AJ Styles reacts to criticisms directed towards Brian James, The Undertaker comments on John Cena's farewell tour & more

Brian James has been named the new co-lead writer of WWE SmackDown

Following the news of Brian “Road Dogg” James joining as the new Co-Lead Writer of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, many fans have voiced their harsh opinions. Amid heavy criticism, “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles has come out in support of James.

James is being criticized heavily for his history as a lead writer as many fans expressed the quality of storylines and matches during his time. However, Styles defended James mentioning that fans should remember that his early stint was during a different regime in WWE history.

James has previously served as SmackDown’s head writer prior to WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Replying to a fan tweet on X which suggested that James being named the new co-lead writer for SmackDown is bad news for fans. The Phenomenal One came to James’ defense and pointed out that people criticizing James’ past work should consider that someone had heavily scrutinized and altered his ideas at the time.

“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. 🤔” Styles wrote on his X handle.

The Phenomenal One is obviously reminding people that James’ first stint was during the Vince McMahon regime and McMahon infamously made major changes before the show went on air. However, Triple H is currently in charge and some fans along with WWE talents believe that he will give James much-needed freedom to write the shows.

The Undertaker comments on John Cena’s farewell tour

In a recent conversation with SHAK Wrestling, WWE legend The Undertaker commented on John Cena‘s farewell tour, noting that it is justified and might be a ‘blueprint ‘prototype’ for other legends.

The 16-time WWE World Champion is set to retire at the end of 2025 and focus full-time on his acting career. Cena recently competed in the men’s Royal Rumble match at the Rumble PLE on February 1.

“I think it’s great that they’re doing this tour the way they are. I don’t think everybody deserves that, I think Cena definitely does because of the workhorse that he was for so long. I think it’s great because people will have an opportunity to know where he’s going to be and you’re going to get one last opportunity maybe to see him live. I think that’s pretty cool. I think John gets to get his flowers the way he should. I think this might be the prototype for certain wrestlers to do their swan song and leave.”

Jordynne Grace has signed a five-year contract with the WWE

Former TNA star Jordynne Grace competed in her last match at the TNA Genesis 2025 PPV after which she bid farewell to the promotion and later joined the WWE.

Grace made her debut at the Royal Rumble 2025 PLE during the women’s Royal Rumble match. This was in fact her second Rumble appearance with her first being the 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as a TNA talent.

According to Fightful Select, Grace has signed a main roster five-year deal in late January with WWE. The report also adds that Grace is NXT-bound for the time being.

Additionally, Fightful Select reported that both Kevin Owens and Alexa Bliss signed five-year contract extensions with the Stamford-based promotion which will carry their deals into early 2030. The report also adds that those deals kicked off at the Royal Rumble PLE.

Kevin Owens and Alexa Bliss currently perform on the SmackDown brand while Grace made her first appearance in NXT on the recent NXT Vengeance Day PLE which was held on February 15.

Grace made an appearance in the final moments of the PLE and engaged in a friendly face-off against the NXT Women’s Champion Giulia and the newly crowned NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer.

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