Leadership shift follows Ava’s sudden exit from WWE
Summary
– Shawn Michaels names Robert Stone interim NXT General Manager on 2/3
– Decision follows Ava’s unexpected departure from WWE
– Change was addressed on-screen during the February 3 NXT episode
NXT moved quickly to address a major leadership change during the February 3 episode following Ava’s sudden exit from WWE.
The episode opened with Shawn Michaels appearing in a backstage office segment, where he acknowledged the unexpected situation facing the brand. With Ava no longer serving as General Manager, Michaels emphasized that NXT needed stability moving forward.
Robert Stone joined Michaels in the segment, where Michaels praised Stone for his dedication and behind-the-scenes work over the past seven years. Michaels then officially named Stone as the new interim General Manager of NXT, putting him in charge effective immediately.
Ava’s departure reportedly surprised many within the company. After leaving WWE, she made public comments critical of ICE and Donald Trump before deactivating her X account.
Further signaling a clean break, Ava has begun selling her in-ring gear, suggesting she has closed the chapter on her NXT run. Her next move remains unclear, but her family connection to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson keeps future possibilities open.
With Robert Stone now overseeing NXT operations, the brand continues forward under interim leadership as questions remain about what comes next for both Ava and the General Manager role.
.@ShawnMichaels has named @MrStoneWWE the new INTERIM General Manager of NXT! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Q9fGJozcoU
— WWE (@WWE) February 4, 2026
New Interim GM of NXT @MrStoneWWE will have plenty of time to get to know @ThisIsTNA Director of Operations @TheDariaRae 🤝 pic.twitter.com/DqvZWfKZN0
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 4, 2026
