In a surprising turn of events, Samantha Irvin, a prominent figure in WWE ring announcing, has announced her departure from the company. Irvin, who had quickly become a fan favorite, made the announcement via social media, expressing her gratitude to WWE legends and staff, including Triple H and other Hall of Famers. Her departure marks the end of an era for WWE’s Monday Night Raw, where she had been the lead ring announcer, captivating audiences with her unique energy and enthusiasm.

Irvin’s exit opened the door for the return of veteran announcer Lilian Garcia, a familiar voice in the WWE universe. Garcia, who originally left the company in 2016 after a storied career spanning over 15 years, returned on the October 21, 2024, episode of WWE Raw. Garcia, known for her powerful voice and iconic moments like singing the National Anthem after 9/11, is set to take over as the main announcer for Raw once again. This comes after her brief appearances earlier in the year, including a special co-announcement with Irvin during a King of the Ring event, which many saw as a symbolic “passing of the torch” moment​

​

.

 

Irvin, during her time with WWE, built a solid reputation not only for her professional approach to ring announcing but also for her passion for the role. She was compared frequently to Garcia, who herself had inspired a generation of female announcers. Irvin spoke openly about how watching Garcia perform during her childhood motivated her to pursue a career in WWE. Her departure has left fans and insiders speculating on her future, though she has yet to reveal her next steps​

​

.

 

Lilian Garcia’s return has been welcomed by long-time WWE fans, many of whom hold fond memories of her iconic tenure. Garcia expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and thanked Triple H for giving her the opportunity to return. Though she currently serves as a ring announcer for the Professional Fighters League (PFL), her WWE return underscores her deep connection to the brand​

.

 

As the WWE moves forward with Garcia back at the helm of Raw’s ring announcing, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Irvin, who leaves behind a strong legacy in her relatively short tenure.