A fourth-generation wrestler, Simone Johnson is ready to make an impact in the world of pro wrestling. The daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Simone recently announced a name change, which sparked plenty of debate.
Johnson signed with WWE in 2020 and has been training within the company’s Performance Center. She recently changed her Twitter profile to say "Ava Raine," a name the WWE recently trademarked-- they do this with a majority of its new hires.
The name change was met with criticism, though, with some fans complaining via social media that her name should connect her to The Rock, or at least, something related to the Anoa’i family. Some even joked that she should change her name to "The Pebble." Johnson responded to the backlash on social media, defending the decision to use the Raine name.
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She would also find several creative ways to use the "Pebble" name to prove a point.
i probably sound like a broken record & hopefully this is the last i’ll mention this but i don’t understand why people being portrayed as separate individuals from their family name is such a heated topic.
— ava 🃏 (@AvaRaineWWE) May 29, 2022
a name doesn’t discredit any prior accomplishments from any family 🤷🏽♀️ https://t.co/vsr44PeUqc
Johnson also stated that while she could build her career around The Rock, people would still find a way to criticize her.
nothing in this category please xx https://t.co/Z2u4Fug8dM pic.twitter.com/ls17RBCQOG
— ava 🃏 (@AvaRaineWWE) May 29, 2022
By competing in pro wrestling, Simone joins a long list of family members who have been champions and Hall of Famers. The list of past and current wrestlers include Peter Maivia, Rocky Johnson, The Rock, Rikishi, Yokozuna, Afa and Sika, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, The Usos, and Nia Jax.
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The Rock is an eight-time WWE champion, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a five-time WWE Tag team Champion and a Royal Rumble winner. He is now one of the highest-paid actors, a blockbuster superstar who has starred in the TV show Ballers and such films as Moana, Black Adam, The Fast & Furious franchise, Hobbs & Shaw, The Game Plan, Journey, Jumanji and more.
Recently, a knee injury has kept Simone out of action. It is unknown when she will be able to return to the ring.