Major Name Set To Become A Free Agent Ahead Of Rumoured AEW Move (AEW News)
Samantha Irvin is set to become a free agent later this month.
Having departed WWE two years ago, Samantha Irvin is about to become a free agent.
Via Fightful Select, the real-life Samantha Johnson's two-year non-compete is set to expire later this month.
Samantha requested her WWE exit in October 2024, having spent several years as the company's go-to ring announcer for so many major matches and moments, most memorably her emotional announcement of Cody Rhodes' WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 40.
As part of being granted her release, Samantha was unable to appear for any other wrestling promotions for two years. And as for the reason for wanting out of WWE, she wanted to be utilised as more than just a ring announcer, whereas WWE seemingly didn't have any real interest in letting her expand beyond that ring announcing gig.
Of course, there has long been speculation that Samantha Johnson would join AEW in an on-screen capacity once those two years were up. Fightful notes this is something that's been discussed in AEW "a number of times", though she isn't expected to immediately join Tony Khan's outfit as soon as she hits free agency.
Given that Samantha is married to AEW star Ricochet, Fightful adds that she's been backstage at "dozens" of AEW shows and has a "great" relationship with the promotion.
So, the story here is that Samantha Johnson will soon become a free agent, there have been internal AEW talks of bringing her in, she's been at various AEW events, has a great relationship with AEW... but she's not expected to land in the company just yet.