WWE Update On Road Dogg's New Backstage Power At Smackdown
Who's running the blue brand?
Former WWE World Tag Team Champion "Road Dogg" Jesse James has been working backstage at Smackdown since the brand split, but he's just been promoted to his highest position yet.
According to The Wrestling Observer, his new (but unconfirmed) title may be head consultant.
Rumors broke earlier this week that Road Dogg (real name Brian James) was actually given the job of lead writer for the blue brand, replacing Ryan Ward. As Ward was the creative force responsible for making NXT an acclaimed program (most agree the quality of the developmental show has decreased since he left), fans were nervous to think he had been replaced on Smackdown.
It turns out that's not the case. While Road Dogg may technically outrank Ward, Ward still has the title of lead writer. Either way, Road Dogg and Ward have been co-crafting the show over the past several months, then pitching their scripts to Vince McMahon, who makes whatever changes he deems appropriate. Road Dogg is responsible for reading the scripts to producers at meetings.
Apparently, Road Dogg has become a major player backstage, and as a friend of Triple H's, it is assumed that his influence will grow once "The Game" takes charge of the company.