Why Samantha Irvin’s WWE Non-Compete Might Actually Be Legal

Samantha Irvin may have stepped away from WWE, but that doesn’t mean she’s free to show up in AEW—or anywhere else in wrestling. Former WWE Superstar and licensed attorney David Otunga is weighing in, and according to him, that massive non-compete clause keeping her off TV could be totally legit.

During his appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Otunga responded to rumors that Irvin is under a two-year WWE non-compete clause following her exit. While many fans assumed such a clause would be impossible to enforce, Otunga made it clear that it depends entirely on how the deal was structured—and whether she’s still being paid. When asked if WWE could really block Irvin from working anywhere else for two years, Otunga dropped this:

“Not in the contract that I read. And, you know, just knowing the law—that would be really hard to enforce. But what I wonder is—I wonder if Samantha Irvin left on her own, or tried to get out of her contract, or asked for her release. Because what could be the case is: they actually granted her the release, but say she had two years left. They’re keeping her under contract.”

He made it clear that if WWE is still paying Irvin during this period, they have every right to keep her from showing up anywhere else.

“So that’s why she can’t work anywhere else—and they’re probably still paying her. Like, that’s the other thing I would need to know: is she still being compensated? Because if she is, then yeah—they can enforce this.”

That throws cold water on any hope of Irvin popping up alongside Ricochet in AEW, at least until the clock runs out on her deal. And based on Otunga’s explanation, this isn’t just a rumor—it’s contract law 101.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported on Irvin’s situation during a Q&A, confirming she signed a new WWE deal in early 2024 with a pay raise—but at a cost. The new agreement included a two-year non-compete clause, which was part of the reason WWE increased her on-screen presence before her departure.

“She had signed a new deal, I believe, early 2024. She had told them she didn’t want to be a ring announcer anymore. But they offered her a significant pay raise.”

Sapp noted that WWE’s goal was to create viral moments with Irvin by putting the camera on her more frequently, even though she wasn’t interested in continuing that role. Despite WWE telling the public she left to pursue music, Sapp clarified that wasn’t entirely accurate.

“It was put out there by WWE that she left to pursue music. But that wasn’t it. Like, she’d always done music.”

Irvin herself recently acknowledged she’s halfway through her non-compete, posting on social media that she has one more year to go before she can make her next move. But thanks to Otunga’s legal breakdown, fans finally understand why WWE can still legally keep her on ice—and why she probably won’t be making any surprise appearances anytime soon.

Do you think WWE’s long non-compete tactics are fair to talent like Samantha Irvin? Or is this just business as usual in wrestling contracts? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what side you’re on.

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