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Samantha Irvin Says She Informed WWE of Her Exit ‘Months Before’ Raw, More Details on Her Resigning

October 22, 2024 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris
Samantha Irvin WWE Image Credit: WWE

UPDATE: More details are emerging on Samantha Irvin leaving WWE. During today’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Irvin has been thinking about leaving the company “for about a year.” Bryan Alvarez also noted that Irvin has “some outside projects” she wants to pursue, which Meltzer said involve her wanting to pursue more work in the music business.

Additionally, as noted, Lilian Garcia later wished Irvin luck in her music career. Garcia returned to ring announcer duties last night on Raw. Meltzer continued during Observer Radio, “She [Irvin] wants to get more involved in her music. … It’s just something she’s been talking about for a long, long time, and she finally pulled the trigger on it.”

While Meltzer didn’t “100%” rule out Irvin going to AEW, he reported that she left without the intention of leaving WWE in order to go to AEW. It’s said that Irvin made the decision on her own, noting that music, and not wrestling, is Irvin’s true passion.

PWInsider reports that “most” in WWE did not expect Irvin to resign, and WWE sources indicated that she was well-liked and respected in her role as ring announcer. Multiple factors reportedly weighed in on her decision to leave, mainly the WWE schedule, forcing Irvin to split time between her family and WWE. While WWE’s travel schedule has been reduced in recent years, one source reportedly pointed that the travel schedule still required Irvin to spend a lot of time away from her young daughter.

PWInsider also reports that there was discussion at one point to have Irvin work a more reduced schedule, but it never materialized. It’s possible this influenced her to decision to leave. Also, the hectic schedule made it difficult for Irvin to attempt other projects outside of WWE. Her notoriety from appearing on WWE programming also increased interest in her from other parties. PWInsider notes that Irvin mainly looks to focus on her music career at this point, much like what was reported by Alvarez and Meltzer on Observer Radio.

It’s also said that there was talk among the wrestlers backstage at Raw last night that Irvin asked to be transitioned from a ring announcer into more of a character with a larger role. However, the report notes that the accuracy of this idea is not confirmed.

WWE also reportedly owns the trademark on her stage name, Samantha Irvin. Her real name is Samantha Johnson. She would be unable to use the Irvin name outside of WWE appearances. She previously appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2015 as Samantha Johnson.

PWInsider notes that Irvin was under contract to WWE as an employee, and she was said to not be signed as an independent contractor similar to the wrestlers. That is reportedly why Irvin was free to leave the company similar to anyone else looking to leave their job. It’s also noted that there is no belief that she’s under any type of non-compete agreement with WWE that would prevent her from appearing elsewhere. That said, Irvin is reportedly not looking to do work in the wrestling space at the moment.

Former WCW ring announcer and boxing announcing legend Michael Buffer has also commented on Irvin’s WWE exit, writing earlier on social media, “NO!💔 My wife and I are so sorry to hear this as I’m sure millions of other @WWE fans are. Samantha is brilliant & super professional as announcer+her musical talent as a singer & flautist are amazing! All the best to her moving forward w/her career & perhaps we’ll see her in future events including boxing & MMA!”

Meanwhile, WWE Superstar Bayley also joked, “Dude if this is about the Judgment Day thing, I said I forgive you.” Some of Irvin’s other WWE colleagues have reacted to the news as well, including Nia Jax, Megan Morant, Natalya, and more. You can view their reactions to the news below:

ORIGINAL: As previously reported, former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin announced her shocking exit from the company. It was later rumored in a report by PWInsider that WWE was made aware of her decision earlier on Monday (October 21). Irvin has since taken to social media to deny that part of the report, stating that WWE was informed of her decision “months ago.”

She wrote earlier this morning, “Months* before Raw.” You can view her comments below. It was also reported that Irvin requested to resign from the company and was not released by company officials.

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