Shawn Michaels will reportedly replace Bruce Prichard when the WWE Executive Director retires next year.
On October 27th, reports said Bruce Prichard will retire as WWE Executive Director – Creative Writing & Talent after WrestleMania 43 next year. It is expected that Prichard will still be available to the promotion on a consulting basis, but will be stepping down from his current duties.
According to PWInsider, the role won’t be vacant for long as WWE already has a succession plan in place. The report states that the plan is for Shawn Michaels to “essentially step into Prichard’s current role” following his retirement. HBK has served as the Head of NXT and Senior Vice President of Talent & Development since 2021, and the move will be a promotion for the Hall of Famer.
Michaels is expected to begin preparing for the move in the coming months.
Who Will Replace Shawn Michaels In NXT?
Shawn Michaels’ departure would be a big loss for NXT, but False Finish has reported that the gap is set to be filled by another legendary star, AJ Styles. Styles retired after losing to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble. However, he has remained part of WWE, and in the months since his retirement, he has been acting as a talent scout for the promotion and recently took on a trainer role at the Performance Centre on a temporary basis.
“Sources indicate to False Finish that those within the Performance Center expect AJ Styles to be more hands on within NXT as a result of Shawn Michaels promotion”
PW Insider reports that the plan is for Shawn Michaels to essentially step into Bruce Prichard's current role.
Sources indicate to False Finish that those within the Performance Center expect AJ Styles to be more hands on within NXT as a result of Shawn Michaels promotion pic.twitter.com/qfVgtq6xeZ
— False Finish (@FalseFinishHQ) October 29, 2026
