Update On Who’s In Charge Of SmackDown, EVOLVE Possibly Joining The WWE Network

Recently there have been rumors going around claiming that “Road Dogg” Brian James had replaced Ryan Ward as the head writer of SmackDown. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Brian James did receive a corporate promotion, his exact title is unknown at this point, but he shares the job of pitching SmackDown to Vince McMahon with Ward. After the show is pitched to Vince he then rewrites it as he sees fit.

Brian James has apparently been the guy reading SmackDown to the other producers at meetings for a while now. Although Brian’s new position puts him above Ryan Ward, Ryan is still technically considered to be the lead writer of the show. James and Ward have essentially been co-head writer on the show, and James is considered to be Triple H’s emissary on SmackDown.

It’s been rumored that WWE is interested in adding independent promotions to the WWE Network, and the company has sent out several surveys over the past few months trying to gauge fan interest in independent content.

The WON reports that WWE officials are currently trying to work out a deal with Flo Slam which would see EVOLVE move to the WWE Network in exchange for WWE being nice to them.

If EVOLVE does move to the WWE Network it would be good exposure for the talent and could make it easier for some stars to make the jump to WWE.