Lilian Garcia is to return to WWE as the guest announcer for the WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.
A statement released by WWE on Friday morning confirmed the return of the Spanish-born Garcia to the post she held for nearly two decades.
Garcia, 51, joined WWE in 1999 and debuted in August of that year on an episode of RAW Is War.
From there she quickly became one of WWE’s most prominent and revered on-screen talents. Her good looks, bright personality and years of loyal service to ring announcing at the highest level endeared her to wrestling fans worldwide.
Besides lending her voice to millions, Garcia showed a willingness to muck in with any number of angles and storylines she became embroiled in.
Less than four weeks after her television debut she was slapped in a Figure Four Leglock by imminent Hall Of Famer Jeff Jarrett, who took umbrage to her announcing a loss he had just incurred.
From sharing beers with Stone Cold Steve Austin, taking a beating from 3 Minute Warning and even a romance with Viscera, Garcia has seen and done it all.
Perhaps the peak of her professional career came on September 13, 2001. A resident of New York City, Garcia was tasked with signing The Star-Spangled Banner on that night’s episode of SmackDown. With tensions and emotions high, Garcia delivered a rousing rendition of the United States national anthem.
The announcement will come as some relief to WWE, who have found themselves at odds with fans and sponsors regarding their approach and conduct to the Women’s Battle Royal.
The match, scheduled for WrestleMania on April 8, was originally called the Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal. After immense pressure from fans and the show’s major sponsor, WWE caved and removed Moolah’s name from the marquee.
The controversy surrounding the company’s original choice involves a vast number and array of accusations made against Moolah, who is alleged to have dominated and controlled those around her by pure fear and wicked criminal acts.
The issue has thrown up much-needed debates on the place and future for women at the top table of professional wrestling.
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