WWE superstar AJ Styles has jumped to the defense of Road Dogg following backlash over his new role in the company. The former WWE Champion took to social media to silence critics who believe the Hall of Famer’s appointment as co-lead writer for Friday Night SmackDown is a mistake.
Road Dogg’s Controversial Return as SmackDown’s Co-Lead Writer
Recent reports suggest that Road Dogg—a longtime member of D-Generation X—is now one of the key creative minds behind SmackDown. However, this move hasn’t sat well with a significant section of WWE fans. Many remember his previous run as head writer in 2017, which coincided with a sharp decline in the show’s quality.
The veteran WWE figure was also known for clashing with fans online, often defending creative decisions that were unpopular at the time. Now, as SmackDown looks to regain its footing ahead of WrestleMania 41, some fans fear that history might repeat itself.
AJ Styles Backs Road Dogg, Blames Vince McMahon for Past Failures
Amid the criticism, AJ Styles took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight. The Phenomenal One believes that Road Dogg was never truly in control of the product during his last tenure as SmackDown’s head writer. Instead, Styles hinted that former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon had the final say, dismantling many of Road Dogg’s original ideas.
“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.”
While Styles did not directly mention Vince McMahon, the implication was clear. WWE’s creative decisions under McMahon have often been criticized for last-minute rewrites and inconsistent booking, which may have impacted Road Dogg’s ability to steer SmackDown effectively in 2017.
Now, with McMahon no longer involved in day-to-day WWE operations, some—including AJ Styles—believe Road Dogg should be given a fair chance to prove himself.
What’s Next for SmackDown as WrestleMania Season Heats Up?
With the Road to WrestleMania 41 well underway, all eyes are on how SmackDown will evolve under its new leadership. Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair has already been confirmed, while Cody Rhodes will soon learn his opponent for the Elimination Chamber match.
Whether Road Dogg can win back the trust of WWE fans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he has AJ Styles in his corner.
AJ Styles Prepares for His Singles Return on WWE RAW
Outside of the SmackDown shake-up, AJ Styles is also gearing up for a major moment in his own career. The former WWE Champion made his return from injury during the Men’s Royal Rumble Match and has now moved to Monday Night RAW.
Last week, he was confronted by Dominik Mysterio, leading to a showdown scheduled for this week’s episode of RAW. This match will mark Styles’ first singles bout since suffering a Lisfranc fracture against Carmelo Hayes.
With WrestleMania 41 approaching fast, Styles is looking to build momentum and re-establish himself as a dominant force in the WWE landscape. Expect fireworks when he steps into the ring against Judgment Day’s loudmouth prince.
Will Road Dogg Prove His Critics Wrong?
With AJ Styles publicly backing Road Dogg, it will be interesting to see if the WWE Universe warms up to the controversial creative shift on SmackDown. Can the DX legend prove he’s the right man for the job this time around? Or will his past failures resurface?
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