When your dad is The Rock, the public automatically expects you to follow in his footsteps: larger-than-life, endlessly likable, and relentlessly diplomatic. But Simone Garcia Johnson, better known in the WWE ring as Ava Raine, is proving that she’s cut from a different cloth.
This week, Ava has put herself into one of America’s most heated culture war debates when she reacted to the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Ava Raine Comments On Charlie Kirk’s Death
The flashpoint came after the sudden and shocking death of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist best known as the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, and tributes poured in almost immediately, most notably from former president Donald Trump, who praised him as “The Great, and even Legendary.”
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For his critics, it sparked difficult conversations about the divisive legacy he left behind. That debate might have remained largely within political circles until Ava Raine, daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, decided to add her voice. She reposted on Instagram saying, “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind words while you’re alive.”
And, this post was enough to launch a hashtag war. Soon, WWE fans, political commentators, and casual onlookers all rushed to weigh in and created a flood of commentary that turned her into a trending topic. Things got so heated that some fans were quick to demand WWE take disciplinary action.
People React to Ava Raine’s Post
One angry user tagged company leadership directly, saying, “@WWE action must be taken against Ava’s backhand remark against Charlie Kirk. That is disgusting, and she doesn’t even know what she’s talking about. #FireAva @TripleH.” Another wrote in all caps, “@wwe You should fire Ava Raine RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!! Complete disgusting and pathetic human being #fireava.”
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Petitions circulated, hashtags spread, and critics called her behaviour unprofessional. The wrestling community has always been protective of its image. And fans reminded WWE that it has a history of monitoring how its performers present themselves outside the ring.
But it was not all backlash, though. Ava’s supporters quickly chimed in and applauded her courage. One fan said, “Where’s the lie? I’ve watched a video of him going viral in which he insinuated that blacks were better off as slaves. If people are going to cry over your death, then don’t be a piece of shit while you’re living.”
Another chimed in, saying, “She’s correct. Be someone worth celebrating when you die. You can’t treat people poorly in life and then expect sainthood after you pass.”
As the daughter of The Rock, she carries the weight of legacy, expectation, and constant comparison. Every word she says is exaggerated, and her every move is analysed through the lens of her father’s larger-than-life career.
WWE has long been careful about its image, especially when it comes to political controversy. Over the years, talent have faced suspensions, fines, or warnings for posts deemed damaging to the brand. Fans demanding action against Ava are well aware of this history. Their calls to fire her are an attempt to put pressure on WWE leadership. It’s particularly because of Triple H, who now holds significant control over creative and talent management.
At the same time, WWE knows that cracking down on Ava could backfire. For now, WWE remains silent and allows the firestorm to play out online. But as hashtags continue to trend, WWE executives will need to decide. So, the question is, will they step in or let Ava’s words become part of her encouraging personality?
