Samantha Irvin is approaching the end of her two-year WWE non-compete clause, potentially opening the door for a return to professional wrestling.

The former WWE ring announcer announced her departure on October 21, 2024. On the first anniversary of her exit, she confirmed that another year remained on the restriction. During that time, she has continued pursuing her music career.

With the clause set to expire in October, speculation could soon turn to what comes next, including the possibility of joining her husband, Ricochet, in AEW. However, no move has been confirmed.

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer explained that Irvin’s departure involved an employee contract with different conditions from those attached to WWE talent deals.

“The non-compete clause on former ring announcer Samantha Irvin Mann, which covered two years, will end next month. Unlike with Renee Paquette, who had a lengthy unpaid non-compete period, where we knew she was headed to AEW, with Irvin, we don’t know. She left to pursue a singing career, not to be a ring announcer elsewhere. She had an employee contract, and not a talent contract. As much as people complain about one-sided talent contracts, the employment deals are worse.”

Meltzer also outlined the condition that reportedly triggered the lengthy restriction.

“Her contract allowed her to quit at any time provided she gave two weeks notice, but if she quit before the end of her three-year deal, as she did, there was a 24 month non-compete period written into the deal. Unlike with talent who are paid their salaries during the non-compete period, which lasts either 30 (for NXT contracts) of 90 (for WWE contracts) days when the company decides to let someone go, for an employee deal, if you are let go, there is no paid non-compete period.”

Despite earning widespread praise for her announcing, Irvin previously explained that she did not enjoy the role. She wanted to explore becoming a manager or potentially an on-screen general manager, but WWE did not see a future for her beyond ring announcing.

Music was already part of her life before WWE, and she now performs under the name Samantha The Bomb.

Irvin has also teased the possibility of working on-screen with Ricochet, who joined AEW in August 2024. The couple married in March 2025, having become engaged during their time in WWE.

With the restriction nearing its end, fans may soon get a clearer idea of whether wrestling forms part of Irvin’s next chapter.