As previously reported, WWE SmackDown co-lead writer Brian “Road Dogg” James recently departed from WWE.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson is reporting hat prior to his departure, James had openly expressed his unhappiness and tendered his resignation from WWE’s creative team and departed from the company. It was noted that the James was not let go nor was his departure the result of WWE removing him. Instead James made the decision to walk away from his job.
Road Dogg is currently being advertised for meet and greets at WWE World in April. He is still under a WWE Legends contract that is separate from his former employment with WWE, so it’s possible he will still be appearing at the meet and greets. The belief is that Road Dogg will be in demand for appearances on the convention circuit and the independent scene, and a New Age Outlaws reunion would be well received by fans at conventions.
BodySlam.net’s Cory Hayes is also reporting that Road Dogg was upset with his diminishing role in WWE creative in recent months and decided to walk away. One person stated that it seemed like it was inevitable he was on his way out.
James had been with WWE since August of 2022 in as the Senior Vice President of Live Events and as the co-lead writer of SmackDown since February of 2025. James previously worked with WWE from 2014 to 2022 first as a writer and producer from 2014 to 2019 and later as a coach for WWE’s Performance Center until his release in January of 2022.
