Samantha Irvin Shocks Wrestling Fans With WWE Non-Compete Clause Length

Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin — now performing under the name Samantha The Bomb — has stunned wrestling fans by revealing the length of her WWE non-compete clause.

In a social media post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Irvin revealed that she’s only halfway through a two-year non-compete, meaning she won’t be able to return to professional wrestling until late 2026.

“One year down, one year left on my non-compete! Can’t wait — I hope you enjoy my songs in the meantime and look back on all the memories as fondly as I do!”
 — Samantha Irvin, via X

The announcement immediately went viral, leaving fans and fellow wrestlers in disbelief that even a ring announcer would be bound by such a lengthy restriction. AEW star Mercedes Moné even chimed in, joking that she “knows several attorneys” who might be able to help.

A Fan Favorite Voice Silenced Too Soon

Irvin joined WWE in April 2021, quickly rising from 205 Live to NXT, and later becoming the lead announcer for both Raw and SmackDown. Her powerful introductions and passionate delivery made her a fan favorite — particularly for her work during WrestleMania, where she famously announced 14 matches in total.

Behind the scenes, Irvin reportedly wanted to expand her role within the company beyond announcing. However, WWE executives didn’t have any creative plans for her outside that position, leading to her departure in October 2024.

Since leaving, she’s pursued her love of music — releasing several singles and connecting with fans in a new way — but has been clear that she didn’t leave WWE to focus on music, hinting that her wrestling journey isn’t over yet.

Speculation of an AEW Reunion

Many fans are already speculating that Samantha could eventually make her return to the wrestling world in AEW, where her husband Ricochet signed in mid-2024 after exiting WWE.

Given her popularity and charisma, it’s easy to imagine Tony Khan finding a prominent on-air role for her when her non-compete expires. For now, fans will have to wait until 2026 to see what’s next for “The Bomb.”

WWE’s Non-Compete Clauses Under Fire

Irvin’s revelation has reignited the ongoing debate over WWE and TKO Group Holdings’ controversial non-compete clauses.

Traditionally, departing WWE talent were restricted for 90 days — but recent reports indicate much longer deals are being enforced for certain performers, including Andrade, who briefly returned to AEW before being removed due to his own contract complications.

Adding to the controversy, Ridge Holland recently revealed that his WWE deal expires in November, yet his guaranteed pay will end even as he remains sidelined with an injury. Many within the industry have called these practices “unethical” and “career-stifling.”

With WWE now operating under the corporate microscope of TKO, pressure is mounting from fans and legal experts alike to reevaluate how talent contracts are structured.

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Samantha Irvin’s case highlights a growing concern in the modern wrestling landscape — corporate control versus performer freedom. A two-year non-compete for an announcer feels less like protection and more like corporate overreach, effectively benching a beloved talent who posed no competitive threat.

If WWE continues this trend, it could push more performers to fight for reform — or even avoid long-term deals altogether. Irvin’s grace and optimism through it all only amplify her fan support, and when that clock finally runs out in 2026, don’t be surprised if “Samantha The Bomb” returns to the wrestling world in explosive fashion.

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