The Rock's Daughter's Shocking Path: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Ava's WWE NXT Journey

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's daughter, Simone Johnson, has successfully carved out a unique and compelling path in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring name Ava, proving her independence from her legendary father. As of December 2025, Ava is not just a rising talent; she has made history as the youngest General Manager (GM) in the history of WWE's developmental brand, NXT, a role that has completely redefined her trajectory from a potential in-ring competitor to a powerful on-screen authority figure. This pivot highlights a determination to succeed on her own terms, a sentiment her father, The Rock, has praised emotionally in recent interviews, confirming her desire to forge an independent legacy.

The journey of the first-ever fourth-generation WWE Superstar has been anything but traditional, involving a mysterious faction, an unexpected leadership position, and a constant, swirling speculation about her eventual involvement with her family’s dominant stable, The Bloodline. From her early training at the WWE Performance Center to her current, high-profile administrative role, Ava’s story is a fascinating evolution of a wrestling dynasty's heir choosing a completely unexpected route to stardom, all while embracing her identity and making headlines with her personal life.

Simone Johnson: The Biography of WWE's Youngest General Manager

Ava, born Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, carries one of the most storied bloodlines in professional wrestling history, connecting her to both the Maivia and Anoa’i families. Her career began with immense pressure, but she has consistently demonstrated a resolve to step out of her father’s shadow, a decision that has earned her respect within the industry. The following is a detailed look at the life and career of the young star.

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• Full Name: Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson
• Ring Name: Ava (previously Ava Raine)
• Date of Birth: August 14, 2001
• Place of Birth: Davie, Florida, USA
• Parents: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Dany Garcia
• Wrestling Generation: Fourth-Generation Superstar
• WWE Signing Date: February 2020
• On-Screen Debut: October 25, 2022 (as the fourth member of The Schism)
• In-Ring Debut: NXT Stand & Deliver (April 1, 2023) in an 8-person tag team match
• Current Role: WWE NXT General Manager (Youngest in WWE history)
• Notable Faction: The Schism (with Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, and Jagger Reid)

Simone Johnson signed with WWE in February 2020, becoming the youngest signee at the time and immediately drawing attention as the first-ever fourth-generation wrestler. Her mother, Dany Garcia, a successful businesswoman and producer, was Dwayne Johnson’s first wife and is a key figure in his career, making Ava's lineage a blend of athletic and entrepreneurial excellence. Her early training was marked by an injury that temporarily halted her progress, but she persevered, eventually debuting on NXT television in a shocking role that distanced her from her family’s heroic legacy.

The Shocking Pivot: From The Schism to NXT's Youngest Authority Figure

Ava's on-screen debut was one of the most unexpected in recent NXT history, immediately establishing her desire to forge her own path away from the shadow of The Rock. Instead of joining a heroic or dominant family stable, she was revealed as the mysterious fourth member—the "fourth root of Schism's tree"—of the dark and cult-like faction, The Schism, led by Joe Gacy.

This heel (villain) role allowed her to develop her character and microphone skills in a protected environment. Her official in-ring debut took place at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 1, 2023, where she teamed with Gacy, Rip Fowler, and Jagger Reid in an 8-person tag team match.

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However, her most significant career shift came in 2024 when she transitioned from a faction member to a non-wrestling, authoritative role. With the endorsement of WWE icons like William Regal and Shawn Michaels, Ava was appointed the General Manager of NXT, a position typically held by seasoned veterans.

This move was a stroke of genius by WWE, as it allowed the young star to gain invaluable experience in a high-pressure, high-visibility role without the immediate physical demands of a full-time in-ring career. She made history as the youngest General Manager in WWE history, demonstrating a maturity and presence far beyond her years in her weekly segments.

The Rock's Emotional Approval of Ava's Independence

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Dwayne Johnson has publicly expressed immense pride in his daughter’s journey, particularly her choice to create her own identity. He has been vocal about how Ava never asked him for help or advice, choosing instead to navigate the challenging world of professional wrestling independently.

He mentioned getting emotional when discussing her resolution to carve her own path, noting that she is fiercely independent. This support from a global superstar like The Rock underscores the respect she has earned by stepping away from the easy route and taking on a challenging administrative role.

The Bloodline Question: Will Ava Join Her Family's Dominant Faction?

The most persistent and high-interest question surrounding Ava's career is her connection to The Bloodline, the dominant faction led by her cousin, "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns. Ava's direct lineage connects her to the Anoa'i family through her grandfather, Rocky Johnson, and her great-grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia.

The expansive Anoa'i/Maivia wrestling dynasty includes legends and current stars such as:

• "High Chief" Peter Maivia (First Generation)
• Rocky Johnson (Second Generation, Ava's Grandfather)
• Ata Maivia (Ava's Grandmother)
• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Third Generation, Ava's Father)
• Roman Reigns (Cousin)
• The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso - Cousins)
• Solo Sikoa (Cousin)
• Nia Jax (Cousin)
• Yokozuna
• Rikishi

While Ava has spent her time in NXT, she has had intriguing on-screen interactions that tease a future family alliance. She has been seen in segments talking with Paul Heyman, the special counsel to Roman Reigns and the architect of The Bloodline, fueling continuous speculation that she could be the next member to be inducted into the stable.

The potential of Ava joining The Bloodline is a major storyline thread in WWE. Her current role as a General Manager gives her a unique position of power, which could be used to benefit her family on the main roster, potentially introducing a new layer of corporate intrigue to the faction. Former champions and wrestling pundits have openly discussed the genius of such a move, which would officially unite the fourth-generation star with her legendary family members.

Whether she eventually returns to the ring or maintains her authority role, Ava's journey is a testament to her dedication. She has successfully navigated the immense pressure of her family name, choosing a path that highlights her unique talents as a compelling on-screen personality and a savvy administrator. Her ability to make a name for herself outside of her father's shadow, combined with the recent news of her relationship with fellow NXT wrestler Tatyanna Dumas, ensures that Ava will remain one of the most talked-about figures in WWE for years to come.