why did ava leave nxt
Ava left NXT (and WWE) because she chose not to renew her contract and decided she didn’t want to continue with pro wrestling, rather than being fired or written off in a storyline.
What actually happened
- On January 30, 2026, Ava (Simone Johnson) announced that the January 27 episode of NXT was her last appearance and that she was leaving WWE.
- She explained in her Instagram statement that it was a “very difficult” decision not to renew her contract but called it a “new turning point” in her life.
- WWE then moved her profile to the alumni section, signaling a clean, formal exit rather than a release angle.
Why did Ava leave NXT?
From what’s been reported, there’s no big scandal or dramatic blow‑up behind her exit; it’s mostly about personal choice and life direction.
Reported reasons
- She simply didn’t want to do it anymore
- Dave Meltzer and other backstage reports say the general feeling in WWE was that she just didn’t want to continue wrestling, and there was “no compelling reason” beyond that.
* It was emphasized that it was her decision and that WWE was not planning to get rid of her.
- Contract not renewed by choice
- Ava herself said she decided not to renew her WWE contract, framing it as closing one chapter and starting another, not as being released or lowballed.
* Coverage notes there’s no credible sign this was about a bad contract offer; it was her call.
- Other opportunities and family studio
- Reports mention that her parents own a studio and that people in WWE expect she might move into work there or elsewhere in entertainment.
* Fan discussion also leans toward the idea that her long‑term goal may be in another entertainment lane, not necessarily full‑time wrestling.
What it was not (as far as info shows)
- Not a punishment firing or creative fall‑out: insiders repeatedly say WWE wasn’t looking to cut her.
- Not confirmed to be about hate from fans or “nepo baby” criticism, even though those topics do come up a lot in forums.
- Not about a rumored low contract offer; coverage that looked at this specifically says there’s no evidence for that.
Fan and forum reactions
Online, the “why did Ava leave NXT” question has turned into a small trending topic because of her famous family and her visible role as NXT General Manager in 2025–2026.
- Some fans say the move makes sense if she wants to reset and try a different path in entertainment.
- Others think she was improving as an on‑screen authority and are surprised she walked away just as she seemed more comfortable.
- There’s also a vocal group that was critical of her work in NXT, which could have added pressure, but that’s fan speculation, not something she or WWE have confirmed.
Could Ava ever return?
No one has announced a comeback plan, but the door doesn’t seem “burned” at all.
- Her own statement is positive and thankful, which usually keeps future options open.
- Some wrestling outlets have floated the idea that she might train further and possibly return one day as a more in‑ring‑focused performer, but that’s speculation, not news.
TL;DR: If you’re searching “why did Ava leave NXT,” the clearest answer right now is: she chose not to renew her contract and step away from WWE on her own terms, likely to pursue other opportunities, with no major public drama attached.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.