AJ Styles defends Brian "Road Dogg" James from criticism following news that he has been named the new Co-Lead Writer of WWE Friday Night SmackDown.
On X, AJ Styles suggested that before people criticize the WWE Hall of Famer for his history as a lead writer, they should remember that that was during a different regime in WWE history. This is, in fact, not Road Dogg's first time as SmackDown's chief writer; he held the job prior to WrestleMania 35 in 2019. AJ Styles was the WWE Champion for nearly a year during this time.
Of course, that was during the Vince McMahon regime, and Vince McMahon would notably make major overhauls to WWE shows until they went on the air. AJ Styles alluded to this in his defense of Road Dogg as a creative lead.
Before judging this guy from his past performance as the head writer. Just know that there was a man who picked it apart to the point that it was no longer his ideas anymore. -- https://t.co/WnDXRjyuEI
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) February 17, 2025
Triple H is currently in charge of WWE Creative. Vince McMahon is no longer with WWE. This follows former WWE employee Janel Grant filing a lawsuit against McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis in January 2024, accusing McMahon of sex trafficking and sexual abuse.
The lawsuit was paused for six months in mid-2024 as federal investigators gathered information. The lawsuit resumed in December 2024 and is still active. Learn more about the latest update in the case here.
In any case, AJ Styles is no longer on the WWE SmackDown brand; he was transferred over to WWE Raw as the last get for WWE's flagship program during the transfer window.
