Triple H took over WWE creative in July 2022, ushering in a noticeable turnaround in the company’s programming — with stronger storytelling, logical booking, and improved in-ring action.
However, 2025 has seen some backlash, particularly over the booking of WrestleMania, with many fans criticizing the close of night two and the now-infamous John Cena/Travis Scott alliance.
In wrestling’s old territory days, bookers were rarely in charge forever – creative burnout would set in, and someone new would be handed the pencil.
If Triple H were to be relieved of the proverbial pencil, who could be his replacement? Here are five names who could take over.
5. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels’ current role in WWE is Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative.
In practice, this means he is in charge of NXT’s creative – akin to Triple H on the main roster, Michaels wields “the pencil” for WWE’s developmental brand.
He now has several years of experience in this position, having overseen the product through multiple incarnations.
Given his experience and the respect he commands among WWE talent, Michaels seems a likely candidate to step up if Triple H were ever to be replaced.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Gabe Sapolsky
In all of pro wrestling, there are few bookers with more experience than Gabe Sapolsky.
Sapolsky booked Ring of Honor during its creative heyday, from its inception in 2002 until 2008 – a run that earned him four consecutive “Best Booker” awards from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter – as well as booking the highly influential indie promotion EVOLVE between 2010 and 2020.
He is currently overseeing WWE’s ID program – scouting and developing indie wrestling talent – while also booking WWE’s version of EVOLVE.
While it’s unlikely he’d be given full creative control of WWE, there are few more capable of handling the role if called upon.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Brian Gewirtz
Brian Gewirtz was head writer during much of WWE’s Attitude Era – a time when the company was at its cultural peak – spending 16 years in creative for the company.
Due to his close relationship with The Rock, he eventually left WWE to work for Rock’s Seven Bucks Production Company.
Since TKO’s purchase of WWE, The Rock has been placed on the board of directors and now wields considerable power – as seen in his ability to dictate his own storylines.
With The Rock’s influence and Gewirtz’s experience, could we see him return full-time to take on Triple H’s role?
Click the next page button below for more
2. Bryan Danielson
AEW CEO Tony Khan has spoken repeatedly about Bryan Danielson’s “great mind” for wrestling.
In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Khan stated: “If I got hit by a bus, or if I was ever incapacitated for some reason, the person I told my father that he should turn to is Bryan Danielson.”
Danielson also gained behind-the-scenes experience in WWE, joining the creative team near the end of his run there.
A move back to WWE for a head booking role may seem unlikely – but it’s one Danielson would arguably excel in.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Paul Heyman
In terms of creative minds in pro-wrestling, Paul Heyman’s place in the pantheon of all-time greats is already secured.
The former ECW owner and booker has continuously evolved with the times, creatively elevating those he works with.
While he holds no official position on WWE’s creative team, his fingerprints are all over the company’s main event scene – as they have been ever since he returned with Brock Lesnar in 2012.
He may not want the role, but arguably, there’s no one more suited to take it.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…