Samantha Irvin’s WWE Departure and Current Status
Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin, who captivated audiences as the voice of Monday Night Raw, made a surprising exit from WWE exactly one year ago. Now, in a candid social media update, Irvin has confirmed that she still has one year remaining on her WWE non-compete clause fueling widespread speculation that she is eyeing a return to the wrestling world as soon as legally possible.
Irvin, known professionally as Samantha Irvin but born Samantha Johnson, became a fixture on WWE television before departing in October 2024. In a heartfelt farewell, she thanked fans and colleagues, including Paul Heyman, Michael Cole, Triple H, and Mark Henry. While her WWE tenure was celebrated, Irvin admitted that ring announcing was not her ultimate passion, and she longed to return to her roots as a performer particularly in music.
Why Samantha Irvin Left WWE
According to a source close to WWE production, Irvin had “one foot out the door for months” prior to her official announcement. “She was eager to explore new creative challenges, and the reality is, WWE’s schedule can be all-consuming. She made it very clear she didn’t want to be boxed in as a ring announcer forever,” the insider shared, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions[1].
Irvin herself echoed these sentiments in interviews, explaining, “It just became more and more sad as time went on, because it’s like, ‘Wow, am I just not a singer anymore? Like, what am I doing?’ I know that I am a performer and being a ring announcer on WWE, it was the performance of a lifetime. But then when people stopped calling me for singing gigs, and now they’re asking me to announce everything, I said, ‘Oh no, I took it too far.’ I was like, man, like, this cannot be forever”[1].
The Non-Compete Clause and What It Means
Non-compete clauses are a standard fixture in WWE contracts, designed to prevent departing talent from joining rival promotions for a specified period after their exit. Irvin’s confirmation that she still has one year left on this clause means she is contractually barred from appearing on other wrestling television programs—such as AEW, Impact Wrestling, or NJPW until at least October 2026.
However, her acknowledgment of the non-compete timeline is seen by industry insiders as a strong hint that she intends to return to wrestling after the clause expires. “She’s got some outside projects she wants to do, apparently couldn’t come to terms with how it worked with WWE and off she goes,” wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez reported[2]. But Irvin’s engagement with wrestling fans online, combined with the public countdown to her non-compete’s end, signals she hasn’t closed the door on the industry.
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Reaction and Industry Speculation
According to a WWE backstage contact, “Management was disappointed but understanding. They knew Samantha was talented, but they also saw she was itching to grow beyond announcing. There were conversations about finding a hybrid role that incorporated singing and announcing, but ultimately, the timing and creative visions didn’t align.”
Irvin’s departure was reportedly amicable, with both sides parting on good terms. She gave WWE “months” notice, correcting previous reports that claimed her resignation was abrupt[2]. This suggests Irvin’s decision was thoughtful and carefully planned, not a spur-of-the-moment choice.
The Wrestling World Reacts
The wrestling community has rallied behind Irvin, expressing support for her next chapter. Her fiancé, former WWE and current AEW star Ricky Starks, publicly praised her decision. “Sam, I do wanna tell you, I think you’re an extraordinary talent and you’re unbelievable and I know it wasn’t easy to walk away from here and I wish you all the success in your music career, I know you’re gonna kill it,” Starks said in an Instagram video[2].
Online, fans have been vocal about their desire to see Irvin return whether as a ring announcer, in a backstage role, or even as an on-screen character. Her blend of charisma, professionalism, and musical talent makes her a unique asset in the wrestling world.
What’s Next for Samantha Irvin?
While Irvin’s immediate focus appears to be on her music career, her recent social media activity leaves little doubt that a wrestling return is on her mind. Her public acknowledgment of the non-compete’s timeline is rare among former WWE talent, usually a sign that a comeback is being considered.
Sources speculate that Irvin could potentially re-sign with WWE in a new capacity perhaps as a host, panelist, or even as a wrestler given her background as a trained vocalist and performer. Alternatively, she could explore opportunities with AEW or other promotions once her non-compete expires.
Industry Analysis: The Future of Ring Announcing and Talent Retention
Irvin’s story highlights a broader trend in professional wrestling: the challenge of retaining multi-talented performers in rigidly defined roles. As the industry grows more competitive, promotions may need to offer greater flexibility for talent with diverse skill sets.
A veteran WWE producer, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, “The days of locking someone into one job description are fading. If you want to keep the best, you have to let them evolve whether that’s singing, announcing, acting, or even wrestling.”
Conclusion: Anticipation Builds for Irvin’s Next Move
Samantha Irvin’s journey from WWE ring announcer to independent artist and now, potentially, back to wrestling—demonstrates the evolving nature of careers in sports entertainment. Her transparency about the non-compete clause has set the stage for a highly anticipated return in late 2026.
As the industry watches and waits, one thing is clear: Samantha Irvin’s story is far from over. Whether in the squared circle or on stage, her next act is sure to be as dynamic as her WWE tenure.