Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irwin, who now goes by her real name, Samantha Johnson, will be hitting free agency soon, though she may not be heading to AEW husband Ricochet right away like many fans might think. Irwin retired from WWE in October 2024but with his departure came a lengthy non-compete clause.
According to A new report from Fightful SelectIrvin is a free agent this month. The magazine reports that he had an official non-compete clause after leaving WWE, compared to the 90-day “coolout period” many stars have after being released from the company, which is not a true non-compete.
It was previously reported that his contract allowed him to leave his position at any time, but if he does not see out his three-year contract, a two-year non-compete will apply. Released stars, or those whose deals are not renewed, are often paid for their 30-day or 90-day “coolout periods,” but Irvin is not.
Fightful Select confirmed that Irwin joining AEW has been discussed, but he won’t be making the jump right away. Since leaving WWE, Irwin has been outspoken doesn’t like his position as the ring announcerand said he wanted to be a manager or some other screen character instead. Irwin has focused mainly on his music careerreleasing many singles including the song “Make Me”.
Plans for a potential AEW career for him, possibly as manager of Ricochet and The Demand, were not mentioned in the latest report. The stable are former AEW World Trios Champions, and Ricochet recently participated in a Clockwork Carnage match at AEW WrestleDream, challenging Will Ospreay for the AEW World Championship.