Latest Backstage Update on WWE Replacing Bruce Prichard After Retirement Following WrestleMania 43, Shawn Michaels & More In Discussion

WWE is reportedly preparing to redistribute responsibilities after Bruce Prichard retires following WrestleMania 43. Ed Koskey and Robert Roode have reportedly emerged as potential successors to the veteran executive.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the 63-year-old is currently scheduled to retire from his full-time role after WrestleMania 43. Prichard, a former wrestler himself, has worked closely with Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque on creative for years. He has also frequently overseen WWE shows when Levesque was unavailable. He would reportedly remain with WWE as a consultant following retirement.

Dave Meltzer noted that Bruce Prichard recently learned about a neck injury dating back to 1991 that has worsened. He is expected to undergo surgery, although some sources within WWE have described the procedure as back surgery. The report stated his travels with WWE while his body is “beat up at his age, probably isn’t the best thing for him.”

Wrestling Observer Newsletter learned on October 29 that the current plan is to split Bruce Prichard’s responsibilities between Ed Koskey and Robert Roode. Koskey has already taken over many duties Prichard previously handled. Other names, including CM Punk, AJ Styles, and Bayley, have reportedly surfaced in discussions about potential future involvement in developmental.

Meltzer also reports that Shawn Michaels could be a candidate, but taking on Prichard’s role would require him to travel to WWE television twice weekly. That would make it “very difficult to keep his position in NXT,” where he remains “very valuable for a number of reasons.”

As Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Creative, and overseer of the creative aspects of NXT, Michaels is reportedly “up for doing more,” but Prichard’s administrative work differs from his current position. Koskey, in comparison, has extensive experience handling those responsibilities. Within NXT, Matt Bloom has always handled that aspect of the operation.

The decision is likely to change multiple times as WrestleMania 43 approaches in April. Meltzer noted that NXT personnel haven’t been informed of any changes, though they might not receive that information until closer to the event.

However, reports that Michaels could leave NXT to take on Prichard’s position may prompt those discussions “much sooner.” Meltzer noted that the reports may be “overblown at this point,” but their circulation could prompt WWE to address the situation sooner than originally expected.

The plan is for the split of Bruce Prichard’s responsibilities to go between Ed Koskey and Bobby Roode.

PWInsider reported Shawn Michaels in the position, but that would require twice a week travel to television and be very difficult to keep his position in NXT, and Michaels in… pic.twitter.com/n5xmzyRo8z

— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) October 30, 2026