Simone Johnson reflects on WWE departure after a year of contemplation

Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 1:00 AM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Simone Johnson reflects on WWE departure after a year of contemplation
Summary

Simone Johnson, the former WWE NXT General Manager known as Ava, announced her departure from WWE at the end of January. In a recent podcast, she revealed that she had considered leaving for about a year. Johnson expressed her desire for growth and learning outside WWE, stating that she felt her position at the company was limiting. Her experience at WWE included being booed during a storyline involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock, which influenced her perspective on her journey. She emphasized gratitude for her time with WWE but recognized it was time for a change.

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Key Details
  • •Simone Johnson announced her WWE departure in January.
  • •She had considered leaving WWE for about a year.
  • •Johnson felt limited in her growth at WWE.
  • •Her decision was influenced by fan reactions during a storyline.
  • •She expressed gratitude for her time in WWE.
Latest Updates
  • 1:00 AMWrestling Inc — Simone Johnson Reflects On WWE Departure, Says She'd Been Thinking About It For A Year
What they're saying
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Simone Johnson, formerly known as "WWE NXT" General Manager Ava, said she had been thinking about her WWE departure for about a year before actually leaving.

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