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Michael Hayes is reportedly back following a temporary leave of absence.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports that Hayes is backstage at WWE SmackDown. He is listed as the producer for a number of segments at the WWE SmackDown double taping on November 22. As previously reported, Hayes was on leave for personal reasons. However, he was expected to return.
Per Sapp, Hayes has immediately resumed his work on the Bloodline angles/segments. Hayes has been a key figure behind the scenes throughout the Bloodline story.
Jim Ross On Michael Hayes’ Mind For Wrestling
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross previously praised Hayes. Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross praised Hayes and his mind for the business.
“Michael’s got a great mind and that comes from being a young kid getting into the territories and only earning the tickets that you sell. That’s grocery money, rent money, car payment money, living money. He understood what it took to be a good heel, he understood the value of heat and I’m sure that he still does, but again I don’t know that he’s allowed to do everything that he would generally want to do if he had complete autonomy.
“But Michael Hayes is a brilliant wrestling mind. I’m sure again, he’s had to adapt some of his philosophies and beliefs in today’s world, especially into today’s WWE world. But Michael was a good get on that creative team. He almost lost it all at one time there, but he has rebounded and he has been a valuable member of their team ever since.”
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