Former WWE Raw Star Responds to Backlash Against Samantha Irvin’s WWE Departure

Samantha Irvin, former WWE ring announcer for Raw, recently left WWE to pursue her true passion of managing talent. Following her departure in October 2024, some WWE fans expressed disappointment on social media, reacting strongly to Irvin’s decision to step away from announcing—a traditional role often held for years by WWE personnel. Many fans felt that by leaving WWE, Irvin had “broken tradition,” a sentiment that led to unexpected backlash.

Ricochet’s Perspective on Irvin “Breaking Tradition”

In an interview on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Irvin’s husband and WWE Superstar Ricochet addressed the criticism surrounding Irvin’s exit. Ricochet explained that Irvin, a musician at heart, didn’t see announcing as her dream role. He noted, “She’s just not an announcer. She’s an artist and musician, so this wasn’t her passion.” Ricochet shared that Irvin’s decision was rooted in a desire to pursue what truly fulfills her, much like his own pursuit of wrestling.

Ricochet acknowledged that WWE and wrestling fans can become very attached to the people who serve them familiar roles, often for long tenures. He noted that Irvin’s choice to leave announcing for a more creative role may have felt jarring to fans who value tradition and consistency in WWE.

The Unique Pressure of WWE’s “Traditional” Roles

Ricochet elaborated on the “tradition” Irvin may have disrupted, likening it to the reactions when popular wrestlers step away to pursue new careers. Wrestling stars like The Rock have faced similar reactions when moving into new arenas, as fans tend to become deeply invested in seeing familiar faces stay in familiar roles. According to Ricochet, this is part of wrestling’s legacy, where performers often remain in defined roles for extended periods to build familiarity with fans.

Fans’ Evolving View on WWE Careers

Though Irvin’s departure initially sparked backlash, many fans are beginning to appreciate her desire to grow outside WWE. Her journey illustrates the balancing act between tradition and personal growth in professional wrestling. As Irvin explores new opportunities, she reminds fans that WWE talents, too, are constantly evolving.