Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes are currently on temporary leave from WWE.
Dave Meltzer first reported the news today. The longtime WWE creative members are expected to be back, although the time frame was said to be indefinite.
The report stated that Hayes’ absence is due to personal issues, while Prichard’s absence is officially said to be due to a family emergency. There is no connection between the two men taking time off, and those in WWE emphasize that this is not the case of the old guard being moved out as they will be brought back.
Hayes has been with WWE since the 1990s as an interviewer, manager, and key figure behind the scenes as a producer and creative. Prichard is another important name to the company, with his time dating back decades. Since 1987, he has had stints on-and-off with the company.
Hayes has been heavily involved in The Bloodline storyline and worked with Paul Heyman on anything involving Roman Reigns. James Gibson was listed as the producer of the Bloodline match at Crown Jewel, which led to speculation about Hayes’ status.