Ava Quit WWE Over Lowball Contract Offer

Ava’s abrupt WWE departure shocked many—but now, we’re learning the walkout may have been more about money than mystery.

On the February 6, 2026 episode of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez revealed that Ava opted not to renew her WWE contract after the company failed to offer a meaningful raise. According to Alvarez, her decision mirrors a growing trend in NXT, where several stars have quietly exited due to stagnant pay.

“I heard about Ava, and what I was told is that one of the big reasons she did not renew her contract was very similar to what happened with Jazmyn Nyx. She was making a certain amount of money, she had been there for a long time, and they weren’t offering her a big raise. She didn’t want to keep doing it for the money she was making. This has happened in NXT with people.”

That’s a very different tone from what was reported just days earlier. On February 1, Dave Meltzer stated that Ava simply didn’t want to wrestle anymore—and noted that no one in WWE pressured her to leave. He also mentioned that her parents own a studio and that she might end up working there instead. Meltzer added:

“I’ve talked to and heard from several people and the general thing was is just she didn’t want to do it anymore. There was no compelling reason. It was her decision, it’s not like they were going to get rid of her or anything like that.”

Ava’s departure surprised viewers because she had just been featured in a prominent NXT storyline. WWE didn’t acknowledge her exit on-air, and fans were left to connect the dots. By January 30, Ava officially confirmed her departure. WWE moved her profile to the alumni section, signaling her exit was final and she was ultimately replaced by Robert Stone, at least for the time being.

Ava, only 24, made history as WWE’s youngest-ever General Manager and carried the weight of being a fourth-generation wrestler. Whether she returns down the line or chooses a different path, one thing is now clear: she didn’t just walk away from wrestling—she walked away from a paycheck she felt wasn’t worth it.

Do you think Ava made the right call walking away over a lowball offer—or should WWE have done more to keep her? Drop your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you feel.

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