Samantha Irvin’s AEW Future Gets an Update as WWE Non-Compete Nears Its End — Report
Samantha Irvin’s AEW Future Gets an Update as WWE Non-Compete Nears Its End — Report
Bibon SinhaSat, October 24, 2026 at 12:15 AM UTC
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Photo Credit: WWE
Samantha Irvin could be getting closer to a possible AEW career. According to a new update, the former WWE ring announcer, who now goes by her real name, Samantha Johnson, is set to become a free agent in October 2026 after a non-compete period following her WWE exit.
Johnson left WWE in October 2024. However, her departure came with an unusual contract arrangement that set her apart from most WWE stars who leave the company.
AEW has reportedly considered Samantha Irvin
According to Fightful Select, AEW has discussed bringing Johnson into the company for an on-screen role several times. However, an immediate debut is reportedly not in the plans, and she may not appear on AEW TV anytime soon.
Fightful Select reported that Johnson had a non-compete clause in her contract. This was different from the 30-day or 90-day periods often described as non-competes when WWE releases talent or allows their contracts to expire. Those periods usually involve talent receiving pay while their agreements wind down.
Johnson’s reported contract allowed her to leave WWE at any time. However, if she quit before completing her three-year deal, she would face a two-year non-compete restriction. Unlike released WWE stars who are typically paid during their termination periods, Johnson reportedly received no payment during this time.
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With the restriction ending in October 2026, Johnson will soon have more freedom to explore opportunities in pro wrestling again.
AEW could be a potential destination for Johnson as her husband, Ricochet, has emerged as a key part of the AEW roster for a few years now. Moreover, she has been backstage at several AEW events earlier.
According to Fightful Select, AEW has discussed bringing Johnson into an on-screen role on multiple occasions. However, the latest report did not confirm that she had signed a deal or reveal when she might debut.
Read More: Sheamus Has AEW Support From Two Major Stars, but There’s a Caveat — Report
The post Samantha Irvin’s AEW Future Gets an Update as WWE Non-Compete Nears Its End — Report appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
