Some major behind-the-scenes changes are coming to WWE in 2027.
After news came out about Bruce Prichard stepping down from his role as WWE Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent after WrestleMania 43, there has been curiosity about who could be replacing the longtime WWE executive in his role.
PWinsider provided an update on the situation recently, noting that WWE is planning to promote from within, instead of looking outside to fill the position. The site revealed that current NXT head Shawn Michaels is expected to take over Prichard’s current duties. This succession plan has been in place for some time, and Michaels is expected to start preparing for the transition in the months ahead.
This begs the question of who will be entrusted with the duties of developing the next generation of talent in NXT after HBK’s move to the main roster.
HBK’s Replacement In NXT
Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline noted that as of right now, it looks like AJ Styles getting Shawn Michaels’ NXT role is ‘the most likely scenario.’ Alvarez also expects more office changes in NXT in 2027 with both CM Punk and Bayley likely to end up getting more involved in the development side of things.
Shawn Michaels inherited his NXT role directly from current WWE creative head Triple H in September 2021. AJ Styles has been trying out different hats since his in-ring retirement in January this year, and he has produced several matches in NXT in recent times.
Bayley has been helping female wrestlers with her Lodestone camps, while CM Punk has been known to spend a lot of time at the Performance Center helping young talent since his 2023 return to WWE.
