk being dismissed as a product of nepotism. WWE acknowledged this challenge by initially shielding her from the spotlight, allowing her to develop away from heavy comparisons.
Ava made her in-ring debut as part of Joe Gacy’s cult faction, Schism, showing promise as a wrestler. However, her time competing was short-lived as she soon transitioned out of wrestling and into a non-wrestling role. In January 2024, Ava was appointed as the General Manager (GM) of NXT, stepping into a prominent leadership position within WWE’s developmental system.
The Struggles of Ava Raine as NXT’s General Manager
Ava’s role as NXT’s GM was met with skepticism from fans and critics alike. Many perceived the position to be a temporary assignment rather than a strategic move to develop her character. There were doubts about whether an unproven rookie wrestler should be trusted with the authority and responsibilities of managing NXT, especially when those decisions seemed disconnected from storylines or consistency, fueling accusations of favoritism.
Critics were vocal about her performance; a Wrestling Observer YouTube segment bluntly stated,
Ava may be the worst GM ever.
Despite this harsh judgment, Ava did display some growth over time and delivered her dialogue with sincerity. Nevertheless, she rarely deviated from a predictable pattern each week — setting up matches and reacting to wrestlers, all without ever returning to the ring herself. This repetitive approach limited her ability to connect deeply with the audience or expand her role within the company.
The Unfulfilled Potential for a Main Roster Role
Given her unique heritage and wrestling lineage, Ava had potential opportunities beyond developmental wrestling. There was room for her to become a General Manager, assistant, or backstage interviewer on WWE’s flagship shows, Raw or SmackDown. Yet, those opportunities never materialized, and her career remained stagnant in NXT while many of her peers advanced to the main roster.
Her experience with the passionate WWE fan base also proved challenging. Following controversy when her father attempted to take Cody Rhodes’s WrestleMania spot, Ava faced backlash and reportedly even death threats from fans. This hostile environment likely contributed to her disengagement from WWE.
Ava’s Departure and What It Means Moving Forward
Last week, Ava announced the end of her WWE contract and her departure from the company. Immediately after leaving, she sparked attention with a critical tweet directed at ICE and the Trump administration, which was posted from a deactivated social media account. This outspoken stance gained her new supporters but highlighted her desire to distance herself from WWE.
Despite carrying the legacy of The Rock, Ava’s WWE career never fully matched the high expectations surrounding her. The company’s inability to leverage her skills beyond a limited managerial role and her struggles within that role ultimately contributed to her early exit. Ava’s frustration and lack of passion for her WWE career became evident in her farewell actions and statements, signaling that professional wrestling may no longer be her chosen path.
Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in WWE NXT’s narrative, underscoring the challenge of balancing expectations tied to family legacy with authentic personal ambition. Ava Raine’s story serves as a reminder that even within a globally recognized brand like WWE, success requires more than famous lineage—it demands opportunity, passion, and meaningful creative direction.
