Lilian Garcia Reflects On Her Unexpected Debut As A Ring Announcer

Lilian Garcia, the renowned former WWE ring announcer, recently shared her remarkable journey of an unexpected debut and on-the-job learning during her early days with the company. In a candid interview with “TV Insider,” Garcia recounted her sudden start on the August 23, 1999 episode of “WWE Monday Night Raw,” highlighting the intense pressure and lack of preparation she faced.

Garcia vividly described the whirlwind of emotions she experienced on her first day, realising she would be performing live for a global audience with minimal notice.

I hadn’t even been told I would be ring announcing that night until 3:30. For me, from 3:30 until the end of the show it was such a blur, The fact 20 minutes before I was live on the air they told me no cue cards. I remember terror if I could put it in one word.

The lack of formal training added to Garcia’s challenges in her new role.

There were no words of advice. It was more so ring announcer Tony Chimel sitting with me at 4:30 to tell me what to say and how to break down every match. I was trying to learn 45 minutes of sitting with him. Then I got dressed and went out to watch him do four matches [that were being taped for WWE weekend programming]. That was my training.

Despite the initial struggles, Lilian Garcia’s determination shone through.

I think because it was so intense and I hadn’t been trained and I was messing up. I didn’t know how to do the job. I didn’t have the cadence. I started thinking, ‘Am I ever going to get the hang of it?’ The main thing I will tell you is I just kept showing up. That was the secret to it.

The perseverance of Lilian Garcia paid off, leading to a successful career as a WWE ring announcer. She recently celebrated 25 years since her debut on Monday Night Raw, where she served as the ring announcer for 10 years until 2009.

Lilian Garcia Makes One-Night Return To WWE Raw

Former WWE Raw ring announcer Lilian Garcia recently made a surprise return to show and shared the ring with current Monday Night Raw ring announcer Samantha Irvin.

H/t to ITRwrestling.com