Veteran Support: WWE Hall of Famer Booker T Defends Ava Against ‘Nepo-Baby’ Labels Following Her NXT Exit – Calls Out Critics for Ignoring Her Growth

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T defends Ava against nepo-baby allegations, stepping up to shield the former NXT General Manager from harsh online backlash and veteran criticism after her recent departure from WWE. The five-time WCW Champion and current NXT commentator used his “Hall of Fame” podcast to push back against claims that Ava’s role stemmed solely from her lineage as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter, emphasizing her personal development instead.

Ava (real name Simone Johnson), who announced in late January 2026 that she chose not to renew her contract with WWE, faced renewed scrutiny following her exit. Critics labeled her a classic “nepo baby,” arguing her appointment as NXT GM bypassed traditional paths due to family ties. Booker T, who worked closely with her during his time on NXT commentary, addressed the narrative head-on in a recent episode.

“Maybe she did get her job because of her dad, all right? I can attest to that,” Booker admitted candidly. “But I watched Ava when she first started that job, and she wasn’t that good… But I watched Ava grow in that job, and I saw her get so much better.” He stressed that improvement defines success in wrestling: “People just want to harp on how bad she was and not give her credit for how much better she had gotten.”

Booker went further, blasting “old heads” and veterans for tearing down young talent rather than celebrating progress. “I’m not defending her because of any other reason other than she’s a young person,” he said. “I see so many young people in this business and these old guys trying to knock them and tear them down. That’s freaking ridiculous.” He highlighted how WWE thrives on growth, positioning Ava’s journey as proof that opportunities—nepotism or not—can lead to genuine skill-building.

The comments come amid broader debates on nepotism in WWE, where family legacies like the Anoa’i dynasty (The Bloodline) and others often spark controversy. Ava’s tenure as GM saw her oversee major storylines and talent development, though some fans criticized her on-screen presence and delivery early on. Her decision to leave at age 24 has fueled speculation about future plans, with some suggesting a potential in-ring return or shift outside wrestling.

Public reactions have been mixed but largely supportive of Booker’s take. Wrestling fans on forums and social media praised his honesty: “Booker telling it like it is—growth matters more than how you start,” one commenter noted. Others defended Ava’s work ethic, while detractors doubled down on the nepotism angle. The discussion ties into larger WWE themes of opportunity, merit, and generational shifts in a business built on family ties.

For U.S. wrestling enthusiasts, this highlights evolving dynamics in NXT and WWE’s developmental system. Economically, high-profile roles like GM boost visibility and revenue through storylines and merchandise. Lifestyle-wise, it reflects pressures on young talents in the spotlight, balancing family advantages with personal hustle. Politically within the industry, voices like Booker’s push back against gatekeeping by veterans, advocating for fresh blood.

Booker T’s defense underscores a key message: In wrestling, doors may open through connections, but staying relevant requires real growth—something he insists Ava achieved.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T defends Ava against nepo-baby allegations continues to resonate, spotlighting her evolution and calling out unfair criticism in the wake of her NXT departure.

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