Simone Johnson Explains Why She Left WWE to Seek Growth
Simone Johnson, who performed in WWE as NXT General Manager Ava, left the promotion in January because she felt she needed room to grow outside the wrestling industry. According to interviews with Cody Rhodes on the Fanatics and WWE original production What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Johnson spent roughly a year weighing her departure before her contract expired in February.
The Evolution of the NXT General Manager Role
The transition away from sports entertainment brings distinct career hurdles for performers leaving structured developmental systems. Johnson noted that while her multi-year run inside the WWE NXT brand—which included overseeing the introduction of the NXT Women’s North American Championship—was valuable, it ultimately lacked the broader corporate trajectory she sought. The decision came down to timing as her contract approached its expiration date at the start of the year.
“I knew that my contract was up in February and a couple of things had been happening. There’s a lot of different reasons why I chose to leave, and it was incredibly hard, but I felt like it was time. I really, really wanted to grow, and I didn’t feel like I was in a position at WWE to where I could grow.”
Corporate Restructuring and Executive Transitions
For high-profile athletes and executives stepping away from major sports properties, managing contract expirations and career pivots requires specialized legal and operational oversight.
Johnson’s career pivot has already taken root in the entertainment sector. She now operates as a junior executive at Seven Bucks Productions, the enterprise co-founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia. In this capacity, her daily responsibilities involve reviewing scripts, compiling script notes, and participating in developmental meetings alongside writers, producers, and directors.
Future In-Ring Prospects and Physical Recovery
Despite stepping into a desk-bound executive role, Johnson has not completely shut the door on a future return to athletic competition. Addressing her physical status on the podcast, she indicated that lingering injuries require proper rehabilitation before any potential in-ring comeback can be scheduled. Managing physical wear and tear remains a critical priority for performers exiting intense athletic regimens.
Johnson admitted that she misses the physical demands of training after being sidelined during her final months with WWE, though her immediate focus remains fixed on her executive duties within the film and television production space.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.