Popular ring announcer departing WWE: ‘I have a lifetime more to share’

WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin has ended her time with the company.

The highly-praised presenter announced her departure on social media Monday, hours prior to ‘Monday Night Raw,’ which she was the ringside voice of.

‘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 wrote.

Irvin thanked the people involved in the company including the women’s locker room, backstage crew, superstars and executives.

Legally known as Samantha Johnson, Irvin became the ring announcer for ‘WWE 205 Live’ in 2021 after she tried out as a wrestler. She then moved to NXT before she became the ‘Friday Night Smackdown’ ring announcer in January 2022. In February 2023, she moved to ‘Monday Night Raw,’ where she stayed for the remainder of her time with WWE.

She became a hit with fans instantly, known for her passionate, hyped introductions like for Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as the way she introduced Chelsea Green that went viral and became synonymous with her entrance.

‘I am so lucky to have shared the ring with you and even more lucky to have been a part of your iconic ring announcements,’ Green wrote on social media.

She was on the call for most WWE’s premium live events. ‘Irvin gained praise during ‘WrestleMania 40’ in April when she announced all 14 matches in the two-day event and for her emotional call when she announced Cody Rhodes won the Undisputed WWE Championship. Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer lauded her performance.

Also a singer, Irvin also appeared on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and ‘I Can See Your Voice’ prior to her time in WWE.

Irvin is engaged to wrestler Ricochet, who recently left WWE and now performs in AEW. Irvin didn’t say what her next career move is but hinted she is working on her next step.

‘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 said.

WWE has not announced who will replace Irvin, or if there will be major shifts in its ring announcing team.