The Rock Reveals His Daughter Refused Help to Get into WWE

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may be one of the most powerful names in entertainment, but when it comes to his daughter carving out her own legacy in WWE, he’s taking a step back and letting her lead the way.

During his appearance on New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, The Rock opened up about Simone Johnson—who wrestles under the name Ava Raine in NXT—and how her journey into professional wrestling started without any strings pulled. Instead of relying on her famous father, she chose the long road to prove herself. At just 16 years old, Simone told her parents she wanted to wrestle. According to Rock, she didn’t just talk about it—she made moves immediately.

“She became the youngest WWE signee at 16,” he revealed during the conversation. “She was going to NYU, and she gave me and her mom a call and said, ‘I want to pivot. I want to go directly into WWE NXT and start training in Orlando.’”

While most people would assume she had access to the ultimate backstage pass, The Rock insisted that wasn’t the case. In fact, she never leaned on him at all.

“She never once asked me to call WWE,” he said. “Never once said, ‘Hey Dad, can you call Vince McMahon?’ Or ‘Can you call Nick Khan?’ Nothing. She just wanted to do it on her own.”

Instead of using the name “Johnson” or attaching herself to The Rock’s legacy, she opted for her own identity with the name “Ava Raine.” The choice, her father said, wasn’t just personal—it was intentional.

“She told me, ‘I want to blaze my own path. I want to call myself Ava Raine—not The Rock-something or anything like that.’”

For The Rock, the proudest moment wasn’t about what she achieved in the ring—but the fact that she made the decision on her own. He admitted that watching her pursue the business has actually strengthened their bond.

“She’s been doing a great job, and I keep tabs on her. Her being in the wrestling business has actually brought us closer together.”

It’s a different kind of story in the wrestling world—a generational talent choosing not to inherit the spotlight, but instead build her own. And for a man who once fought to step out of his own father’s shadow, that means everything.

The Rock’s love for the business is obvious, but his respect for his daughter’s independence is just as strong. Ava Raine may come from wrestling royalty, but she’s walking a path that’s all her own.

Got thoughts on Simone Johnson’s rise as Ava Raine? Do you think she’ll surpass her father’s legacy in WWE—or should she have used the Johnson name to fast-track success? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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