WWE’s SmackDown is set to undergo some creative changes following the departure of a Hall of Famer.
What changes are WWE SmackDown undergoing?
According to a new report from PWInsider, WWE Hall of Famer Brian James, also known as Road Dogg, left WWE this week. PWInsider notes that it was his decision to leave his position on the company’s creative team, so it doesn’t sound like he had been fired or asked to leave.
James had been a member of SmackDown’s creative team since 2014. In 2025, James was promoted to co-lead writer of the show. From 2014-2019, he served as a producer and writer, before taking a step back from his roles in 2020. He then served as a coach at WWE’s Performance Center in Florida, and was released from the company in January 2022. A few months later, in August, he re-signed with the company as Senior Vice President of Live Events.
It’s unclear exactly what this means for SmackDown, but it does seem to signal that some creative changes will be coming. The company’s Friday show has come under scrutiny recently, although it doesn’t seem like this played any role in James’ departure from the show.
Prior to his time behind-the-scenes at WWE, James was a legendary wrestler in his own right. Known as Road Dogg, the wrestler was a member of WWE’s iconic D-Generation X stable, and held several championships throughout his time with the company, including WWE’s Hardcore, Intercontinental, and Tag Team championships.
