The Rock’s Daughter Quietly Walks Away From WWE—Ava Raine’s Sudden Exit After Six Years Shocks NXT Fans
Simone Johnson, better known to WWE audiences as Ava Raine, has officially stepped away from WWE, bringing an unexpected end to her six-year journey with the company. The 24-year-old daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson confirmed the news through an emotional Instagram post, revealing that her recent NXT appearance was her final one.
A surprising goodbye with no storyline send-off
Ava’s departure came without any on-screen farewell, a move that immediately caught fans off guard. In her post, Simone shared that she chose not to renew her WWE contract — a decision she described as one of the toughest she’s ever made.
She thanked fans and colleagues for their support, calling her WWE run an “honor and a privilege,” while also acknowledging that this moment represents a major turning point in her life. Her exit marks the end of her role as NXT’s General Manager, a position she held as the youngest GM in the brand’s history.
Personal moment behind the scenes
Simone’s girlfriend, WWE star Tatyanna “Tanna D” Nicholas, also addressed the news on social media, asking fans for patience and understanding as they take time away from scheduled content. The message hinted at how personal and emotional this transition has been for both of them.
From in-ring debut to NXT power figure
Simone signed with WWE in 2020, continuing her family’s legendary wrestling lineage that includes her grandfather Peter Maivia and father The Rock. She made her television debut in 2022 as Ava Raine, briefly competing in the Schism faction before transitioning away from in-ring competition.
Her career took a sharp turn in January 2024 when she was named NXT General Manager at just 22 years old. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the brand’s direction and introduced the NXT Women’s North American Championship at Stand & Deliver.
The Rock’s pride — and an uncertain future
Just months before her exit, Dwayne Johnson publicly praised his daughter’s independence, expressing pride in her desire to forge her own path rather than rely on his legacy. That sentiment now feels especially relevant as Simone steps away from wrestling entirely.
What’s next remains unclear. Ava Raine has not announced her future plans, leaving fans to speculate whether acting, business ventures, or something completely unexpected awaits her next. One thing is certain — her quiet WWE exit has left a noticeable void in NXT and raised plenty of questions about her next chapter.
