Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that
Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes are out on “temporary
leave” due to two different and unrelated issues.

Meltzer, quoting different sources in WWE, said that
Prichard’s leave is due to a family emergency while Hayes’
absence is due to personal issues.

Both long-time WWE employees are expected back in the
company at some point and their absence is nothing related
to “the old guard” being phased out.

Prichard and Hayes were two of Vince McMahon’s biggest
supporters in WWE but unlike other McMahon loyalists who
were driven out, both kept their respective important
positions within the company.