Former WWE ring announcer’s non-compete keeps her off-screen until 2026
Summary
– Samantha Irvin signed a renewed WWE deal in early 2024 with a two-year non-compete
– The agreement included a major raise and increased TV exposure before her exit
– She remains unable to sign with AEW or any promotion until October 2026
Samantha Irvin’s exit from WWE left fans wondering why she hasn’t appeared anywhere else in wrestling. The answer lies in her final contract with WWE, which included one of the longest non-compete clauses in recent memory.
During a recent Fightful Select Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp revealed that Irvin signed a new deal with WWE in early 2024. The contract reportedly offered a substantial pay increase. Still, it came with strict conditions, most notably a two-year non-compete clause that prevents her from joining any other promotion until October 2026.
WWE capitalized on Irvin’s popularity before her departure, featuring her heavily on television and social media. The company’s efforts to make her a recurring on-screen presence were designed to boost engagement and create viral moments. While the exposure raised her profile, leading to unwanted online attention and personal frustration.
Despite the offer’s financial appeal, Irvin had already expressed that she no longer wanted to work as a ring announcer. She agreed to the deal but later chose to step away from the role entirely, effectively locking herself out of the wrestling business for two years once her exit became official.
Sapp noted that Irvin never planned to jump to AEW or another company; her decision was about walking away from announcing and not switching sides. When the non-compete expires in late 2026, she could return in a new capacity, possibly as an on-screen manager alongside her real-life partner, Ricochet.
Irvin recently confirmed her situation on X, writing that she’s halfway through the clause and eager for what’s next. She also clarified that she didn’t leave “for music,” emphasizing that music has always been part of her life, even during her WWE tenure.
