Avas departure from WWE surprised fans, especially since she had just been featured in a major storyline on NXT. But as it turns out, the decision was entirely hersand she didnt need wrestling anymore.
On February 1, 2026, Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio dropped new details about her departure, confirming it wasnt a release or a storyline decisionAva simply didnt want to continue. Dave Meltzer explained that he spoke with multiple people who all said the same thing: she chose to leave, with no outside pressure.
Theres also speculation that Avas girlfriend, Tatyanna Dumaswho was reportedly released by WWE just weeks agomay have influenced her decision. But according to Meltzer, that connection is unclear. However, its to be mentioned that there were no previous reports about Dumas being cut and WWE never made an announcement of that fact either.
What caught fans off guard is that WWE never addressed her exit on TV. Bryan Alvarez pointed out that Ava had just been featured in an ongoing storyline on NXT.
Meltzer added that the company had no plans to cut her, made it very clear that the decision came entirely from her side: It was her decision, its not like they were going to get rid of her or anything like that.
Avareal name Simone Johnsonannounced her exit on January 30 and confirmed the January 27 episode of NXT was her final WWE appearance. WWE has since moved her profile to the alumni section of its website.
At just 24 years old, Ava had already made history as WWEs youngest-ever General Manager and was part of a unique lineage as a fourth-generation wrestler. Whether shes stepping away from wrestling for good or pivoting to something new remains to be seen.
Do you think Ava will return to wrestling somedayor is she ready to close that chapter for good? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
