Latest news with #MichaelBuffer
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Omg hope there are more' – Samantha Irvin turns heads while going braless after quitting WWE for music career
SAMANTHA Irvin still has wrestling fans singing along to her beat despite quitting WWE. Irvin, 36, left her career in the ring to chase her music dream. 2 But her Instagram page is still music to the ears of her adoring fans. Real name Samantha Johnson, the former ring announcer has provided regular updates on her new venture. One of her most popular posts remains her "hump day dump" from last summer. She posed in a denim jacket while seemingly not wearing a bra underneath. And her revealing post left fans desperate for more. But wrestling fans will have to stay tuned to her music career for any more updates. Samantha received her big break when she was hired by the WWE as a ring announcer for WWE 205 Live in April 2021. She initially tried out to be a wrestler but was unsuccessful in the quest. After receiving her ring name, Irvin, she later went on to serve as a announcer for WWE NXT. Samantha became a ring announcer for WWE Smackdown on Fox in January 2022. WWE legend's daughter tearing it up in her own sport as she wins FOURTH successive title And she then took over on Raw by February 2023 as her star continued to rise. Irvin's performances drew praise from the likes of legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer. But her departure from WWE was confirmed last October as she turned her attentions to music. Samantha had a desire to become an entertainment star from a young age, starting off as the Drama Club director at Normandin Middle School for a few years. After trying out for America's Got Talent a number of times, she got her break in 2015. She impressed the judges with her performance of Aretha Franklin's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Samantha was eliminated after the semifinals of the competition. But America's Got Talent provided a valuable springboard for her career. 'It was the best experience of my life, honestly," she told the New York Post. "I really felt like I can do this now."
Telegraph
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Michael Buffer, a rock band, fireworks – and then a 0-0: Super League's bizarre season opener
The Super League returned for the 2025 season in bizarre fashion on Thursday night as Leigh Leopards beat local rivals Wigan Warriors 1-0 in golden-point extra time. The pre-match pomp and ceremony included fireworks, rock music and even legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer, but the off-field extravaganza was not replicated on the pitch as Leigh and Wigan played out the first 0-0 draw in the competition's 29-year history. 'Let's get ready to rumble!' boomed Buffer. It's a voice and phrase that is recognisable to millions across the world and one that usually sparks a sporting spectacle. Boxing announcer Buffer was the latest addition to Wigan's theatrical build-up to their forthcoming Las Vegas trip, where they take on Warrington Wolves on March 1 in the first-ever Super League match to take place in the United States. The largest opening-night crowd in Super League history had been treated to live music from local rock band The Lathums, as well as a series of fireworks that built the anticipation to a fever pitch. The introduction of captain's challenge, a rule that allows teams to contest on-field refereeing decisions, alongside thousands of fans eager to see if Wigan's push for a third successive Super League title would start with a bang, meant it was an affair that would surely offer drama of the highest quality. A match low in points, but high in suspense There had been 4,967 Super League games before the 2025 season began, yet no match had ever ended 0-0 after 80 minutes. Step forward quadruple-winning Wigan Warriors. Facing a Wigan side who did not concede a single try in any of their final four games in 2024, it was always going to be an uphill battle for Leigh in their search for a first away win against their esteemed opponents since 1983. A resilient defensive display from both sides forced the game into extra time, as a Super League match ended without a try for only the third time ever. It took until the 82nd minute for the electronic scoreboard to click into action as Leigh's Gareth O'Brien let fly from range with a drop goal that confirmed the first 1-0 win in Super League history. Despite the lack of points it was a frantic game packed full of energy that Wigan will be looking to take to their trip to Las Vegas. 'It had a play-off feel to it with the intensity,' said Leigh's coach, Adrian Lam. 'Our fans will be tearing Leigh up tonight given how long they've had to wait for this. I'm delighted for them.' 'Wigan are the only club we haven't beaten since coming back up to Super League. Our first win here in 42 years. It's a wonderful achievement.'
