John Laurinaitis on leave of absence, Prichard takes over

[Liz]

John Laurinaitis has been placed on administrative leave according to PWInsider.com and Bruce Prichard has been named interim Head of Talent Relations.

The news was given to WWE personnel yesterday at Raw and Laurinaitis was not present for the show.

Laurinaitis features in the current WWE Board of Directors investigation of Vince McMahon's $3 million payout to a former employee. The investigation uncovered that after the unnamed employee was given a raise by McMahon she was handed to Laurinaitis "like a toy" and moved to his Talent Relations department where she was his assistant.

The man formerly known as Johnny Ace will not be returning until the investigation is complete and also depending on the findings of the Board.

McMahon temporarily stepped down from his role as WWE Chairman and CEO but has retained his creative duties.