Tag: NXT

NXT Backstage Interviewer Kelly Kincaid Announces WWE Departure Soon

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 Preview 2/3/2026

WWE NXT tonight on The CW network.

  • NXT Championship Ladder Match: Ricky Saints vs. Shiloh Hill vs. Sean Legacy vs. Jackson Drake vs. Dion Lennox vs. Keanu Carver vs. Joe Hendry
  • Hendry’s involvement dependant on being cleared.
  • TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match: The Elegance Brand (c) vs. ZaRuca
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship Match: Izzi Dame (c) vs. Lola Vice vs. Thea Hail
  • Tony D’Angelo explains his actions

Backstage Details Emerge On Ava’s Exit From WWE NXT

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.

WWE NXT General Manager Ava Announces Exit From Company

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 Preview 1/27/2026

WWE NXT tonight on The CW

  • NXT Tag Team Championship: DarkState (c) vs. OTM
  • NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Joe Hendry vs. Jackson Drake
  • NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Andre Chase vs. Keanu Carver
  • NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Myles Borne vs. Dion Lennox

WWE NXT Preview 1/20/2026

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.

  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Elio LeFleur
  • Qualifying Match for NXT Championship Ladder Match: Josh Briggs vs. Shiloh Hill
  • Qualifying Match for NXT Championship Ladder Match: Sean Legacy vs. Eli Knight
  • #1 Contenders Match for TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Titles: Zaruca vs. Wren-QCC vs. Fatal Influence

WWE NXT Preview 1/13/2026

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • No Disqualification Match: Joe Hendry vs. Dion Lennox
  • WWE Men’s Speed Championship: Jasper Troy (c) vs. Tavion Heights
  • TNA International Championship: Stacks (c) vs. Shiloh Hill
  • Lola Vice vs. Kelani Jordan
  • Ava makes announcement about the future of the NXT Championship

WWE NXT New Year’s Evil 1/6/2026

WWE NXT ‘New Year’s Evil’ tonight live at 8e/7c on the CW.

  • Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame 
  • NXT Women’s North American Champion: Thea Hail (c) vs. Blake Monroe
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Evolve Women’s Champion Kendal Grey
  • NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater

WWE NXT Preview 12/30/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Moose
  • WWE Men’s Speed Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Lexis King vs. Tavion Heights
  • Je’Von Evans vs. Ricky Saints
  • Jacy Jayne vs. Wren Sinclair
  • Joe Hendry in concert
  • Year End Award winners revealed

Update On Unhappiness Over Thea Hail/Blake Monroe Accident

An unexpected title change on WWE NXT has reportedly led to some backstage frustration, following what many believe was a genuine in-ring mishap rather than a planned creative decision.

On the December 16 episode of NXT, Thea Hail captured the NXT North American Championship for the first time in her career, defeating Blake Monroe. While the moment came across as a big breakout win for Hail on television, multiple reports suggest the finish was not supposed to happen that way.

According to Fightful Select, the original plan called for Monroe to retain her championship. However, during the match, referee Felix Fernandez counted the three-count, officially crowning Hail as the new champion. Those close to the situation claim Monroe may have been injured prior to the pinfall, though the exact severity of the injury has not been confirmed.

The report notes that Monroe herself, along with members of her creative team, were unhappy with how the situation unfolded. Some criticism was directed toward Fernandez for completing the count, but NXT management reportedly sees things differently. Both Shawn Michaels and Matt Bloom are said to have praised the referee for following protocol and calling the match as he saw it, rather than stopping the finish mid-count.

The timing of the accidental title switch reportedly added to the frustration, as WWE had already filmed a significant amount of content ahead of the holiday season. An unplanned championship change can complicate storylines, especially when episodes are taped weeks in advance.

Despite the backstage noise, fans shouldn’t expect Blake Monroe to be kept out of the title picture for long. The former AEW standout has been heavily featured since arriving in WWE earlier this year, and the company appears ready to course-correct quickly. On this past week’s episode of NXT, Monroe confronted Hail and officially secured a rematch.

That rematch is now set for NXT: New Year’s Evil on January 6, 2026, where Hail will put her newly won North American Championship on the line against Monroe. Many expect the situation to be resolved there, potentially with Monroe regaining the title.

New Year’s Evil is shaping up to be a stacked show overall. WWE has also announced a Women’s Championship match featuring Jacy Jayne defending against Kendal Grey, as well as an NXT Championship bout between Oba Femi and Leon Slater.

Whether the accidental title win leads to longer-term plans for Thea Hail or simply serves as a brief detour remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this unexpected moment has quickly become one of the most talked-about backstage stories in NXT heading into the new year.