“That was the shortest stint ever, wtf”- WWE Universe in shock after 58-year-old veteran announces end of long-term tenure after SmackDown

Lilian Garcia was hired by the company in 1999. Shortly after, she made her first appearance for the company in an episode of Raw is War in August 1999. Almost immediately, she was trusted by the company to be put into storylines. She eventually began singing the American national anthem before WWE shows and transitioned to becoming the iconic ring announcer that fans know today.

Garcia recently announced that her full-time career as a ring announcer has come to an end. However, she has announced that she may make some sporadic appearances as a ring announcer here and there. Furthermore, she would remain with WWE for the time being and continue to work on other projects.

Garcia has taken breaks from WWE to focus on her music career as well. She also left the promotion in 2019 to work as a ring announcer for the Professional Fighters League, a company that she still occasionally shows up for.

Lillian Garcia has announced that her time as a full-time ring announcer has come to an end.

She will remain with the company working on different projects and announcing here and there when needed. pic.twitter.com/4kMk8t8B8j

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) March 15, 2025

The 58-year-old returned to the company in May 2024, when she announced a King of the Ring quarter-final match between Kofi Kingston and Gunther. Later that year, in October, she became a full-time announcer for Raw after Samantha Irvin left the company. From January onward, she moved back to the blue brand, swapping roles with Alicia Taylor. Now that she has left, fans can expect to see a change on SmackDown from next Friday onward.

Wrestling world reacts to Lilian Garcia stepping down as a ring announcer

Wrestling fans were shocked to hear about Lillian Garcia stepping down as a ring announcer. Many were disappointed to hear that they would no longer get to hear her incredible ring introductions, which had been a part of the company for decades. After all, she was an integral part of many fans’ childhoods.

Netizens brought up how Garcia was only brought in as a replacement for Samantha Irvin. The fact that she even stayed this long was a blessing for those who love her work. Now that WWE has found a replacement, she could continue pursuing other roles that perhaps interest her more.

That was the shortest stint ever, wtf 😭
Swear it just makes it look like they only brought her back to cover up them losing Samantha

— logan (@LayTheSnaccdown) March 15, 2025

Hopefully Mike Rome comes back to the main roster

— TribaI Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) March 15, 2025

On behalf of all WWE fans, I say announcing both nights of WrestleMania needs to be one of those "projects".

— Stephen JKD (@theStephenJKD) March 15, 2025

She should always have a place in WWE. She’s been a great announcer over the years

— 💰Dolla Bill Dave💰 (@DaveInTheRC) March 15, 2025

She will be missed. Iconic career.

— Ꭲɑʏᴏ⁣ (@TayoPSG) March 15, 2025

Sam should return 🔥

— Dominic Booth (@processangel1) March 15, 2025

Some fans demanded that Mike Rome be brought in as a replacement for her on the blue brand. He currently works as a ring announcer for NXT and is a likely candidate, considering that fans love his work as well. WWE could try to bring back a blast from the past and try to work out a deal with the Dapper Yapper Justin Roberts. Regardless, it was a treat to see her return to Raw earlier last year and continue her stint on SmackDown.

Will Samantha Irvin return to WWE to replace Lilian Garcia?

Now that Lilian Garcia has stepped down from her role, many fans are speculating who her replacement will be for the blue brand. Many fans also wondered if she would be replaced by the woman for whom she was brought in as a replacement in the first place, Samantha Irvin.

Irvin left WWE in October 2024, just a few months after her fiance Ricochet‘s contract expired. Considering that the Highlight of the Night went to AEW, many expected her to become a part of the Jacksonville-based promotion as well. However, this did not happen. Instead, she opted to focus on her music career and recently released a single as well.

Shortly after leaving WWE, Irvin announced that working as a ring announcer was never her passion. Furthermore, she was unhappy during this time. She only did so to break into the industry and perhaps transition into being a manager. She also has had social beef, with many wrestling fans taking shots at her and her fiance. Thus, her coming back to the Stamford-based promotion is highly unlikely.

Related: Graphic Warning! Samantha Irvin reveals never-seen-before pics of nasty battle scars from her WWE tryout