WWE Shakes Up SmackDown Writing Team Ahead of WrestleMania 41

WWE is making major moves behind the scenes, and this time, it’s all about the creative direction of Friday Night SmackDown. Just ahead of WrestleMania 41, WWE has officially shaken up its writing team, and it involves a familiar face returning to a top position.

According to PWInsider, WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg Brian James has been appointed as the new Co-Lead Writer for SmackDown. “WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg Brian James has been named the new Co-Lead Writer for the Smackdown brand, PWInsider.com can exclusively confirm. Road Dogg joins John Swikata in heading the creative for the brand.” This move reunites James with the blue brand, where he previously served as head writer in 2017.

John Swikata had been handling lead writing duties for SmackDown since his promotion in late 2024 after Ryan Callahan’s departure. While Swikata has largely remained behind the scenes, sources had credited him with the creative direction that shaped SmackDown over the past several months. Now, with Road Dogg stepping into the co-lead role, the show’s creative vision could see some adjustments moving forward.

James has never been shy about his views on WWE’s booking philosophy. In 2023, he made headlines for defending WWE’s 50/50 booking, saying, “wins and losses don’t matter.” With him now sharing writing responsibilities for SmackDown, it remains to be seen how that perspective will influence storylines heading into WrestleMania season.

WWE’s decision to bring Road Dogg back into a prominent creative role right before its biggest event of the year signals that the company wants strong leadership heading into the WrestleMania 41 premium live event. Whether this change brings fresh energy to the show or stays the course with what’s been working will be something to watch in the coming weeks.

What do you think about Road Dogg stepping back into a lead creative role for SmackDown? Do you see this as a positive move, or are you skeptical? Drop your thoughts in the comments!