No Return Date For Missing WWE Executives
Two of WWE’s major players backstage are both on a leave of absence as speculation about their future with the company heats up.
As first reported by Dave Meltzer via Wrestling Observer exclusive, both Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes are on temporary leave from WWE. Prichard and Hayes are expected to return to work, although their absence was described as “indefinite.”
Meltzer noted that although both men have stepped back at the same time, there’s no link between the absences.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer followed up on his report and noted that he expects both Prichard and Hayes back in WWE but gave more details on their absences:
Bruce’s thing was a family emergency. Hayes has actually been gone (for) a couple of weeks and for some reason, it didn’t get out but he’s been gone and he’s not gonna be back any time soon. There’s no return date for either of them.
Prichard’s real high up (in WWE) and Hayes is the producer for all The Bloodline segments so he’s important – I guess he’d be the most important producer if he’s the producer for the most important program the company has. So they’re key guys and they’ve been around for a long, long time.
What Do Bruce Prichard & Michael Hayes Do In WWE?
Bruce Prichard has worked on and off with the sports entertainment giant going back to 1987, and in his current role he operates below Triple H in the chain of command, but above the writing team. Prichard is a long-time Vince McMahon associate, and spoke up in support of McMahon in the “Mr. McMahon” documentary recently premiered on Netflix.
Michael Hayes has been with WWE since 1995 following the end of his in-ring career. Although he initially worked as an on-screen character in more recent years he’s been heavily involved in producing The Bloodine’s segments and working as an agent for Roman Reigns’ matches. Hayes has a close association with the Anoa’i family going back to the 1970s.
The Bloodline’s match at Crown Jewel was produced by James Gibson – best known on-screen in WWE as Jamie Noble.
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