Why is iconic WWE name absent from RAW this week?

WWE Ring Announcer Samantha Irvin is not on Monday Night RAW, with Alicia Taylor replacing her for the June 17 episode. Her absence created much speculation on her future with the company following what happened last week between her partner Ricochet and Bron Breakker.

Breakker and Ricochet had a brawl backstage, which resulted in the latter sustaining multiple injuries and being ruled out indefinitely. The former champion left the arena and moved to a medical facility to undergo further medical tests that revealed the extent of the damage. His fiancee, Samantha Irvin, was with him in the ambulance. Last week's incident is the reason for her absence this Monday. Irvin is part of the storyline between the two men, and we expect her to return next week to confront the former NXT Champion.

Breakker's attack was the perfect opportunity for the creative team to write Ricochet off TV after reportedly deciding not to renew his contract and leave the company.

Ricochet signed with WWE in 2018. During his time with the company, he won the Intercontinental Championship, the United States Championship, and the Tag Team Titles (with Braun Strowman).

Samantha Irvin set to stay with WWE amid Ricochet's exit

Ricochet met Samantha Irvin when she joined the company in April 2021, and the two got engaged in January 2023.

Irvin is under contract with WWE and is not expected to leave, even though her fiance will become a free agent once his contract expires. She will continue with her iconic ring announcements, and it remains to be seen how the creative team will continue the storyline with Bron Breakker.

Ricochet is not expected to appear on Monday Night RAW again, as his reported last appearance was last week. Once he becomes a free agent, he will likely move to AEW, becoming the latest superstar to make the switch from the Stamford-based promotion.