Backstage News On Former WWE Ring Announcer Samantha Irvin's Impending Free Agency

Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin, now going by her real name, Samantha Johnson, will soon hit free agency, though she may not be immediately headed to AEW alongside her husband, Ricochet, like many fans may think. Irvin left WWE in October 2024, but with her departure came a lengthy non-compete clause.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Irvin is a free agent this month. The outlet reported that after leaving WWE, she had an official non-compete clause, compared to the 90-day "termination period" that many stars have after being released from the company, which is not a true non-compete.

It was previously reported that her contract allowed her to quit at any time, but if she didn't see out her three-year deal, a two-year non-compete would be imposed. Stars released, or those who do not have their deals renewed, are often paid for their 30-day or 90-day "termination periods," but Irvin was not.

Fightful Select confirmed Irvin joining AEW has been discussed, but she won't be jumping on board immediately. After her departure from WWE, Irvin was open about not liking her position as a ring announcer, and said she wanted to be a manager or other on-screen character instead. Irvin has focused mainly on her music career, releasing multiple singles, including the song "Make Me."

Plans for a potential AEW career for her, possibly as a manager for Ricochet and The Demand, were not noted in the latest report. The stable are former AEW World Trios Champions, and Ricochet recently competed in the Clockwork Carnage match at AEW WrestleDream, challenging for Will Ospreay's AEW World Championship.