Details On WWE's New SmackDown Ring Announcer
An update on Samantha Irvin, who debuted on WWE SmackDown last week.
WWE introduced a new ring announcer on last week's episode of SmackDown, with Samantha Irvin making her bow on the blue brand.
Irvin inherited the role from Mike Rome, who became the interim ring announcer on Friday nights following Greg Hamilton's departure from WWE in October 2021. Irvin, whose real name is Samantha Johnson, was brought into the promotion via the Performance Center back in April, having previously appeared on America's Got Talent and I Can See Your Voice.
Prior to her SmackDown debut, Irvin had appeared onscreen for 205 Live and NXT.
WWE uploaded a short interview with Samantha prior to last week's SmackDown. Introduced as the newest member of the announce team on Friday nights, Irvin kept things simple, calling the opportunity a "dream come true" when prompted by Megan Morant. She also credited SmackDown play-by-play announcer Michael Cole with being particularly supportive - and the SD team in general for helping her feel at home.
Irvin tweeted the following after the show:-
Honored, blessed, and oh, so excited to be your new Friday Night Smackdown Ring Announcer! #Smackdown pic.twitter.com/WEAHaIwApg
Advertisement— Samantha Irvin (@SamanthaTheBomb) January 15, 2022
Within Irvin taking his interim spot on SmackDown, Rome goes back to being a Raw-exclusive announcer. Hamilton had been in the SmackDown role since October 2019 prior to his departure.