WWE creative team member Michael Hayes demoted, not allowed to drink alcohol at company functions after using a racial slur during WrestleMania 24 weekend

Michael Hayes was demoted from his position as a vice president in WWE after using a racial slur during a conversation with Mark Henry during WrestleMania 24 weekend, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He will not be eligible for stock grants or performances bonuses as a result of the demotion.

Hayes met with Henry to clear the air. He also had go to sensitivity training and alcohol recovery classes. He is no longer allowed to drink alcohol while doing anything associated with WWE. He could return tonight at Raw or next week at the WWE draft.

Powell's POV: Hayes has had a reputation for heavy drinking over the years. He made a spectacle of himself at the Triple H and Stephanie McMahon-Levesque wedding years ago, and there have been numerous incidents that didn't receive as much publicity. Several sources have stated that he's a different person when he's drinking and his use of racial slurs has been known to increase while he's drinking.

Many people feel these moves are long overdue, and other sources I've spoken since the WrestleMania incident occurred feel that he should have been fired long ago. Hayes has his share of defenders within the company. Most say they don't condone the things Hayes has said, but there are people who feel that he deserves a second chance.

I can't think of any other publicly traded company that would give an employee with his background a second chance, but I do wish him the best in his attempt to quit drinking and make some significant personal changes.

This original source for the above news was Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter. For subscription information, visit WrestlingObserver.com.