Is CM Punk set to replace Shawn Michaels as WWE NXT head? New report reveals potential plan
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Major shakeup in NXT?
CM Punk seems to be inching closer to getting a behind-the-scenes job within the Stanford-based promotion as per a recent report that claims that he is being looked at as a replacement for Shawn Michaels in charge of NXT.
This comes on the back of a recent change in the firm’s creative structure, which sees Michaels stepping up to replace Bruce Prichard after the latter is rumored to quit after WrestleMania 43.
As Michaels is all set to take on the role held by Prichard, it has raised doubts over who would succeed him at WWE NXT. Various reports had named AJ Styles as the potential replacement, but a recent backstage update has revealed that CM Punk is being favored for the job.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
CM Punk preparing to take over WWE NXT from Shawn Michaels
In a report by Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the TKO-owned promotion has been internally considering CM Punk as the replacement for Shawn Michaels to lead the developmental wing of NXT when the latter leaves the job and moves on to Bruce Prichard’s job in the WWE.
Currently occupying the position of the company’s Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent, Bruce Prichard is set to vacate the post at the end of WrestleMania season and move on to work as a consultant to the company.
Shawn Michaels, who holds the position of Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative in NXT, will gradually start dividing his time between the developmental wing and offices to help make the transition.
Punk has, according to PWInsider, accompanied Shawn Michaels to most of the recently held NXT shows and has also been preparing to take charge of the developmental wing.
The potential appointment also raises questions about Punk’s future as an in-ring performer. It remains unclear whether he would eventually transition into a full-time backstage position or continue wrestling while helping develop upcoming Superstars.
The report also addressed speculation surrounding AJ Styles and Bobby Roode. Styles is reportedly being considered for talent scouting and the ID program, while Roode is being prepared for a larger producing role, potentially taking over responsibilities currently held by Michael Hayes.
CM Punk’s current WWE status: Survivor Series plans and championship ambitions
Notwithstanding the increasing speculation regarding his possible involvement behind the scenes, Punk is still actively wrestling in the promotion as a Superstar, with unfinished business in the ring.
In recent months, the former Champion faced some trouble when it comes to championship opportunities. First, he lost an NXT Championship match versus Grayson Waller on November 4 due to interference from Kevin Owens.
The feud then carried on on SmackDown when the two wrestlers were involved in another violent No Holds Barred match on November 6. As a result, Owens won the match by using a steel chain to knock out Punk.
Punk joined the team of Cody Rhodes and became part of Team USA in the traditional five-on-five elimination match between his team and Rey Mysterio’s Team Mexico at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 28. The news was announced on the November 9 episode of Raw.
Nevertheless, Punk is still interested in winning a championship. In the November 13 episode of SmackDown, he showed his frustrations regarding missing the chance to become the champion once again due to Owens.
Is CM Punk replacing Shawn Michaels as the head of WWE NXT?
According to reports, WWE is currently considering CM Punk as Shawn Michaels’ successor to oversee NXT. However, the company has not officially confirmed the appointment.
Why is Shawn Michaels expected to leave his WWE NXT position?
Michaels is reportedly being prepared to take over Bruce Prichard’s responsibilities as Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent following WrestleMania 43.
Will CM Punk retire from in-ring competition to manage WWE NXT?
There is no confirmation that Punk will retire. He could potentially continue wrestling while taking on responsibilities involving NXT’s talent development and creative direction.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.