• Why Samantha Irvin Has A 2-Year Non-Compete Clause With WWE
Samantha Irvin’s lengthy two-year non-compete clause following her exit from WWE appears to be tied directly to a contract decision she made in 2024.
According to Fightful Select, Irvin’s extended non-compete isn’t a disciplinary measure but rather the result of a contract extension she agreed to before choosing to leave the company.
Irvin had already expressed her desire to step away from ring announcing, but WWE made a strong effort to keep her on board through early 2024, offering a significant pay raise to remain with the company and work WrestleMania 40.
Samantha accepted the new deal, which came with a substantial salary increase, but also included a lengthy non-compete clause. The new agreement reportedly went into effect shortly before her eventual decision to part ways with WWE.
During that period, WWE had begun placing greater emphasis on Irvin’s role as an on-screen personality. She was featured more prominently during entrances, with production even setting up a dedicated camera angle to capture her reactions during major moments on shows.
Fightful noted that there’s “a lot more” to Irvin’s departure story that may eventually come out, but for now, her exit appears amicable and tied to contractual logistics rather than any backstage conflict.
With the two-year non-compete in place, Irvin won’t be able to sign or appear for any competing wrestling promotion until the clause expires, though she remains free to pursue opportunities outside the wrestling industry.
Also Read: Current Favorite To Face Brock Lesnar At WrestleMania 42
• Another Possible Sign That Chris Jericho Is Done With AEW
Chris Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling is set to expire in two months. The former World Heavyweight Champion is said to be eyeing a WWE return in 2026 for a possible retirement tour and Hall of Fame induction.
Over the past few months, there have been several indications that Jericho could be preparing to move on from AEW. Earlier this year, he admitted that he’d be open to returning to WWE someday. Moreover, his 2026 cruise isn’t advertising any AEW talent or matches, which is a major change compared to previous years.
The latest sign came earlier this month when Jericho’s trademark filing for “The Jericho Vortex” was officially ruled as dead and abandoned by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark was initially filed in April 2024, but was abandoned due to a “failure to file timely SOU or extension request.”
The term “Jericho Vortex” became popular among fans frustrated with his AEW storylines, as many believed that wrestlers who feuded with him often ended up stuck in long, drawn-out rivalries that didn’t elevate them.
Y2J had seemingly embraced the idea, planning to make it part of his on-screen persona and claim that working with him helped wrestlers reach new levels.
Chris Jericho hasn’t appeared in AEW since April. Tony Khan has stated on a few occasions that he’d love to have the 54-year-old back.
