Bearing one of the most well-known last names in sports entertainment, Simone Johnson, known to WWE fans as Ava Raine, stepped into the wrestling world with history already written around her. Being a daughter of Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and a proud third (and fourth) generation member of the legendary line of Anoa’i wrestlers, Ava had an easy time both ascending WWE and being intimidated by it.

Since she was signed by WWE, Ava Raine has been more than just another rookie trying to find her place in the company; she has been an icon of tradition, anticipation, and transformation. As she strived to establish her own identity on NXT, her family wrestling legacy was never too distant, and it influenced the perception the fans and critics gave every single step she took.

So what happens when someone born into a wrestling dynasty decides it is time to turn the page?

On January 30, Ava Raine quietly but decisively confirmed that her time with WWE had come to an end. Taking to Instagram, she revealed that she chose not to renew her contract, marking her final appearance with the company earlier that week on NXT.

“This past Tuesday was my last appearance on NXT & subsequently WWE. 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 & a privilege to be Ava.”, Ava posted on Instagram. 

The post, simply captioned “Thank you,” on her Instagram struck a reflective and emotional tone, signaling both gratitude and closure. It was less about an ending and more about acknowledging a chapter that shaped her personally and professionally.

"I loved being your mayor. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”, she echoed that sentiment on X (formerly Twitter). “ The message felt deeply personal, especially for fans who had watched her transition into one of the youngest on-screen authority figures in WWE history as NXT’s General Manager.

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Before stepping away, how did Ava Raine define her WWE journey on her own terms?

In February 2020, Ava agreed to a contract with WWE and took up the challenge to become part of the family tradition of wrestling and make her own legacy. She later joined the Schism camp after first appearing on NXT television in 2022 as Ava Raine before slowly featuring in in-ring action.

The injuries and creative direction steered her down the path of non-wrestling roles, and eventually, she found a unique niche as the on-screen General Manager of NXT, becoming the youngest to ever be in that role. Instead of running towards the comparisons of her father with his electric in-ring legacy, the WWE run of Ava was about flexibility, endurance and searching for a meaning outside anticipated expectations.

Ava Raine is not going to forget her association with wrestling, but by going outside of WWE, this aspect is redefined. It was not about perpetuating a legacy, but finding how the legacy fits in her personal life story.

Much like how WWE entered a new era decorated with Netflix, Raine too takes the initiative to do what she wants in her own life and confidence to decide on her own timeline despite the historical trends that have aligned her with the opposite.

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With Ava Raine closing this chapter, where do you think her journey leads next? Drop your predictions and join the conversation below.