In 2022, the WWE unveiled its first fourth-generation superstar with Dwayne Johnson’s daughter Ava, formerly known as ‘Ava Raine‘, who made her debut in NXT. Born as Simone Garcia Johnson, she is the daughter of WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the granddaughter of Rocky Johnson, and the great-granddaughter of Peter Maivia.

However, even though her predecessors have managed to enthrall the audience and earn themselves a significant fan base, Ava hasn’t had the same luck so far. But that might see her have the same journey as Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of former WWE owner Vince McMahon.

It has been over a year since the 22-year-old made her debut in the development territory. But she hasn’t had as many matches as her peers. Ava made her in-ring debut on April 1st losing to Chase University. Then, she made her NXT in-ring debut on June 6 losing to Ivy Nile. However, she went on to win her first singles match at NXT Live on 19th August defeating Nile.

She has also won a six-person tag team match in June. Despite experiencing losses in some matches and securing victories in others, her overall count remains notably low. This has a similarity with Stephanie McMahon’s career. She too had trained but didn’t get the same success inside the squared circle.

Another similarity with McMahon is a lack of connection with the fans. Apart from his electric in-ring performance, The Rock has made a legion of fans with his mic work. He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest behind the microphone and has multiple memorable promos in his short career. But Ava, unfortunately, hasn’t been able to emulate her father’s skills.

She lacks credible mic work and the fans haven’t been easy on her. The faithful have regularly been critical of her skills expressed displeasure, and stated a lack of connection with her. McMahon also suffered a similar fate.

However, of late, Ava has had a new role, albeit makeshift. Dwayne Johnson’s daughter has acted in a managerial capacity in the last few episodes of NXT. She had already earned brownie points from NXT boss Shawn Michaels for her work. Interestingly, McMahon also found more success in an administrative role.

Not just in kayfabe, but also in reality, Stephanie McMahon proved to be an able administrator, taking over charge in WWE after her father stepped down in 2022. With Michaels praising Ava and hinting at a managerial position for her in the company in the future, things look promising for the Anoa’i family member.

That said, Ava is also just 22 and has time on her side. Several wrestlers in the past have improved to have better stints in pro wrestling and Ava could have a similar trajectory. But whether she does it is one for the future to unveil.

Do you think Ava will follow her father’s path or will she have a strong authoritative role like Stephanie McMahon?