The Rock’s daughter goes by the wrestling name Ava Raine (Picture: Getty/Twitter)
Shawn Michaels has teased an impending WWE NXT debut for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s daughter Simone.
The 20-year-old star – who is using the stage name Ava Raine – has been impressing people with her skills on the microphone, and it doesn’t sound like it’ll be too long before she finally steps between the ropes in front of a live crowd.
NXT boss Michaels – who serves as the company’s senior vice president of talent development creative – is playing a key role in developing younger talent for the big time, including Ava and fellow trainer Valerie Loureda.
Speaking to media including Metro.co.uk before this weekend’s Halloween Havoc show, the Heartbreak Kid gave an update on both stars.
‘Both are coming along great! I don’t wanna give up too much, I don’t wanna give away all of the trade secrets. Easily, in my opinion – 2023 for sure, but they’re both getting awfully darn close,’ he teased.
While he said Valerie has been on the road a couple of times, Ava has appeared doing live promos, and he teased that they could both be ready over the coming months.
Shawn Michaels has given an update on Simone’s progress (Picture: WWE)
‘Maybe by the end of the year,’ he said, responding to a question the Miami Herald. ‘But absolutely 2023 and certainly in the future. They’re really close.’
Naturally, The Rock himself has seen footage of Ava’s big moment earlier this year, and he was proud of her promo work – particularly as he knows all too well the pressure of being out there.
Speaking to Kerry Washington on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he said: ‘‘She made her debut in WWE, their smaller federation, NXT. She did so good. She went out there on the microphone. You have to be poised when you go out there. She has a cool wrestling name, Ava Raine.’
Meanwhile, Dwayne has reiterated his daughter is looking to forge her own path after recently making history by officially becoming the first fourth generation wrestler in the company’s history.
He told Entertainment Tonight: ‘She is fiercely independent. ‘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.’
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MORE : Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s daughter Simone reveals new look after WWE name change before big debut
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The Heartbreak Kid has been working closely with Ava Raine.