A new backstage update has shed light on WWE’s plans for Shawn Michaels’ successor in NXT, with CM Punk reportedly being prepped to take over the role.
In late October, PWInsider revealed that WWE’s Executive Director of Creative Writing & Talent Bruce Prichard is set to retire from his role after WrestleMania 43, with Shawn Michaels, the current head of WWE NXT and Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative, set to step into Prichard’s role.
Michaels will reportedly be splitting his time between NXT and WWE HQ in preparation for this transition, but who will be taking over The Heartbreak Kid’s role in NXT once he does make that permanent switch?
According to a new update, once again from PWInsider, SmackDown superstar CM Punk is the individual currently being looked at as the next head of WWE NXT.
Punk has reportedly been in attendance at the majority of NXT’s recent broadcasts alongside Michaels, with WWE prepping him for stepping into his shoes once Michaels moves into Prichard’s role.
Will CM Punk step away from in-ring competition once he takes on full-time NXT role?
This will be the question on most fans’ lips when seeing this news, but according to PWInsider’s update, WWE has “no firm timeline” for Punk taking on the role as the company wants everyone involved to take time to ensure that it’s the “right fit for all involved.” Internally however, WWE is looking to Punk to take over from Michaels once he moves into Prichard’s role after WrestleMania 43.
Even if Punk does take on the role after WrestleMania 43, it doesn’t necessarily mean he would need to retire permanently from the ring right away, as WWE themselves likely wouldn’t be in a rush to lose a star of Punk’s calibre from their regular roster.
With WWE’s schedule not being as demanding as it once was, we could potentially see “The Best in the World” adopt even more of a part-time TV schedule; popping up for the biggest events and angles rather than appearing every week.
AJ Styles & Bobby Roode WWE roles update
PWInsider also shared an update on AJ Styles’ role in WWE NXT following rumors of he being the one to potentially take over from Michaels.
Despite Styles’ increased involvement in WWE NXT lately and producing matches for the brand (which is partly due to him covering for Terry Taylor during his recovery from knee surgery), WWE are currently looking to have Styles assist in a talent scouting role and the WWE ID program.
Lastly in response to rumors that Bobby Roode could potentially be taking over Bruce Prichard’s role, PWInsider confirmed that this was not set to be the case, with Roode actually being prepped to step into Michael Hayes’ role as WWE’s head producer and creative mind – although it’s noted that the company will likely “tab several people” to cover Prichard’s responsibilities.
We will provide further updates on Punk’s future and any other WWE backstage shake-ups as more news becomes available.
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