The Rock has commented on the progress his daughter Simone is making in NXT and what her new ring name Ava Raine could actually mean.
Simone Johnson signed with WWE in early 2020. For a time, nothing much was really known about the fourth generation star until she made her first appearance at an NXT 2.0 live event on July 8th 2022.
At the small show the would-be star delivered her first promo under the name Ava Raine, calling herself “The Final Girl.”
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Rock discussed his daughter’s progress with guest host Kerry Washington. The People’s Champion also broke down what her new ring name could mean.
“She made her debut in WWE, their smaller federation, NXT. She did so good. She went out there on the microphone. You have to be poised when you go out there. She has a cool wrestling name, Ava Raine,”
“It comes from all different areas. It’s probably a mix of what she wanted to do, what she wanted to be called. Ultimately, what the powers that be want her to be called as well. She’s the first fourth generation of pro wrestler in WWE. I always like to say that Ava Raine could mean a lot of things, but in my mind, it means she’s going to lay the smackdown on candy asses.”
The star added that his two youngest daughters are also fascinated by his old matches.
“They love seeing me, it’s almost a different lifetime. They are fascinated when they see old matches. They love jumping off couches and onto me. I have a six-year-old and a four-year-old and their favorite thing is putting make up on me.”
The Rock recently admitted that he would be open to returning to the ring. It has long been speculation that the WWE legend could be back in action at WrestleMania 39 for a clash with Roman Reigns.
H/t to Fightful for the transcription.