Joe Gacy Says He And Ava Were Pitching Cult Group Before NXT 2.0

In July 2022, Joe Gacy began to lead The Dyad (Rip Fowler & Jagger Reid), officially forming Schism. The cult-like group grew stronger in October 2022 when Ava (Ava Raine aka Simone Johnson) was revealed as the newest member. 

Many fans were surprised to see Ava’s NXT TV introduction come as part of Schism given their act and the fact that Ava is the daughter of The Rock. 

According to Gacy, the idea for him and Ava to be paired up on-screen pre-dates NXT 2.0 (September 2021). 

“Funny story about Ava Raine. Before I debuted on TV, me and her got together and came up with this idea of a cult group. Originally, it was me, her and this other guy. We were pitching for us…the original idea was almost a House of 1000 Corpses type family with a culty edge. Things didn’t work out exactly and then [NXT] 2.0 started and that maybe changed some ideas. When 2.0 happened, I feel that idea went out the window because it was an overhaul repackaging of the brand itself. I guess the idea of her and me joining together was put on the backburner. When it was me, Rip, and Jagger, she came up to me at the PC and said, ‘Did you hear what is going to happen?’ ‘No.’ ‘I’m going to join you guys.’ ‘That’s awesome’ since originally it was going to be me and her trying to do something anyway. I’m glad it finally panned out on TV. She was a big part of the beginnings of the idea,” said Gacy on Out of Character. 

Ava had her first singles bout on NXT TV at NXT Heatwave, losing to Ivy Nile. 

Fans can find Fightful’s results from NXT Heatwave by clicking here. 

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