Report: CM Punk could end up replacing Shawn Michaels in WWE NXT

It was previously reported by PWInsider.com that Bruce Prichard is expected to retire from his role as WWE’s Executive Director of Creative Writing & Talent (CWT) after WrestleMania 43. It was also noted that Shawn Michaels is expected to take over for Prichard.

In an update, PWInsider stated the following…

“One of the major questions that has been asked is who will take over WWE NXT. PWInsider.com can confirm that the person the company is currently looking towards for that role is former WWE Champion CM Punk. We are told that Punk has been at the majority of WWE NXT broadcasts in recent weeks alongside Michaels and is currently being prepped for that role.”

This raises questions about whether Punk is considering retirement from full-time in-ring competition or would continue wrestling while helping guide WWE’s developmental system. There is reportedly no firm timeline for the transition, as WWE wants to ensure it is the right fit for everyone involved. Internally, Punk is currently the person being considered to take over Michaels’ position when Michaels assumes Prichard’s responsibilities.

There had been rumors of AJ Styles taking over NXT, but PWInsider reports that WWE is instead looking to involve him more in talent scouting and the WWE ID program. Styles has recently been more involved in producing NXT, partially covering for Terry Taylor while he recovered from knee surgery.

Bobby Roode had also been rumored to be a candidate for Prichard’s position. However, WWE is reportedly preparing Roode to potentially take over Michael Hayes’ responsibilities as a top producer and creative mind. One WWE source cautioned that the company will likely assign multiple people to handle the various responsibilities currently under Prichard’s umbrella.