With WWE NXT continuing to succeed, fans could potentially see Shawn Michaels one day departing developmental to make his mark on the main roster.
While there is no indication that Shawn Michaels may be departing his role at NXT any time soon – with such an important job, there has to be a succession plan in place.
Here are seven names that could potentially replace Shawn Michaels as the executive producer of NXT.
7. CM Punk
The initial two months of AEW Collision that were allegedly in no small part creatively directed by CM Punk are still well regarded by many wrestling fans, and some day we might be able to see what the Best in the World’s vision would look like applied to WWE.
Having shown a noted interest in supporting NXT talent since returning to WWE, it would make sense to see Punk take on an expanded role in the developmental system in the future.
Spending his entire adult life in the entertainment and pro wrestling industry, Punk undoubtedly has a unique perspective on performance from both sides of the camera.
While he has upcoming Hollywood projects, including featuring as a vampire in the upcoming horror film Night Patrol, maybe one day fans could see Punk at the helm of NXT once he wraps up his in-ring career.
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6. William Regal
It would seem that William Regal would be the clearest choice to fill any executive producer role that may become vacant.
After a brief foray in AEW in 2022, Regal returned to WWE in January 2023 where he assumed the role of Vice President of Global Talent Development.
Since returning to WWE, William Regal has been scant on television however has been acknowledged as being a backstage presence.
While Regal seems focused on WWE overall rather than just NXT, he would still be a great person to take the reins in the event there was a replacement needed for Shawn Michaels.
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5. Pete Dunne
He remains a threatening presence in the ring but Pete Dunne also has an incredible mind for pro-wrestling as a whole, not just a performer.
While he may not be nearing the end of his in-ring career, Dunne has already displayed that he has a creative vision for producing.
Dunne has reportedly produced matches for WWE Speed and NXT UK in the past, so perhaps there is a natural progression that could lead to the Bruiserweight taking on a bigger backstage role in the future.
Another current star that would likely be great in the role given his lifelong fandom and veteran status in the industry plus deep roots in NXT is Johnny Gargano, however, again there is no current indication of a behind-the-scenes role being in his immediate future as of now.
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4. Matt Bloom
Another WWE name with deep roots in NXT is WWE’s Head Trainer Matt Bloom.
Already integral to the operation of the future of WWE at the Performance Center, Matt Bloom is likely the most realistic next move in the event Shawn Michaels moves on.
Having served in the role for nearly ten years, the NXT program has had consistent leadership from Bloom throughout several eras of new wrestlers.
Perhaps Bloom would remain in his current role as a trainer rather than replace Michaels, but given his experience it’s hard to argue with his credentials for the role.
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3. Tyson Kidd
An important backstage producer on the main roster, Tyson Kidd (real name TJ Wilson) would be another potential candidate to take over for Shawn Michaels someday.
After suffering a career ending spinal cord injury in 2015, Wilson went on to become an important member of WWE’s backstage setup.
Having contributed a great deal as a producer, it would be great to see what could happen if he were entirely in charge of NXT.
Other former WWE in-ring stars that continue on with the company as producers include Jamie Noble, Bobby Roode, Jason Jordan and Hurricane Helms, all of whom could potentially take up this spot on the list.
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2. The Undertaker
While his in-ring career is already legendary, The Undertaker has shown he is still committed to supporting the future of WWE.
Demonstrating his mentorship skills on-screen in the A&E series WWE LFG (Legends and Future Greats), Undertaker has a lot to contribute to the future of the industry using his wealth of experience.
While he’s still an intimidating presence, Undertaker has demonstrated that he is able to provide valuable feedback to up-and-coming talent.
It seems pretty unlikely that The Undertaker would want the full-time role of running NXT, but in the event there were any helping hands needed – Undertaker would be a great fit.
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1. Roman Reigns
Through the Bloodline storyline it has been demonstrated that alongside Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns is capable of not only performing a complex story – but helping to craft it as well.
With Reigns sharing a vision for the story and truly becoming a massive star since being empowered to take more creative control over his character, he would be seemingly able to make magic for others as well.
Whenever Reigns chooses to hang up his boots, he will have had a legendary in-ring career – but perhaps will still be interested in sticking around professional wrestling.
While Reigns seems poised to remain affiliated with WWE for the foreseeable future, he is probably more likely to follow the path of The Final Boss, The Rock and explore his Hollywood ambitions.
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