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Super League season kicks off with Michael Buffer and historic 0-0 draw
Michael Buffer brought a touch of glamour but Super League failed to 'rumble' on its opening night as Leigh beat champions Wigan 1-0 in golden-point extra time after an historic 0-0 draw. The renowned boxing announcer bellowed out his famous catchphrase having been flown in for the team introductions at the Brick Community Stadium. Yet on what was a bitterly cold Thursday night, the game proved notable largely as the first in the competition's history to finish scoreless after 80 minutes. It was left to Gareth O'Brien to kick the winning point with a drop goal, securing Leigh's first win at Wigan since 1983. It was not what the bumper 21,748 crowd had arrived expecting. The 'voice of boxing' had been just one element of the pre-match hype, with an appearance from Wigan rock band The Lathums, fireworks, a laser show and plenty of promotion for the Warriors' upcoming trip to Las Vegas thrown into the mix. Yet for all the excitement, the action on the field did little to thrill. Wigan threatened a couple of times early on but Jake Wardle lost the ball attempting to dive over the line and a Bevan French kick was too strong for Luke Thompson. Leigh, who have a new look this year after losing a raft of players, spent most of the opening period in their own half but did enjoy a spell of attacking possession before the break. Keanan Brand, back at the club after a loan spell at Widnes, had a chance out wide but was hit by a powerful tackle from Wardle. Wigan went close when Tyler Dupree was stopped just short of the line after clever play by Harry Smith and Jai Field. The start of the second half saw the competition's first use of the new 'captain's challenge' system but Wigan's appeal against a Leigh penalty for an infringement by Adam Keighran failed. Wigan faced heavier punishment when skipper Liam Farrell was sin-binned for kicking the ball away in frustration after a French kick ran dead. That at least provided some spark for the home side and Field thought he had opened the scoring but the video referee ruled out his try for a ball-steal by Liam Marshall. Leigh tried to capitalise on the reprieve but Tesi Niu – one of five new signings in their side – was pushed into touch. Keighran was sent to the sin-bin in the closing minutes of normal time for a swinging arm but the deadlock could not be broken before the hooter. The drama belatedly came in the first additional period as O'Brien landed the game's only point with a well-taken long-range drop-goal.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Leigh snatch Golden Point win after historic 0-0 draw with champions Wigan
Michael Buffer brought a touch of glamour but Super League failed to 'rumble' on its opening night as Leigh beat champions Wigan 1-0 in golden-point extra time after an historic 0-0 draw. The renowned boxing announcer bellowed out his famous catchphrase having been flown in for the team introductions at the Brick Community Stadium. Yet on what was a bitterly cold Thursday night, the game proved notable largely as the first in the competition's history to finish scoreless after 80 minutes. GARETH O'BRIEN 🥶🥶@LeighLeopardsRL win the season opener in dramatic circumstances 🔥#SuperLeague — Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 13, 2025 It was left to Gareth O'Brien to kick the winning point with a drop goal, securing Leigh's first win at Wigan since 1983. It was not what the bumper 21,748 crowd had arrived expecting. The 'voice of boxing' had been just one element of the pre-match hype, with an appearance from Wigan rock band The Lathums, fireworks, a laser show and plenty of promotion for the Warriors' upcoming trip to Las Vegas thrown into the mix. Yet for all the excitement, the action on the field did little to thrill. Wigan threatened a couple of times early on but Jake Wardle lost the ball attempting to dive over the line and a Bevan French kick was too strong for Luke Thompson. Leigh, who have a new look this year after losing a raft of players, spent most of the opening period in their own half but did enjoy a spell of attacking possession before the break. Keanan Brand, back at the club after a loan spell at Widnes, had a chance out wide but was hit by a powerful tackle from Wardle. Wigan went close when Tyler Dupree was stopped just short of the line after clever play by Harry Smith and Jai Field. The start of the second half saw the competition's first use of the new 'captain's challenge' system but Wigan's appeal against a Leigh penalty for an infringement by Adam Keighran failed. Wigan faced heavier punishment when skipper Liam Farrell was sin-binned for kicking the ball away in frustration after a French kick ran dead. That at least provided some spark for the home side and Field thought he had opened the scoring but the video referee ruled out his try for a ball-steal by Liam Marshall. Leigh tried to capitalise on the reprieve but Tesi Niu – one of five new signings in their side – was pushed into touch. Keighran was sent to the sin-bin in the closing minutes of normal time for a swinging arm but the deadlock could not be broken before the hooter. The drama belatedly came in the first additional period as O'Brien landed the game's only point with a well-taken long-range drop-goal.
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Leigh snatch Golden Point win after historic 0-0 draw with champions Wigan
Michael Buffer brought a touch of glamour but Super League failed to 'rumble' on its opening night as Leigh beat champions Wigan 1-0 in golden-point extra time after an historic 0-0 draw. The renowned boxing announcer bellowed out his famous catchphrase having been flown in for the team introductions at the Brick Community Stadium. Yet on what was a bitterly cold Thursday night, the game proved notable largely as the first in the competition's history to finish scoreless after 80 minutes. It was left to Gareth O'Brien to kick the winning point with a drop goal, securing Leigh's first win at Wigan since 1983. It was not what the bumper 21,748 crowd had arrived expecting. The 'voice of boxing' had been just one element of the pre-match hype, with an appearance from Wigan rock band The Lathums, fireworks, a laser show and plenty of promotion for the Warriors' upcoming trip to Las Vegas thrown into the mix. Yet for all the excitement, the action on the field did little to thrill. Wigan threatened a couple of times early on but Jake Wardle lost the ball attempting to dive over the line and a Bevan French kick was too strong for Luke Thompson. Leigh, who have a new look this year after losing a raft of players, spent most of the opening period in their own half but did enjoy a spell of attacking possession before the break. Keanan Brand, back at the club after a loan spell at Widnes, had a chance out wide but was hit by a powerful tackle from Wardle. Wigan went close when Tyler Dupree was stopped just short of the line after clever play by Harry Smith and Jai Field. The start of the second half saw the competition's first use of the new 'captain's challenge' system but Wigan's appeal against a Leigh penalty for an infringement by Adam Keighran failed. Wigan faced heavier punishment when skipper Liam Farrell was sin-binned for kicking the ball away in frustration after a French kick ran dead. That at least provided some spark for the home side and Field thought he had opened the scoring but the video referee ruled out his try for a ball-steal by Liam Marshall. Leigh tried to capitalise on the reprieve but Tesi Niu – one of five new signings in their side – was pushed into touch. Keighran was sent to the sin-bin in the closing minutes of normal time for a swinging arm but the deadlock could not be broken before the hooter. The drama belatedly came in the first additional period as O'Brien landed the game's only point with a well-taken long-range drop-goal.
