Ava: 'I don't regret leaving WWE'

Simone Johnson, better known as Ava in WWE, left the company at the beginning of the year for personal reasons. The former NXT General Manager no longer wanted to continue in that role, so she needed a change of scenery to redirect her professional life in another direction.

It was also rumored that her anti-Trump political stance had caused her some problems, but this was never confirmed. In any case, Simone does not regret that decision, as she explained in a recent interview on The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi when asked about the issue.

"Unfortunately, there wasn't a single specific reason. It was many things and it was something that had been on my mind for a while. I am very grateful for my time in WWE. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I was able to fulfill my dream. It was simply time to do something new and different. I don't regret leaving and now I am very happy," she declared.

As a wrestler, Ava barely had half a dozen matches in NXT, half of them in non-televised live shows. When her faction (Schism) was dissolved, Ava was appointed General Manager of the brand. An appointment endorsed by William Regal, the most beloved General Manager in the history of the developmental brand. This new role suggested that her career as a wrestler had not really taken off.

However, her time did not leave fans indifferent. Hated and loved in equal measure, Ava had to deal with many criticisms from the moment she debuted in NXT, whether for her questionable quality in the ring or her position as General Manager. Being The Rock's daughter prevented her from being respected beyond the Performance Center. Now she can enjoy a new stage in her life away from the professional wrestling business.