The WWE Universe was taken by surprise on Monday as announcer Samantha Irvin released a lengthy statement confirming she had parted ways with the company. The immediate conclusion many have jumped to is that Irvin has left WWE so that she can go work in AEW. However, that's not what's happening, at least not right away.

Irvin is engaged to former WWE Superstar Ricochet, and since Ricochet recently signed for AEW, it makes sense that WWE fans would jump to the conclusion that Irvin has left WWE so she can join him. Ricochet even played into that assumption, sharing a photo of the two together shortly after Irvin released her statement. However, the former North American Champion quickly followed up by noting Irvin does not have plans to become All Elite.

WWE should have cameras on Samantha Irvin and Michael Cole at all times.

Ricochet responded to a fan claiming it was obvious Irvin had quit WWE to either sign with AEW or be with Ricochet on the road while he travels with the company. Ricochet replied to that claim confirming Irvin is not coming to AEW, at least not yet. The latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio has shared more on what happened between WWE and Irvin, explaining that the announcer wants to pursue outside projects and couldn't come to terms on a deal that would allow her to do that while remaining with WWE.

Even though it's been claimed many at Raw last night were shocked to discover Irvin is no longer signed to WWE, WOR reported that the ring announcer has been considering her departure for the past year. According to Monday's episode of the podcast, Irvin wants to explore opportunities in music and it seems doing that while remaining with WWE isn't an option. AEW is not on the table for now, but that doesn't mean it won't be in the future.

Even though Irvin isn't immediately AEW-bound, once Tony Khan hears why Irvin left WWE, perhaps he will make her an offer that lets her ring announce for his promotion while still pursuing a music career. Even though the departure was sudden, higher-ups at WWE must have known it was coming as it had the wherewithal to bring veteran announcer Lilian Garcia in for Raw last night, her presence noted within minutes of Irvin publishing her statement. It's a huge loss to WWE as Irvin is probably the best ring announcer the company has had since Garcia, but the best of luck to Irvin in whatever she does next.