Simone Johnson, daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, made her WWE debut as Ava Raine in 2022, serving as a member of Joe Gacy’s Schism faction. Raine wrestled just a handful of matches in 2023 before being named the General Manager of “WWE NXT.” Responding to a listener question on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer shared his belief that Raine is no longer training as a wrestler.
“I think this is her role,” Meltzer said, referring to Raine’s status as the “NXT” GM. “She’s being groomed for an authority figure on the main roster at some point, or she’s going to do this for a while. I don’t know.”
Ava was named “NXT” GM at the beginning of this year, with William Regal himself passing the torch to the 22-year-old. In the months since, she’s made appearances presenting the NXT Women’s North American Championship along with other managerial duties for the brand, such as announcing replacements for matches. Last week’s “NXT” saw Ava moderating a confrontation between Ethan Page, Shawn Spears, Je’Von Evans, and NXT Champion Trick Williams.
Since Raine took over as GM, various figures from around the world of wrestling have shared their thoughts on her performance, including former WWE and ECW stars Tommy Dreamer and Bully Ray. Dreamer praised Raine’s performances, describing them as “phenomenal,” which reflects his positive view of her approach and impact in the role. On the other hand, Bully Ray expressed a more critical perspective, suggesting that Raine had appeared too “seasoned” during her time as GM. It’s worth noting that Bully Ray’s comments came just over a month into Raine’s tenure, indicating early impressions that may evolve over time as her leadership style continues to unfold.
These contrasting viewpoints underscore the diversity of opinions within the wrestling community regarding Raine’s performance as GM. Dreamer’s endorsement suggests widespread approval of Raine’s management style and decisions, likely influenced by her ability to navigate challenges and engage with both talent and fans effectively. Meanwhile, Bully Ray’s critique offers a perspective on the potential challenges and adjustments Raine might face in balancing experience with fresh approaches in her role.
As Raine continues to shape the direction of the promotion, feedback from industry veterans like Dreamer and Bully Ray provides valuable insights into her evolving leadership and its impact on the wrestling landscape. Their assessments contribute to ongoing discussions about the dynamics of wrestling management and the expectations placed on GMs to innovate while honoring tradition in a rapidly evolving industry.
