WWE Rumors on CM Punk, Shawn Michaels, AJ Styles, Gunther vs. Balor, Crown Jewel Match Change

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

WWE's Reported Plans for NXT Amid Administrative Shake-Up

With WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels potentially moving into a bigger role within WWE, several big names reportedly may be in line to pick up the slack in NXT.

According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live (h/t Steve Carrier Ringside News), the "most likely scenario" will see WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles replace Michaels as the head of NXT.

Alvarez added that current WWE Superstars CM Punk and Bayley may have input and roles in NXT as well.

On Thursday, PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson reported that WWE is planning to promote Michaels from NXT head to executive director of creative writing and talent as the replacement for Bruce Prichard.

Per Johnson, Prichard is expected to transition into a different role that will allow him to work from home rather than being on location in Stamford, Connecticut.

However, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Features) reported Friday that the plan is for Bobby Roode and Ed Koskey to split the duties being vacated by Prichard.

Meltzer noted that Prichard's job includes "administrative work," which Michaels has never done before, plus he is considered a valuable commodity in NXT.

Nothing is certain yet, though, as Meltzer added that things could change multiple times between now and when the final decision has to be made in April.

If Michaels does move into Prichard's position and leave NXT behind, the developmental brand still figures to be in great hands since Styles, Punk and Bayley are among the all-time greats and widely regarded for their ability to work with younger talent.

Gunther vs. Balor Reportedly in Question for Crown Jewel

There is reportedly some uncertainty regarding whether Gunther and Finn Balor will clash at Crown Jewel next weekend.

According to Meltzer (h/t WrestlePurists), Gunther vs. Balor was originally planned for Crown Jewel, and if it is no longer happening, then it is a case of the card being changed and those working on the venue in Saudi Arabia not being aware of it.

Meltzer was referencing the fact that advertising was spotted this week in Saudi Arabia for a Gunther vs. Balor match at Crown Jewel:

WWE has yet to officially announce that match, although it could potentially happen during Friday night's episode of SmackDown.

Gunther and Balor have been at odds on SmackDown for several weeks due to their common goal of trying to win the WWE Championship.

They have gotten into some scuffles, but it hasn't led to a match yet, as Gunther has been preoccupied with Danhausen.

Balor already saved Danhausen from an attack at the hands of Gunther once, and if he steps in again this week on SmackDown, that could be the impetus behind a match at Crown Jewel.

Reported Original Plans for The Vision vs. Penta and Evans

Penta and Je'Von Evans reportedly weren't originally slated to challenge The Vision's Bron Breakker and Austin Theory for the World Tag Team Championships at Crown Jewel.

According to Meltzer (h/t WrestlePurists), the initial plan for Crown Jewel was a six-man tag team match pitting Penta, Evans and Oba Femi against Breakker, Theory and Bronson Reed.

However, it was ultimately decided that it wouldn't make sense to do the six-man tag before giving Penta and Evans a title shot.

Penta and Evans beat Breakker and Theory in a non-title match a few weeks ago, and they have continued to be at odds with The Vision ever since then.

Following Evans losing his WWE Championship match against Sami Zayn this week on Raw, The Vision attacked Je'Von. Penta attempted to make the save, but he was beaten down instead.

Penta and Evans then appealed to Raw general manager Adam Pearce for a tag team title opportunity, and it was granted.

Although Femi and Reed won't officially be part of the title match at Crown Jewel, it is easy to envision both of them getting involved.