WWE sources reportedly expect Styles to become more involved at the Performance Center
Summary
– AJ Styles is reportedly expected to become more hands-on with NXT
– Shawn Michaels is expected to move into a senior creative role after WrestleMania 43
– WWE has not announced who will lead NXT after Michaels’ departure
AJ Styles could become more involved with NXT after Shawn Michaels moves into a larger WWE role following WrestleMania 43. A report citing sources at the Performance Center says there is an expectation that Styles will take on more responsibility with the brand.
The report does not say Styles has been selected to replace Michaels or that WWE has offered him the NXT lead position. What role he might take on, including whether he would work with talent or contribute to creative, remains unclear.
Styles brings decades of experience from major runs in TNA, NJPW and WWE. That background could be valuable to developing wrestlers at the Performance Center, though WWE has not outlined any specific plans for him.
Michaels has led NXT since September 2021, overseeing the brand’s creative direction and helping prepare its talent for the main roster. His expected move is tied to a broader leadership change: he is reportedly set to take over Bruce Prichard’s responsibilities as Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent after WrestleMania 43 in April 2027.
Prichard is expected to step away from his full-time duties while remaining with WWE as a consultant. Reports say the succession plan has been in place for some time, with Michaels expected to prepare for the role in the coming months.
With the transition still months away, WWE has time to decide how NXT will be managed and what involvement Styles might have. For now, his expected increased presence at the Performance Center is an indication of possible plans, not confirmation that he will replace Michaels.
