WWE confirms major exit hours before Royal Rumble 2026

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Meanwhile, the company made no comments on Ava’s departure, but it subtly confirmed it hours before the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Today, the company’s website updated the 24-year-old star’s profile and moved it to the alumni section, confirming her exit from the Stamford-based promotion.

Many assumed Ava would remain with the company for years due to her family ties, but Simone Johnson decided to leave the Stamford-based promotion on her own accord. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for Ava Raine in the industry.

Who can replace Ava on WWE NXT?

In her early years, Ava Raine, aka Simone Johnson, was an in-ring performer in the making and joined The Schism on the developmental brand. Eventually, the faction broke up, and Ava took on backstage duties on the developmental brand as an on-screen character.

In the coming years, she became the official General Manager of NXT and ran the weekly product. With Ava gone from the Stamford-based promotion, there are names from the past that could take on the on-screen role to assist Shawn Michaels.

Recently, Shayna Baszler showcased interest in becoming the next NXT General Manager following Ava’s exit from the Stamford-based promotion. The Queen of Spades is a legend on the developmental brand, and could add her own flair to the role if WWE decides to make her the new General Manager.