In another Michael Hayes racism story, one source states that in 2003 Stephanie McMahon had brought in a young and talented African American writer and put him in a panel interview in front of all the creative team, except Michael Hayes because she knew he would make an inappropriate comment.

After finding out the writer was hired Hayes remarked "Hired WHAT as a writer? I didn't know those boys can even write their name. Let's take bets on how long he'll last." The guy only lasted 4 months after being bullied by Hayes.