WWE NXT has a new on-screen authority figure.
The February 3 episode of WWE NXT opened with Shawn Michaels inside the General Manager’s office. Moments later, Robert Stone entered the room, where Michaels revealed a major change in leadership.
Michaels informed Stone that he would be taking on a new role, officially naming him interim General Manager of NXT.
The announcement follows the departure of Ava (Simone Johnson), who had been serving as NXT’s on-screen General Manager. Her exit had not been telegraphed on television prior to the change.
For now, Stone will handle day-to-day authority duties on NXT television, while Michaels continues in his overseeing role as the brand’s senior figure. Stone has been with WWE since 2019, having initially signed as a developmental talent. He now serves as a producer and colour commentator for the Evolve brand.
What Happened To The Previous WWE NXT General Manager, Ava?
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed WWE’s recent departure of Ava on Wrestling Observer Radio, confirming that last Tuesday’s episode of NXT was her final appearance and that she chose not to re-sign with the company.
Meltzer said the decision appeared to be personal rather than driven by any single issue. Their discussion also touched on the recent release of Ava’s partner, Tatyanna Dumas, though Meltzer stressed it was unclear whether that played any role in Ava’s decision.
Alvarez noted that there was no on-screen indication of Ava’s impending exit on the final episode of NXT, despite an ongoing storyline involving Tony D’Angelo.
