Add as a preferred source on Google Ava, The Rock’s daughter, opened up for the first time about her WWE departure, which happened in January after six years with the company.
Speaking in a recent interview on The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi, Simone Johnson denied that her decision came down to one specific incident. According to her, the exit was the result of several factors that had built up over a long period of time.
“There wasn’t one particular thing, unfortunately. It was a lot of things and something that had been on my mind for a while. I am so grateful for my time in WWE. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I got to live out the dream. It was time for something new and different. I don’t regret leaving and I’m really happy now.”
Ava arrived at the WWE Performance Center in 2020, becoming the first fourth-generation wrestler in company history. She later began appearing on NXT as a member of Schism before moving into a more prominent role outside the ring.
In January 2024, she was announced as NXT General Manager, becoming the youngest person to hold that role in WWE history.
After her departure, WWE released a rare public statement thanking Simone Garcia Johnson for her work and highlighting her dedication.
With the role left vacant, Shawn Michaels announced Robert Stone as the interim General Manager of WWE’s developmental brand. The move came just a few days after Ava’s departure.
Simone currently works with her mother, Dany Garcia, while also producing travel content and behind-the-scenes looks at her personal life alongside Tatyanna Dumas. She also indicated that she still plans to maintain some kind of public presence, but not at the same level of exposure she had during her WWE run.