Tonight’s episode of WWE NXT airs at 8:00 PM EST / 5:00 PM PST on The CW Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally, from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
WWE NXT tonight at 8pm ET on The CW.
Kelly Kincaid has provided more clarity on her upcoming departure from WWE, and it turns out the decision wasn’t in her hands.
One day after revealing on social media that Saturday, February 14 will mark her final day with the company, the NXT backstage interviewer responded to a fan on X who asked whether she had chosen not to renew her WWE contract. Kincaid confirmed that she was never given the option to renew, making it clear that the move was initiated by WWE rather than herself.
Kincaid joined WWE in early 2022, making her debut on the now-defunct NXT Level Up brand. Over the past few years, she became a familiar presence in NXT as a backstage interviewer, steadily carving out a role as part of the show’s presentation. Before signing with WWE, Kincaid had experience working in Ring of Honor and also spent time competing in the women’s division in 2021, giving her a well-rounded background both in front of the camera and in the ring.
Outside of WWE, Kincaid’s personal life has also been in focus. She is in a relationship with Pretty Deadly’s Elton Prince, who has been sidelined since last May after suffering a neck injury. Prince recently underwent neck fusion surgery last month. The couple also welcomed a child together in September 2024.
As Kincaid prepares for her final WWE appearance, her confirmation that the exit wasn’t voluntary adds to the growing list of talent departures that have caught fans’ attention. What’s next for her remains to be seen, but given her experience across multiple promotions, she’ll likely have options once her WWE chapter officially closes.
Kelly Kincaid’s time with WWE is coming to an end.
The NXT backstage interviewer and former NXT Level Up ring announcer revealed on social media that her WWE contract is set to expire soon. In a brief message to fans, Kincaid confirmed that she will no longer be with the company as of February 14, prompting an outpouring of support and well-wishes from the wrestling community.
Kincaid joined WWE in 2022, transitioning fully into an on-air role after establishing herself as a versatile presence across multiple promotions. While WWE fans primarily came to know her through NXT interviews and announcing duties, her résumé stretches well beyond her time in Stamford.
Before signing with WWE, Kincaid built a strong reputation on the independent scene under the name Quinn McKay. She debuted in 2018 and quickly made an impact, most notably capturing the ECWA Women’s Championship after winning the 2019 Super 8 ChickFight Tournament. Her run in Ring of Honor further elevated her profile, as she balanced in-ring competition with backstage interviews and color commentary, showcasing her adaptability in front of the camera.
Although she hasn’t competed regularly in recent years, Kincaid’s final recorded match came in December 2021, when she defeated Ray Lyn to win the MCW Women’s Championship. That same month, she also made her last ROH appearance, teaming with Roxanne Perez (then known as Rok-C) in a victory over Holidead and Willow.
Outside the ring, Kincaid experienced major life changes in 2024. She welcomed her first child, a daughter, with her husband Elton Prince of Pretty Deadly. Prince also dealt with significant health concerns, undergoing major neck surgery earlier this year following an in-ring injury sustained last May.
As of now, Kincaid has not indicated what her next move will be once her WWE contract officially expires. Given her experience across wrestling, broadcasting, and commentary, she’ll likely have no shortage of options if she chooses to remain in the industry.
Whether this marks a new chapter inside or outside professional wrestling, Kincaid’s departure adds to the growing list of behind-the-scenes changes in WWE as 2025 continues to take shape.
WWE NXT tonight on The CW network.
While WWE’s Royal Rumble dominated headlines over the weekend, a surprising off-screen development involving Ava quickly became one of the most talked-about stories in the company. The former WWE NXT General Manager announced on Friday that she was leaving WWE, a move that caught many fans — and insiders — off guard.
Things escalated further on Sunday when Ava posted politically charged comments on social media aimed at ICE and the Trump Administration before ultimately deactivating her X account altogether. While those remarks drew plenty of attention online, they weren’t the focus of the internal discussion within WWE.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer addressed the situation, clarifying that Ava’s departure wasn’t the result of disciplinary action or a release. According to Meltzer, the prevailing belief backstage was simple: Ava no longer wanted to continue in her role.
Meltzer noted that those within WWE felt the decision was entirely hers, adding that Ava is expected to transition into other projects, potentially tied to the film and media studio run by her parents, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia. With those opportunities available, there was no pressure for her to remain in NXT if her heart wasn’t in it.
However, Meltzer also mentioned a quieter factor that may have played a role. He revealed that he was told Ava’s girlfriend, Tatyane Dumas, had been released by WWE a few weeks prior — a move that flew largely under the radar. While Meltzer stressed that no one directly claimed this was the reason Ava left, some within the company privately speculated that it may have influenced her decision.
Ultimately, Meltzer emphasized that there was no looming threat to Ava’s position and no indication WWE was planning to move on from her. The exit came without much warning, and even those close to the situation didn’t see it coming.
In the end, it appears Ava simply chose to step away on her own terms — and with her background and connections, her next move outside of WWE will be worth keeping an eye on.
Simone Johnson — known to WWE fans as NXT General Manager Ava — has officially parted ways with WWE. The former Ava Raine confirmed the news on Friday, revealing she chose not to renew her contract and that this past Tuesday’s episode of NXT marked her final appearance with the company.
Taking to Instagram, Ava shared a heartfelt message thanking fans and those she worked with during her time in WWE. She acknowledged the decision wasn’t an easy one, but described it as a meaningful new chapter in her life.
“While my decision to not renew my contract was very difficult, it’s also a new turning point in my life,” Ava wrote. “It has been an honor & a privilege to be Ava.”
Ava’s WWE journey was historic from the start. As the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, she became the first fourth-generation wrestler to sign with WWE when she joined the company in February 2020. She began training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and eventually made her televised debut on NXT in October 2022 as part of Joe Gacy’s dark and controversial faction, The Schism.
Competing under the ring name Ava Raine — later shortened to Ava — her in-ring run was brief. She wrestled just four televised matches and never picked up a singles victory. Not long after, WWE pivoted her role on screen, positioning her as an assistant to Shawn Michaels before elevating her to the role of NXT General Manager in January 2024.
Despite limited ring time, Ava became a consistent on-screen presence as the authority figure of WWE’s developmental brand. One of her most high-profile moments came during NXT: New Year’s Evil in January 2025, when she shared a backstage segment with her father — a rare on-screen crossover between the two.
As of now, The Rock, who sits on TKO’s board of directors, has not publicly commented on his daughter’s departure.
What’s next for Ava remains unclear, but her exit closes a unique chapter in WWE history. Whether she stays connected to the wrestling business or pursues something entirely new, her decision marks a major shift — both for her personally and for the future direction of NXT’s on-screen leadership.
WWE NXT tonight on The CW
WWE NXT will air live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, starting at 8 PM ET on the CW Network. Internationally, fans can also stream the entire show on Netflix and on-demand viewing.
WWE NXT tonight on The CW.
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