Shawn Michaels expected to take Bruce Prichard's WWE creative role, report says

Shawn Michaels is expected to step into Bruce Prichard's role as WWE's Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent, PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported on October 29. WWE has not announced any change, so this is a report, not a confirmed move.

What PWInsider reported

Earlier in the week, PWInsider reported that Prichard is expected to leave that full time position at WrestleMania 43 in April 2027 and stay on as a consultant. Its follow up said WWE plans to promote from within, and that according to multiple sources the plan is for Michaels to essentially take over Prichard's current role.

PWInsider added that the succession plan has been in place for some time and that Michaels will start preparing for the job in the months ahead. WrestlingNews.co noted that one source told PWInsider there could be some leeway on timing.

Michaels' current job

Michaels runs NXT and holds the title Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative. He took over NXT in September 2021. The WWE Hall of Famer retired from the ring in 2010 and has wrestled once since, at Crown Jewel in 2018.

The writing teams for Raw, SmackDown and NXT currently sit under Prichard, per PWInsider's earlier report as summarized by WrestlingNews.co. If the plan goes ahead, Michaels would move from overseeing one brand to a role that covers all three.

Who could run NXT

Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline said there is a belief that AJ Styles could take over Michaels' NXT duties, PWMania reported. Styles retired from in ring competition this year and has been doing production work for NXT. That part is speculation from one outlet, and neither WWE nor Styles has commented.

What is confirmed

Nothing in this story has been announced by WWE. RingZine will update it if WWE confirms a change to its creative leadership.