Report: Road Dogg named co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown

“Road Dogg” Brian James is reportedly the new head writer for WWE SmackDown. On Saturday, PWInsider reported that James will serve alongside John Swikata as heads of the brand’s writing team. James had previously worked as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Live Events, having replaced Jeff Jarrett in the role in August 2022. This is actually the second time James has been co-lead writer for SmackDown. He previously held the position from 2016 until April 2019, sharing the role with Stephen Guerrieri. James resigned shortly after WrestleMania 35. That June, a couple of months after James stepped down, Eric Bischoff was hired as SmackDown’s Executive Director. Bruce Prichard then replaced Bischoff that October. Ryan Callahan served as head SmackDown writer from 2022 until June 2024, when Swikata was given the position. Swikata will now continue to work alongside James. Following his departure from SmackDown in 2019, James moved to NXT, where he worked as a producer and writer until he was released in January 2022