AJ Styles is defending “Road Dogg” Brian James, who has been promoted to co-head writer of WWE SmackDown alongside John Swikata.
Road Dogg served as a WWE producer from 2014-2022, including a brief stint as SmackDown lead writer. After departing the company, he was later rehired under Triple H’s leadership regime as Senior Vice President of Live Events.
While Road Dogg’s previous tenure as SmackDown head writer in 2022 may not have been particularly memorable, Styles suggests there’s more to the story. According to the former WWE, TNA, and IWGP Champion, Road Dogg’s creative vision was heavily compromised by his superior’s excessive editing.
“Before judging this guy from his past performance as head writer, just know that there was a man who picked it apart to the point that it was no longer his ideas anymore,” Styles wrote.