Samantha Irvin, the iconic voice behind “WWE Raw” on USA Network, announced on social media platform X that she will step down from her role as the show’s ring announcer. She expressed her deep appreciation for her fans, stating, “I love you all tremendously and this does not mark the end of my art, I have a lifetime more to share.”
Irvin did not disclose the reasons for her departure but took the opportunity to thank various individuals within WWE, including the female talent, the production team, and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. She emphasized the unique nature of WWE entertainment, noting, “There is no form of entertainment like this and not just any entertainer can be a WWE Superstar. You are the stars that the stars idolize. It doesn’t get any bigger and I’m proud to have used my voice to let the world know it.”
Samantha Irvin, born Samantha Johnson in Dennis, Massachusetts, grew up in New Bedford. She gained fame through her remarkable singing talent, becoming a semi-finalist on Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent.” Irvin showcased her skills on FOX’s “I Can See Your Voice” and captivated audiences in Las Vegas, performing in Cirque du Soleil and “Vegas! The Show” as Tina Turner.
In 2021, she fulfilled her dream by joining WWE as the ring announcer for “205Live” on Peacock. A passionate fan of wrestling from a young age, Irvin recalled in an interview how she meticulously documented matches and created her own commentary. She later served as the ring announcer for WWE SmackDown before transitioning to “Raw” in 2023.
During WrestleMania 40, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Irvin received high praise for her announcements. Renowned announcer Michael Buffer commended her performance on social media, highlighting her emotional final announcement as “brilliant” with perfect timing and energy.
Looking ahead, Irvin is engaged to wrestler Trevor Dean Mann, known as Ricochet, who recently joined rival organization All Elite Wrestling (AEW). While she has not confirmed plans to follow him to AEW, she ended her announcement with a hint: “To my fans, my entire career I’ve been waiting for you! We are meant to be and I can prove it. Stay tuned…”