Simeone Johnson was rechristened Ava Raine ahead of her debut on “WWE NXT.” She’s revealed that the change wasn’t meant to disrespect her family, as the young superstar felt she could continue that namesake and still be bashed by people. After recovering from a third knee surgery, Raine appeared at an “NXT” live event in Orlando and cut her first in-ring promo in July 2022, where she called herself “The Final Girl,” portraying herself as a heel character and running down Cora Jade.
Ava Raine officially debuted on “NXT” television on October 25, 2022. She was revealed to be the fourth member of Joe Gacy’s Schism stable, a cult-like faction, alongside The Dyad’s Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid. After revealing herself from behind a mask worn by Schism’s other followers, Raine said that she had found love and acceptance in the stable, and the three men completed her.
Her first match came on “NXT’s” premium live event Stand & Deliver 2023. She teamed with the faction against Chase U’s Andre Chase, Thea Hail, and Duke Hudson, alongside Tyler Bate, in an eight-person tag match. Unfortunately, Schism didn’t make it out of Stand & Deliver with the win. Raine scored her first victory on the June 6, 2023, episode of “NXT” when she pinned in a match between Schism and Diamond Mine.
In total, Raine wrestled six matches from April 2023 to August that year, with only three being televised. Her final match was a loss to Nile on “NXT: Heatwave” special.