Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 16, 2025 · Entertainment

The Rock's Daughter: Controversial Activism Threatens WWE Stardom

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's daughter Simone Johnson, left, is facing backlash over her post following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk

NEPO BABE AVA RAINE: THE WRESTLING WORLD'S NEWEST CONTROVERSY

In a shocking turn of events, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's daughter Ava Raine has sparked outrage across the WWE with her insensitive social media posts following the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 24-year-old wrestler, whose real name is Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, seems to have a knack for stirring up controversy, and this latest scandal may be the nail in the coffin for her burgeoning career.

Raine's Instagram post, which has since been deleted, read: "If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind things when you're alive." The comment was met with widespread criticism from WWE fans, who saw it as a heartless response to Kirk's murder. But this isn't the first time Raine has faced backlash for her insensitive comments.

The nepo baby wrestler has a long history of making public outbursts on social media, including declaring her support for the Black Lives Matter movement, gun reform, and Palestine. Her outspoken views have made her a polarizing figure in the wrestling world, with some fans admiring her courage to speak her mind while others see her as a self-absorbed attention-seeker.

Raine's Twitter post, which has sparked outrage among WWE insiders, read: "And I'll stand behind this. Be kind, now more than ever." The comment was seen as tone-deaf and insensitive, particularly given the tragic circumstances of Kirk's death. But Raine isn't one to shy away from controversy.

In fact, she seems to relish in the drama that surrounds her. With a whopping 523,000 followers on Instagram and 131,500 followers on Twitter, Raine has built a massive following by promoting female wrestlers in the WWE and sharing her unapologetic views on social issues. But it's not all good vibes for this outspoken wrestler.

Raine's Twitter account is filled with posts advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, including an image of a poster calling for an "end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine." The post sparked outrage among some WWE fans and insiders, who felt it was "ill-advised" given the WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, is led by Jewish CEO Ari Emanuel.

But Raine isn't backing down. In fact, she's doubling down on her views, even if they don't align with those of the WWE's leadership. Her Instagram Story, which has since been deleted, showed a picture of a Palestinian flag, further fueling speculation that she may be using her platform to spread anti-Semitic propaganda.

The controversy surrounding Raine's social media posts is just the tip of the iceberg. Sources close to the WWE tell us that her outspoken views have sparked "considerable outrage" among some insiders, who feel she's using her platform to push a radical agenda rather than promote the sport of wrestling.

Simone, who goes by her WWE stage name 'Ava Raine,' has a longstanding history of sharing her political views online

But Raine's dad, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has long been known for his liberal politics. In 2020, he endorsed former president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris in the presidential election. It seems Ava may have inherited more than just her dad's love of wrestling – she's also got a taste for controversy.

As Raine continues to stir up drama on social media, it remains to be seen whether she'll face consequences from the WWE. With her status as the company's rising star and her family's four-generation legacy in the ring, it's unlikely that she'll be fired or punished anytime soon. But one thing is for sure – Ava Raine is making headlines, even if they're not always positive ones.

In related news, opinion columnist Karen Attiah was recently fired from The Washington Post over a series of posts she wrote following Kirk's assassination. And analyst Matthew Dowd was axed by MSNBC after making "unacceptable and insensitive" on-air comments moments after Kirk was killed on a college campus.

Pictured in 2016: Raine, 24, made her WWE debut in 2022. In addition to her dad, her late grandfather Rocky Johnson and her great-grandfather, 'High Chief' Peter Maivia, are also wrestling royalty

It seems that Raine may be getting off scot-free, despite her own social media posts sparking outrage among WWE fans and insiders. But will this controversy finally be the nail in the coffin for her wrestling career? Only time will tell.

UPDATE: Sources close to the WWE have revealed that Ava Raine is currently facing backlash from some of the company's top talent, including several high-profile wrestlers who are calling for her to be fired over her insensitive social media posts. But with her dad's backing and her own massive following on social media, it remains to be seen whether she'll be able to weather this latest storm.

THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE: Ava Raine's social media posts have been a hot topic of discussion among WWE insiders and fans alike. But what do you think – is she a brave advocate for social justice or just a self-absorbed attention-seeker? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Raine doubled-down on her Instagram Story post criticizing Kirk following his death, as she wrote on X: 'and i'll stand behind this. be kind, now more than ever'

Raine is The Rock's only child with ex-wife Dany Garcia. He also shares daughters Jasmine Johnson, nine, and Tiana Johnson, six, with wife Lauren Hashian