WWE has officially confirmed a major leadership update for NXT. This decision brings clarity to a role that had been in flux for weeks. Robert Stone has been confirmed as the full-time General Manager of NXT. This ends his run as the interim authority figure. The leadership change followed Ava’s departure in late January, which ended her two-year run as the youngest General Manager in WWE history.
Following weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes discussion, the company has now made it clear who will be calling the shots moving forward on the black-and-gold brand. Stone originally stepped into the role on the February 3, 2026, episode of NXT after Shawn Michaels appointed him. He previously worked as Ava’s assistant and as a commentator for WWE Evolve.
The possibility of Stone staying on permanently gained traction on the March 17 episode of NXT. William Regal publicly praised his work and hinted that discussions with Michaels were underway. It now appears those conversations paid off, and Stone’s title is no longer temporary.
Stone himself confirmed the news on March 26 on social media. He stated, “Alright, we are here about to kick things off at NXT Live in Wichita, Kansas. But I just wanted to say thank you so much to William Regal. Thank you so much to Shawn Michaels. Thank you to Shawn Michaels and thank you to the WWE Universe, because everyone heard you. It is official. No more interim, you are looking at right here, Robert Stone, the General Manager of NXT, and that is now set in stone.”
Mr. Stone’s path
Stone signed with TNA Wrestling in 2010. In his 7-year tenure with the company, he became X-Division Champion, Television Champion, and twice World Tag Team Champion. Nearly 2 years after his departure, on March 11, 2019, it was reported that Robbie E, his TNA name, had signed with WWE.
As a villainous manager, he created his own stable, the Robert Stone Brand. He had managed Riddick Moss, Chelsea Green, Aliyah, Mercedes Martinez, and Von Wagner, among others. Thanks to the NXT/TNA partnership, Stone reappeared on iMPACT on May 1, 2025, with the debuting Victoria Crawford, where he interrupted and informed Santino Marella that his actions as the company’s Director of Authority were under review.
In turn, Stone claimed that he and Crawford were now both deputy Directors of authority and that Crawford would challenge Masha Slamovich for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Under Siege, which was made official following the segment. At TNA Against All Odds, Marella defeated Stone to become the only Sheriff in town.
Since becoming NXT Interim General Manager, Stone has already been actively shaping NXT programming, announcing matches, and overseeing developments heading into NXT Stand & Deliver on April 4, 2026. With seven years of experience on the brand, he’s no stranger to the system; he’s just finally running it.
Thank you #WWEUniverse.
Being the Full Time GM is Set. In. Stone.
Now the real work begins… pic.twitter.com/dIHmIpLnaz
— Robert Stone (@MrStoneWWE) March 27, 2026
