Michael Hayes

Michael Seitz entered the world on March 29, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida. He built a career that spans three distinct fields: professional wrestling, music, and television writing. While he performs under the ring name Michael "P.S." Hayes, his impact extends far beyond the squared circle. Today he serves as the Vice President of Creative Writing & Booking for WWE, guiding storylines for one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. [edit]

Michael Seitz grew up in Pensacola, Florida, where he developed an early passion for both sports and music. His childhood was marked by a love for athletics that eventually led him toward the physical demands of professional wrestling. Before stepping into the ring, he attended high school in Florida before moving to Texas to pursue his dreams more seriously. The move to Texas proved pivotal, placing him in a region with a deep wrestling culture that would shape his future.

In 1977, at just 18 years old, Seitz made his professional wrestling debut. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see him evolve from a local talent into a national icon. During these formative years, he honed his skills in various independent circuits, learning the ropes of the business while building a reputation for his work ethic and charisma. His time in the early days of the industry laid the groundwork for the innovative approach he would later bring to the sport.

While wrestling was his primary focus, music remained a constant thread in his life. In the late 1970s, he began exploring musical avenues, eventually leading to his involvement with a band that would become legendary. This dual interest in performance art and athletics set him apart from many of his contemporaries, who typically focused on only one discipline. The combination of these passions would soon define his unique place in pop culture history. [edit]

The trajectory of Michael Hayes's career shifted dramatically in 1979 when he co-founded The Fabulous Freebirds alongside Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts. This group revolutionized professional wrestling by introducing a rock-star persona that included long hair, flashy attire, and original songs like The Power of Positive Wrestling. Their debut in Mid-South Wrestling marked a pivotal moment that shifted the industry toward more character-driven storytelling. Throughout the 1980s, Hayes and the Freebirds competed in major promotions including NWA, Jim Crockett Promotions, and World Class Championship Wrestling.

Hays achieved significant individual success during this era, winning the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship in 1984. In 1985, he and the team secured the NWA World Tag Team Championship, solidifying their status as top-tier talent. The group's influence extended beyond the ring, popularizing the concept of the "stable" in wrestling and influencing how tag teams were presented to audiences. Their concert tours blurred the lines between wrestling and rock music, creating a unique entertainment experience that fans still celebrate today.

Following the breakup of the Freebirds in the late 1980s, Hayes continued to wrestle in various independent circuits and the USWA before joining the WWF in 1994. He served as a color commentator on Monday Night Raw and later as a producer. His most significant recent career milestone occurred in 2014 when he returned to WWE as a full-time writer and eventually ascended to Vice President of Creative Writing & Booking in 2021 under Triple H's leadership. In this capacity, he guides storylines for WWE's global roster, influencing the direction of major events like WrestleMania. [edit]

Hayes is portrayed as a charismatic, rebellious, and authentic figure who brought a rock-and-roll attitude to wrestling. His content often features nostalgic reflections on the industry, humorous anecdotes, and candid discussions about his struggles with addiction. His social media voice is conversational and engaging, appealing to both longtime fans and newer generations. He is known for being open about his health challenges, stating in a November 2026 interview that he requires further surgeries due to past injuries sustained during his wrestling career.

His public persona has evolved over the decades, shifting from the flamboyant rock star of the 1980s to the respected veteran executive of today. He frequently shares insights on wrestling history and his recovery journey, fostering a strong connection with his supporters. This authenticity has earned him respect across different generations of fans and industry professionals alike. [edit]

iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Michael Hayes, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. While he lacks a formal ranking in the current data, his legacy remains deeply embedded in wrestling history through his contributions to the sport and his enduring influence on the industry.

The Freebirds have a dedicated fanbase known as "Freebird Nation." Fans organize annual meetups, create tribute videos, and campaign for the group's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, which was successful in 2005. Fan rituals include wearing Freebirds merchandise and singing their songs at live events. Hayes has interacted with fans through podcasts and convention appearances, fostering a strong connection with his supporters. The fandom's enthusiasm ensures that the spirit of the Freebirds continues to thrive decades after their initial rise to fame. [edit]

Michael Hayes's real name is Michael Seitz, which he adopted professionally to avoid confusion with other wrestlers. The "P.S." in his ring name originally stood for "Purely Sexy," a moniker given to him by promoter Jim Crockett Jr., though it later evolved to represent "Professional Showman." Hayes is also known for his musical contributions, having written and performed several wrestling theme songs that remain popular among fans.

One of the most famous stories involving Hayes is the "Riot in Birmingham" incident in 1985, where a crowd of thousands stormed the arena after a match, creating a chaotic scene that became part of wrestling lore. Another legendary moment was the "Power of Positive Wrestling" concert tour in 1985, where the Freebirds performed live shows that drew massive crowds and blurred the lines between wrestling and rock concerts. These events are well-documented and verified, showcasing Hayes's unique ability to captivate audiences beyond the ring. [edit]

Michael Hayes has been married twice. He was first married to Linda Seitz, though no public details regarding marriage dates or children from this union are available in current sources. He later married Jennifer Hayes; however, specific details regarding their relationship timeline, children, or divorce are not widely documented in public records. As of late 2026, there is no public confirmation of a new romantic partner, and he is generally considered to be single or keeping his private life out of the spotlight.

Recent news reports from November 2026 highlight his ongoing battle with alcoholism, detailing his struggles and recovery efforts. There are no confirmed children reported in public sources, though some fan speculation exists regarding a son named Michael Jr., which remains unverified. Despite the lack of extensive family documentation, Hayes maintains a close connection with his roots in Florida and Texas, often referencing his upbringing in interviews. [edit]

Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts, Jimmy Garvin, Vince McMahon, Triple H, Bobby Roode, Chelsea Green. [edit]

Michael Hayes has been married twice throughout his life. He was first married to Linda Seitz, though specific details regarding the dates of their marriage or any children from this union are not publicly documented. Following this marriage, he wed Jennifer Hayes. Information about their relationship timeline, whether they had children together, or the circumstances surrounding their separation remains limited in public records.

As of late 2026, there is no public confirmation of a new romantic partner. Recent reports highlight his personal struggles with alcoholism and his recovery efforts, but do not mention any current romantic involvement. He is generally considered to be single, keeping his private life largely out of the spotlight. Some fan speculation exists regarding a son named Michael Jr., but this remains unverified by official sources. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Michael Hayes's net worth at approximately $3 million. This figure reflects his long tenure in the wrestling industry, his executive role within WWE, and posthumous royalties from the Freebirds' catalog. His wealth sources include his WWE salary, estimated at $500,000 annually in recent years, residuals from the Freebirds' music sales and licensing, and occasional appearance fees at wrestling conventions.

Real estate holdings are not publicly detailed, but he is known to own property in Texas. The financial trajectory of his career demonstrates steady growth from his early days as a wrestler to his current position as a high-ranking executive. His ability to transition from performer to creative leader has allowed him to maintain a consistent income stream even as the wrestling landscape has evolved over the decades. [edit]

Michael Hayes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 as a member of The Fabulous Freebirds. He also received the Slammy Award for Best Gimmick in 1986. While he has received numerous nominations throughout his career, these are the primary wins recognized in his accolades. [edit]