Samantha Irvin announces WWE exit in heartfelt social media post
The ‘Monday Night Raw’ ring announcer is departing the sports series after four years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Samantha Irvin has announced her time with WWE has come to an end after four years.
The 35-year-old, who first joined the World Wrestling Entertainment company in 2021, shared the news of her surprising departure on Monday (October 21).
In a lengthy and heartfelt statement posted to her X and Instagram accounts, she wrote: “WWE Universe, my time has come to an end as your Monday Night Raw Ring Announcer. I love you all tremendously and this does not mark the end of my art, I have a lifetime more to share.
“Thank you to every WWE fan who accepted me.”
She went on to thank her Women’s Locker Room colleagues, as well as crew and cameramen, WWE superstars past and present, coaches and more for “everything you did to help me along the way.”
“To my fans, my entire career I’ve been waiting for you! We are meant to be and I can prove it. Stay tuned,” she concluded.
Irvin, real name Samantha Johnson, was first hired by WWE in 2021 as the announcer for its 205 Live show, before she went on to replace Greg Hamilton as the ring announcer for Friday Night Smackdown.
A year later, she was promoted to be the ring announcer for its flagship Monday Night Raw show.
During her time as a WWE presenter, she endeared herself to fans with her enthusiasm and passion for ring announcing. Last April, she introduced 14 Wrestlemania matches and earned the praise of legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer.
“Ring announcer Samantha Irvin ruled @WrestleMania last night and her emotional final announcement was awesome,” he posted on X at the time.
“She was featured on camera-ring center – that was a smart production move and she was just brilliant!” he added. “Her timing, pace, drama, energy was perfect!”
Her exit comes months after her fiancé, professional wrestler Ricochet, left WWE in June and signed with its competitor All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He made his AEW debut in August during the Casino Gauntlet match.
It has not yet been announced who will be Irvin’s replacement.
Irvin, who is also a singer and musician, initially rose to fame as a semi-finalist on the tenth season of America’s Got Talent. She later showed off her flute-playing abilities on a 2020 episode of the Fox game show I Can See Your Voice.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments