WWT Celebrates Black History Month | Samantha Irvin
Samantha Irvin was born on January 9, 1995, and her real name is Samantha Johnson. She grew up in Cape Cod in the Massachusetts town of Dennis before relocating to New Bedford. After graduating from New Bedford High School, she returned to Normandin and directed the drama club for four productions.
Irvin, the oldest of six children, had to transport, advise, and financially support her siblings since their parents divorced. Her childhood dream of becoming an actress propelled her into the spotlight, and she now voices WWE’s Smackdown Brand.
There are numerous factors and levels that contribute to the memorable and entertaining nature of WWE superstar entrances. The list contains the theme music, props, pyrotechnics, and most importantly, the ring announcer. Over the years, the WWE Universe has witnessed legendary ring announcers such as Howard Finkel, Lilian Garcia, and Tony Chimel add value to the matches by introducing the superstars in an exquisite manner.
Samantha Irvin, SmackDown’s ring announcer, is the latest addition to this list. Her beautiful voice and announcing style, especially how she introduces Roman Reigns and others on that brand, have garnered praise from fans. Samantha became an NXT ring announcer in April 2021 after signing her first WWE contract. She quickly became one of the show’s most prominent announcers by conducting backstage interviews for the developmental brand.
She then began appearing on 205 Live, where her impressive ring announcing impressed fans and backstage personnel. Prior to joining WWE, she participated in the tenth season of America’s Got Talent and displayed her singing abilities to the world. Irvin sang Aretha Franklin’s A Natural Woman during the audition phase of the competition and received a “yes” from Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel to advance to the Judge’s cuts. In her performance for the Judge’s Cuts, she sang Lay Me Down by Sam Smith. Heidi Klum gave her a standing ovation, and she advanced to the quarterfinals.
In the subsequent round, Irvin performed California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas and received standing ovations from Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. She received more votes than the other competitors in the Dunkin’ Saves competition and advanced to the semi-finals. She appeared on the premiere season of Fox’s hit show I Can See Your Voice in 2020, where the contestants and celebrity panel mistook her for a fake singer, but she proved them wrong by playing an impressive flute riff and singing Lizzo’s Good as Hell. Irvin also auditioned for American Idol multiple times but did not advance in the competition.
One of Samantha Irvin’s lesser-known facts is that she has a young daughter named Brooke from a previous relationship. She has posted numerous photos of her daughter on her social media accounts, and the two bear an uncanny resemblance. In the future, when Ricochet and Irvin marry, she will become the stepmother of Ricochet’s son. She is an inspiration to working mothers worldwide because she has succeeded in both her personal and professional lives.