WWE Making Internal Creative Changes Amidst #FireTripleH Backlash Over SmackDown Decline

WWE is making behind-the-scenes adjustments to its SmackDown creative direction, and while the company hasn’t linked it to fan outrage, the timing of the shift comes just days after the #FireTripleH hashtag gained serious traction on social media.

According to Bodyslam.net, WWE is moving forward with internal changes aimed at improving the quality of Friday Night SmackDown. Road Dogg is expected to stay on as lead writer, but there will be additions to the team to make the show more enjoyable moving forward.

This internal update came only a few days after last week’s SmackDown episode drew criticism for its pacing, promos, and a noticeable drop in viewership. With numbers falling to 1.030 million viewers—down from 1.238 million the week prior—many fans voiced their frustrations online, directing much of their ire toward Triple H himself.

Although there’s no official confirmation that the online outrage led to WWE’s creative changes, the timing raises obvious questions. The #FireTripleH hashtag trended for nearly 24 hours, sparked by complaints that The Game’s grip on WWE’s direction has become creatively stagnant. Fans pointed to overexposure of certain stars, dragging segments, and inconsistent storytelling across brands.

Former WWE Writer Vince Russo also weighed in on the backlash, warning that fan sentiment is shifting. “I think we are really going to see the fanbase start to turn on Triple H,” Russo said on Writing with Russo. “You tie that to the fact that the guy puts himself all over everything, and I’m telling you, I think people are going to start turning on him going into 2026.”

Whether or not the hashtag backlash was the last straw, WWE is clearly aware something needs to change. The decision to reinforce SmackDown’s writing team—rather than overhaul it—suggests the company is looking for a course correction without completely resetting the board.

As of now, WWE has not publicly addressed the situation or the fan backlash. Ringside News will continue to provide updates as they become available.