More Backstage Details on Shawn Michaels Replacing Bruce Prichard, More WWE Office Changes Coming

As previously reported, WWE Hall of Famer and NXT Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative Shawn Michaels is rumored to be prepping to take over for Bruce Prichard as Executive Director of WWE later next year following WrestleMania 43. F4WOnline’s Bryan Alvarez had more details on the transition, including more potential changes in the WWE front office.

Alvarez wrote to his subscribers today (Oct. 29) that there’s a belief that there will be more NXT office changes next year, along with the WWE ID program seeing changes as well. AJ Styles is reportedly expected to replace Shawn Michaels’ current role in NXT. He wrote, “As of right now, it looks like Shawn Michaels replacing Bruce Prichard, and AJ Styles getting his NXT role is the most likely scenario. It is believed there will be other NXT office changes in 2027 as well.”

Alvarez also indicated that current main roster Superstars such as Bayley and CM Punk could get further input. He continued, “Depending on what she wants to do with her career, Bayley could very well end up involved. Punk may also have more input. It is also believed the ID program will get ‘a fresh coat of paint’ in early 2027 as well.”

There were unconfirmed reports of Bayley signing a new long-term WWE contract after she returned to TV earlier in September. Bayley defeated her onscreen rival, Lyra Valkyria, in a No DQ bout last Monday on Raw.

AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition earlier this year. He’s since been doing producing work for WWE NXT.