Road Dogg Quits WWE Creative
Road Dogg resigned from WWE's creative team after expressing unhappiness with the direction and environment. This continues the trend of backstage turnover amid shifting storylines and management philosophies in WWE.
The WWE Hall of Famer, real name Brian James, reportedly made the decision to leave his post as co-lead writer for the SmackDown brand after receiving his annual performance review. Sources suggest James was unhappy with the feedback and his diminishing role in creative, prompting him to tender his resignation in person on March 5, 2026. This isn't the first time James has stepped away from a creative role due to dissatisfaction. He previously stepped down as head of SmackDown's creative team following WrestleMania 35 in 2019, citing creative frustrations and feeling like he lost fights over the show's direction. James had been a fixture backstage for over a decade, returning to the company in 2014 and serving in various capacities including producer and writer. He was reappointed as co-lead writer for SmackDown in February 2025. His departure coincides with other significant shifts within WWE's writing teams as WrestleMania 42 approaches. Alexandra Williams was recently promoted to Vice President and Lead Writer for Monday Night Raw, while Ryan Ward now oversees the creative direction for both of the main roster brands. Following James's exit, John Swikata remains as a lead writer for the SmackDown brand. Despite quitting his creative role, Road Dogg is still under a separate WWE Legends contract, meaning he may still make scheduled appearances for the company.
