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Simone Johnson Leaves WWE After Final NXT Appearance, Posts ICE Criticism Days Later

WWE issued a public thank-you, with her next steps unclear.

Overview

  • Ava, born Simone Garcia Johnson, announced on Jan. 30 that she chose not to renew her WWE contract and that Jan. 27 was her last NXT appearance.
  • WWE released a statement praising her work in NXT and wishing her well, an acknowledgment outlets noted is not always routine for departing talent.
  • Johnson signed with WWE in 2020, debuted on NXT in 2022 with the Schism, wrestled sparingly, and later became NXT’s on-screen general manager.
  • No on-air write-off has occurred yet for her departure from NXT leadership, and the brand has not named a storyline replacement.
  • After leaving WWE, she posted on X criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration.