Shawn Michaels has disputed reports that Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard were heavily involved in the production of NXT 2.0.
Michaels first began dipping his toes into NXT and coaching back in 2017 before officially being confirmed as a member of the NXT staff in November 2018.
In this role the WWE Hall of Famer worked as a writer and producer on the show along with best friend Triple H. However, that dynamic changed when Triple H suffered a serious cardiac event in September 2021, and Michaels became the figurehead for the soon-to-be relaunched NXT 2.0.
During this period it was reported that Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard had taken more of an interest in the show, involving themselves with production and the day-to-day running of the brand.
Speaking in a new interview with Bleacher Report, Michaels has now moved to dismiss these. HBK explained that Matt Bloom is the Head Coach, while he and his team handle television and creative direction.
“When Hunter first left, it became all me, and certainly from a television standpoint, Matt Bloom is the head coach and takes care of everything from a PC training standpoint, but when it came to “NXT 2.0” television, that’s something myself and my team took over creatively. I know a lot of people thought Vince and Bruce were doing that. I can promise you, they did not have the time to do “NXT” television. If it’s good or if it’s bad, that’s on me.”
Michaels continued, adding that everyone was put in a tough spot, but the experience helped everyone involved grow and develop.
“Again, everyone was put in a real tough position, we all were, but that’s where you learn to do things in WWE. That, to me, is a form of talent development, which is understanding that things can always change around here and you have to adjust to that. The show always goes on.”
In recent weeks Triple H has been appointed Head of Creative for the main roster, a move a which has been warmly welcomed by fans. Speaking elsewhere, Michaels said that he hopes he can work with Triple H to improve the pathway between NXT 2.0 and the main roster.