In a stunning development that caught the professional wrestling world off guard, Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, widely known to WWE fans as Ava, has officially announced her departure from the world's largest wrestling promotion. The announcement, made via her Instagram account on Friday, marks the end of a six-year journey with WWE, a tenure that saw her evolve from an in-ring competitor to one of NXT's most prominent authority figures. The timing of this revelation has left many industry observers and fans alike scratching their heads, particularly since she appeared on NXT programming just days before making her exit public.
The 24-year-old performer confirmed that she made the difficult decision not to renew her contract with WWE, effectively ending her association with the company that has been her professional home since she was a teenager. In her heartfelt social media message, Ava expressed profound gratitude to the WWE Universe while acknowledging the weight of her choice. "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."
What makes this departure particularly noteworthy is the context of her recent on-screen activity. Just three days before her announcement, Ava was featured prominently on NXT television, fulfilling her duties as the brand's general manager without any indication that her time with the company was drawing to a close. This lack of foreshadowing has led to widespread speculation about the circumstances surrounding her decision and whether internal factors played a role in her choice to walk away from a high-profile position.
For the past three years, Ava has served as the exclusive on-screen general manager of NXT, WWE's developmental brand that has evolved into a respected third roster alongside Raw and SmackDown. In this capacity, she became a fixture of Tuesday night programming, presiding over contract signings, making matches, and serving as the authoritative figure who maintained order in the chaotic world of NXT. Her role as GM allowed her to develop her mic skills, establish her character, and gain invaluable experience in a non-wrestling capacity that many performers find more sustainable than the physically demanding in-ring career.
However, Ava's journey with WWE didn't begin behind a desk. Before stepping into her authority role, she actually competed inside the squared circle as a member of the villainous faction known as Schism. During that period, she participated in six official matches, embracing her dark persona and learning the fundamentals of professional wrestling at the highest level. This experience, though brief, gave her a unique perspective when she later transitioned to management, as she understood firsthand the physical and psychological demands placed on the athletes she would eventually oversee.
The significance of Ava's WWE tenure extends beyond her on-screen contributions. As the daughter of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, perhaps the most successful crossover star in wrestling history, Simone carried the weight of immense expectations from the moment she signed with WWE. She represents the first fourth-generation superstar in company history, following in the footsteps of her father, grandfather Rocky Johnson, and great-grandfather Peter Maivia. This unprecedented lineage made her signing a major news story in 2020 and meant that every step of her career was scrutinized through the lens of her family's legendary status.
The wrestling industry took particular notice of how WWE handled her departure. Professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp pointed out that WWE doesn't typically issue statements about departing talent, especially those who choose not to renew their contracts. This made the company's official response all the more significant. "WWE thanks and applauds Simone Garcia Johnson for her stellar work as Ava and beyond," the organization stated. "Her passion, dedication, and impact were felt across the entire NXT and WWE community. We wish her the very best in all future endeavors."
The decision to release such a statement suggests that Ava's contributions were valued at the highest levels of the company and that her exit was handled with a degree of respect not always afforded to departing performers. This could indicate that the split was amicable and that doors may remain open for a potential return down the line, a common occurrence in professional wrestling.
Adding another layer of intrigue to this story is the corporate connection between Ava's family and WWE's ownership structure. Her father, Dwayne Johnson, currently serves on the Board of Directors for TKO Group Holdings, the parent company that owns both WWE and UFC. This unique position has led to speculation about whether his board membership influenced his daughter's career path or her decision to leave. While there's no evidence of direct involvement, the intersection of family and corporate governance in such a public manner is virtually unprecedented in professional sports or entertainment.
At just 24 years old, Ava now faces the challenge of forging her own path outside the structured world of WWE. Her decision to leave at such a relatively young age, and from a secure position as a television personality, suggests she may have other aspirations beyond professional wrestling. Whether those ambitions lie in acting like her father, pursuing further education, exploring opportunities in other sports, or something entirely different remains to be seen. What is clear is that she has the financial security, name recognition, and family support to pursue virtually any path she chooses.
The impact of her departure on NXT will be immediate. WWE must now either replace her as general manager or restructure how authority figures are presented on the brand. Her absence creates a void in the storytelling framework of NXT, where the GM role has been central to many plotlines and character developments. The creative team will need to address this change on-air in the coming weeks, potentially writing her out of storylines or acknowledging her exit directly.
For the WWE Universe, Ava's departure serves as a reminder of the transient nature of professional wrestling careers. Even those with the most famous names in the industry and seemingly secure positions can choose to walk away when the time feels right. Her journey from legacy signing to authority figure to free agent encapsulates the modern wrestling experience, where performers have more agency than ever before in determining their career trajectories.
As the news continues to reverberate throughout the wrestling world, many are reflecting on Ava's unique contribution to WWE. While she may not have achieved the in-ring greatness of her forebears, she carved out her own identity within the company and handled the immense pressure of her lineage with grace and professionalism. Her six-year run, particularly her three years as the face of NXT management, left an indelible mark on the brand and its fans.
The professional wrestling community now watches with interest to see what chapter Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson will write next. Whether she eventually returns to the family business in some capacity or ventures into completely new territory, her time as Ava in WWE will remain a significant part of her personal and professional story. For now, she leaves behind a legacy as a fourth-generation star who honored her family's tradition while bravely choosing to step away on her own terms.