Shawn Michaels is expected to move into a much bigger role in WWE after WrestleMania 43, but that leaves one pretty important question — who’s going to handle NXT once he’s gone? Well, a new update has pointed to a familiar name who could be getting a lot more involved with the brand.
According to False Finish, sources within WWE’s Performance Center expect AJ Styles to become more hands-on with NXT once Michaels moves into his new position. That doesn’t mean Styles has been officially chosen to replace Michaels, but there is apparently an expectation within the Performance Center that he’ll be taking on more responsibility.
“Sources indicate to False Finish that those within the Performance Center expect AJ Styles to be more hands on within NXT as a result of Shawn Michaels promotion.”
That’s an interesting name to have in the conversation. Styles has spent decades working around the world, including major runs in TNA, NJPW, and WWE. With that kind of experience, he certainly has plenty to offer younger talent trying to make it to the main roster.
This comes after it was revealed that WWE is planning to promote Michaels into Bruce Prichard’s position as Executive Director of Creative Writing & Talent following WrestleMania 43 in April 2027. Prichard is expected to step away from his full-time duties while remaining with the company as a consultant. According to PWInsider, WWE has already been preparing for Michaels to take over Prichard’s responsibilities, and this isn’t something that was just decided recently.
“We are told that this succession plan has been in place for some time and that Michaels will start to prepare for the Prichard role in the months ahead.”
Michaels has been running NXT since September 2021, so his expected promotion would leave WWE with another important position to figure out. He’s been responsible for the brand’s creative direction while also helping develop talent at the Performance Center, making his eventual departure from that role a pretty big deal.
That’s where Styles could come in. While there’s no indication that WWE has offered him Michaels’ exact position, the expectation that he’ll become more involved with NXT raises questions about what the company might have planned for him. Whether that means working directly with talent, helping with creative, or taking on some other responsibilities remains to be seen.
And there’s still plenty of time for things to change. Michaels isn’t expected to move into Prichard’s position until after WrestleMania 43, and WWE hasn’t announced any official plans for who will handle NXT once that happens.
For now, Styles is a name worth keeping an eye on. Nobody has confirmed that he’ll be the next person running NXT, but people within the Performance Center are apparently expecting him to have a bigger presence once Michaels moves up. With months still to go before the transition, WWE has time to figure out exactly what that means.
Do you think AJ Styles should take over NXT when Shawn Michaels moves into his new role, or would you rather see WWE give the job to someone else? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
