After nearly eight years, the WWE Universe witnessed a massive return on this week's Monday Night RAW episode in the form of Lilian Garcia as a full-time ring announcer. The veteran ring announcer recently expressed her gratitude to fans on social media.
The shocking departure of Samantha Irvin from the Stamford-based promotion saddened the wrestling world. On the October 21, 2024, installment of the red brand, Garcia was announced as her replacement. Despite making several appearances in the past few years, this return would mark the veteran's full-time comeback.
Lilian Garcia shared a video on X (fka Twitter) of Joe Tessitore welcoming her back to Monday Night RAW, where she received a thunderous ovation from the crowd. The 58-year-old legend also sent a heartfelt message stating she was overjoyed by the warm welcome from the fans after her return to the company. Garcia is still soaking up the incredible experience and is deeply grateful for the love and support the fans have shown her.
"Soooo did this really happen last night or was I dreaming?…..My heart is so full!!! 🤗 Thank you for the welcome @wwe Universe!!! Then. Now. Forever. I love you! 💖🏡," she wrote.
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Check out Garcia's post below:
Lilian Garcia's first remark following her return to WWE as full-time ring announcer
On her first night back, the veteran ring announcer made a few botches during Monday Night RAW. For instance, Lilian Garcia announced Dominik Mysterio was accompanying Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, even though he was backstage at the time.
Following the red brand, the 58-year-old WWE legend broke her silence on Instagram. Garcia was proud to be back home.
"Well, now you know. Oh my gosh, guys, did that just happen? Did I just really go back to the WWE after being gone for like eight years? I mean, I’ve popped in every now and then, but it’s been eight years since I was a full-time announcer there. My goodness, when my music hit and I got introduced, the cheers and applause that you gave me tonight, thank you for that," she said.
It's still unclear if Lilian Garcia will become Irvin's full-time replacement. The company and Triple H have yet to confirm this.