Samantha Irvin announces her retirement as WWE ring announcer

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

The highly acclaimed host announced her departure on social media Monday, hours before Monday Night Raw, on which she was the ringside voice.

“I love you all immensely and this does not mean the end of my art, I still have a lifetime to share with you. Thank you to every WWE fan who has accepted me,” she wrote.

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

Irvin, officially known as Samantha Johnson, became a ring announcer on “WWE 205 Live” in 2021 after trying out as a wrestler. She then moved to NXT before becoming the ring announcer for Friday Night Smackdown in January 2022. In February 2023, she moved to Monday Night Raw, where she remained for the remainder of her time with WWE.

She became an instant hit with fans, known for her passionate, hyped introductions such as “Roman Reigns” and “The Bloodline” as well as the way she introduced Chelsea Green, which went viral and became synonymous with her performance.

“I'm so happy to have shared the ring with you and even happier to have been a part of your legendary ring announcements,” Green wrote on social media.

She has appeared in most of WWE's premium live events. “Irvin received praise at “WrestleMania 40” in April, when she announced all 14 matches of the two-day event, and for her emotional call when she announced that Cody Rhodes had won the WWE Undisputed Championship. Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer praised her performance.

Irvin is also a singer and appeared on “America's Got Talent” and “I Can See Your Voice” before joining WWE.

Irvin is engaged to wrestler Ricochet, who recently left WWE and is now performing in AEW. Irvin hasn't said what her next career move is, but hinted that she's working on her next step.

“To my fans, I've been waiting for you my whole career! 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 any major changes to its ring announcing team.

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