Former WWE NXT manager and Schism member Ava Raine, born Simone Johnson, ended her six-year tenure with WWE in January 2026. The 24-year-old daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made the decision not to renew her contract, stepping away from the global wrestling powerhouse.
Nearly six months later, Johnson has opened up about her exit in an interview on the podcast The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi. She explained that there was no single reason for leaving; rather, it was a culmination of many factors that had been weighing on her mind. “There wasn’t one particular thing, unfortunately. It was like a lot of things and had been something that was on my mind for a while,” she said. Johnson expressed gratitude for her WWE experience, stating she would not change it for the world and that she got to live out her childhood dream. But ultimately, she felt it was time for something new and different. “I don’t regret leaving, and I’m really happy now,” she added.
Since her departure, Johnson has shifted her focus to working alongside her mother, Dany Garcia, who is a prominent businesswoman and co-founder of Seven Bucks Companies. In the same interview, Johnson discussed the possibility of returning to WWE in the future. She acknowledged that a certain degree of return is always possible but expressed uncertainty about wanting to participate in entertainment at the scale she did with WWE. “I feel like so much of my life was public for so long. I’m not sure if I would want to participate in entertainment in the scale that I did when I was at WWE,” she said. She now enjoys creating travel vlogs and engaging with an audience on her own terms, finding a balance between being public and maintaining privacy.
Johnson’s journey in WWE began at the Performance Center, where she trained as a wrestler under the name Ava Raine. As a member of the renowned Anoa’i wrestling family, she carried significant expectations. Her father, The Rock, is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling and Hollywood. Her grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and her uncles, Afa and Sika Anoa’i, are also revered in the industry. Johnson made her main roster debut as part of Joe Gacy’s Schism, a faction that blended psychological drama with in-ring action. She later became the general manager of NXT, where she oversaw storylines and talent development.
The decision to leave WWE is especially significant given the intense public scrutiny that comes with being the daughter of The Rock. Johnson’s every move was watched by fans and media, placing her under a microscope from a young age. Her time in WWE saw high expectations for her to follow in her father’s footsteps, but she chose to carve her own path. The pressure to succeed in a family known for its wrestling legacy can be immense, and Johnson’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges of living up to a famous surname while trying to establish individual identity.
Beyond her personal journey, Johnson’s exit reflects broader trends in professional wrestling, where younger talent increasingly seek opportunities outside the ring. The shift towards brand building, content creation, and personal ventures has become common among wrestlers. Johnson’s move to work with her mother in business allows her to explore new avenues without the constraints of a full-time wrestling schedule. Her mother, Dany Garcia, is not only a manager but also a successful entrepreneur and producer, giving Johnson a solid foundation for a career beyond WWE.
The timing of Johnson’s departure also aligns with a period of change within WWE itself. The company has undergone significant transformations under new leadership, including mergers and rebranding efforts. Many wrestlers and staff have reconsidered their roles in the evolving landscape. Johnson’s decision could be seen as part of a larger movement toward greater autonomy and alternative career paths.
Johnson’s comments about her future involvement in entertainment indicate a desire for a more measured public life. She appreciates the creative outlet of making travel vlogs, which allows her to share experiences without the high-pressure environment of live television. This approach reflects a growing preference among celebrities to control their own narratives through social media and digital platforms.
The Anoa’i family continues to be a dominant force in wrestling, with members like Roman Reigns and Nia Jax maintaining prominent roles. However, Johnson’s departure from WWE does not sever her ties to the industry. She remains a part of this storied lineage, and her experiences could inform future projects, whether in entertainment, business, or other fields.
In the end, Johnson’s story is one of self-discovery and prioritizing personal happiness over external expectations. Her willingness to speak openly about her decision provides valuable insight into the complexities of being a second-generation performer. As she moves forward, Johnson is focused on building a life that feels authentic to her, free from the constraints of a predetermined path.
Source: Yahoo Sports News