Entertainment · Celebrity · 3 hrs ago
Samantha Johnson’s WWE Non-Compete Ends as AEW Considers an On-Screen Role
Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Johnson is nearing free agency after leaving the company in October 2024.
Her contract reportedly allowed her to leave early, but imposed a two-year non-compete restriction because she had not completed a three-year deal.
Unlike many departing WWE performers, she reportedly received no pay during that period.
The restriction is due to end in October 2026, giving her more freedom to pursue work in professional wrestling.
AEW has discussed bringing her in for an on-screen role several times, but she is not expected to join immediately.
Johnson has said she wanted a role such as a manager rather than ring announcing, but no AEW deal or debut date has been confirmed.
Samantha Johnson, formerly known as WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin, is expected to become a free agent in October 2026 as her reported non-compete period ends.
AEW has discussed bringing Johnson into the company for an on-screen role, according to reports citing Fightful Select.
The latest reports say she will not join AEW immediately and do not confirm that she has signed a deal.
Johnson left WWE in October 2024 under a reported contract arrangement that imposed a two-year non-compete if she quit before completing her three-year deal.
Reports say she received no payment during the non-compete period.
- Who
- Samantha Johnson, formerly WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin.
- What
- Her reported WWE non-compete is nearing its end, and AEW has discussed a possible on-screen role for her.
- When
- The non-compete is expected to end in October 2026.
- Where
- WWE and AEW.
- Why
- Her reported contract imposed a two-year non-compete if she quit before completing her three-year deal.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Johnson left WWE.
Her reported two-year non-compete is due to end, making her a free agent.
- WWE departure
- October 2024
- Reported contract term
- Three years
- Non-compete
- Two years if she quit before completing her deal
- Expected free agency
- October 2026
- AEW discussions
- An on-screen role was discussed on multiple occasions