Samantha Irvin joined WWE as a ring announcer in 2021 but unexpectedly left the company just three years later, bound by a lengthy non-compete clause. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this non-compete agreement is set to expire next month. Her contract allowed her to resign with two weeks’ notice; however, leaving before the three-year term triggered a 24-month non-compete period. Unlike WWE talent who receive pay during shorter non-compete durations after being released, Irvin’s employee contract does not include a paid non-compete phase.
Irvin, whose real name is Samantha Johnson, announced her departure from WWE on October 21, 2025, citing limited opportunities for advancement as a key factor. She had expressed interest in taking on larger on-screen roles, such as a manager or General Manager for one of WWE’s TV shows, but the company wanted her to continue exclusively as a ring announcer. Since leaving WWE, Irvin has shifted her focus back to her music career; she put out four singles in 2025, including “Make Me,” a track created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, she publicly acknowledged the non-compete clause, noting she still had one year remaining on it at that time.
Fan Take: This update is significant for wrestling fans because Samantha Irvin’s potential return to the industry after her non-compete expires could bring fresh energy and talents back to the scene. As WWE often limits creative growth for announcers, her situation highlights the need for more diverse roles within the sport, which could push companies to offer greater on-screen opportunities beyond traditional boundaries.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
