After her first in-ring promo within the past week, we’re getting closer to an in-ring NXT debut for Ava Raine, real name Simone Johnson. Her father is someone you may have heard of: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
But while Johnson is undoubtedly anxious to see his daughter get after it in a televised match as well, don’t expect him to be looming backstage. During a screening for his latest movie, “DC League of Super-Pets,” The Rock made it clear in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that Raine isn’t leaning on nepotism at all as she makes her way in the world of sports entertainment.
“She is fiercely independent,” Johnson said. “It’s very important for her to make her own way. Blaze her own trail. Blaze her own path. She doesn’t come to me looking for a lot which I respect that. And I’m here watching and supporting.”
Raine may initially be positioned as someone the fans may boo instead of cheer, given that her first promo took shots at Cora Jade — though Jade just turned heel herself, so that’s not guaranteed. It’s an interesting move considering most people will be aware that Raine is related to The Rock, one of the most beloved WWE superstars of all time.
Yet Johnson himself spent plenty of time as an arrogant, villainous character, and famously was booed at the beginning of his WWE career even though the company tried to push him hard as fan favorite Rocky Maivia. That attempt to directly link him to his grandfather, “The High Chief” Peter Maivia, backfired, so WWE has that experience to draw from as it helps Raine take her first steps.
One thing that should come as no surprise is how delighted Johnson is at seeing his daughter take those steps, which should lead her to TV soon.
“She’s fourth, [generation],” he said to ET. “She’s made history. Very very proud of her.”