Simone ‘Ava’ Johnson left WWE abruptly, drawing attention as the company seems to be deliberately avoiding any public reference to her. The departure surfaced quietly during a recent WWE NXT episode, where Interim NXT General Manager Robert Stone spoke with reigning NXT North American Champion Ethan Page but carefully circumvented mentioning Ava’s name.
Stone acknowledged Ethan Page’s previous struggles with authority figures and referenced other general managers from RAW and SmackDown, stating,
“Ethan, before you say anything, I know the past regime here, you don’t always see eye to eye with Aldis or Pearce. I want to change that first.”
This avoidance reflects WWE’s growing discomfort with publicizing Ava’s exit, especially after Robert Stone was appointed Interim NXT GM by Shawn Michaels, who also refrained from naming Ava when discussing the vacant position. Such silence underlines a clear shift in WWE’s approach to Ava’s status post-departure.
Reasons Behind Ava’s Departure and Company Response
Reports indicate that Johnson decided to leave WWE primarily because the company chose not to offer her a salary increase, despite her lengthy tenure. Wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez noted this decision contrasted heavily with Ava’s expectations and paralleled Jazmyn Nyx’s similar exit in 2025, when Nyx left over compensation issues she deemed insufficient for her commitment to WWE.
The silent sidelining of Ava, despite her role as a former NXT General Manager, raises questions about WWE’s handling of talent departures and internal management philosophy. It also emphasizes tension between performers and the promotion’s leadership related to pay and recognition.
Wider Context Within WWE’s Current Management and Talent Relations
Robert Stone’s emergence as the interim leader at NXT coincides with a period of transition, with Shawn Michaels holding significant influence behind the scenes. However, WWE’s reluctance to openly address Ava’s situation hints at a broader pattern of strained communication between management and talent.
This environment is marked by friction, especially for performers like Ethan Page, who have struggled with authority figures, and former wrestlers who have publicly refused to engage in some WWE traditions, such as the Hall of Fame inductions. For example, a retired WWE star recently declined a “solo” Hall of Fame induction, signaling growing unrest within the wrestling community about how their contributions are valued.
Potential Implications for Future WWE Developments
WWE’s decision to quietly move past Ava’s departure may influence how other talent perceive their position within the company, particularly regarding compensation and respect from management. The pattern suggests WWE will continue to manage internal disputes with a low profile to avoid public controversy.
Going forward, how WWE navigates these departures and the appointment of new leadership figures like Robert Stone could have lasting effects on locker room morale and the promotion’s public image. Fans and insiders will be watching closely to see whether future contract negotiations and talent treatment improve or continue to spark discontent.
