A major shakeup is underway at WWE's creative team, and it's got the wrestling world buzzing! As the blue brand gears up for an expanded schedule, there's a new power dynamic emerging. Paul Levesque, the driving force behind the show, remains the primary decision-maker, but there's a subtle shift in the creative ranks.
The Creative Hierarchy:
Bruce Prichard and Ed Koskey, while offering their creative insights, also handle the crucial task of distributing information across the company. Ryan Ward, according to reliable sources, has stepped up as the go-between, managing all creative pitches to Levesque, especially for SmackDown.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The reported restructuring follows some creative hiccups with SmackDown, which, according to insiders, have been addressed. This minor adjustment sees Ryan Ward getting a boost, while John Swikata and Bryan James (Road Dogg) take a slight step back.
On the Raw side, Jonathan Baeckstrom and Alexandra Williams continue as co-lead writers, with William Regal and Michael Hayes also playing key roles.
Meltzer sheds light on the current creative breakdown, emphasizing that while Levesque remains the driving force, the recent changes are minimal.
Showtime Shakeup:
This creative shift coincides with a significant change in WWE SmackDown's runtime. The show officially returns to a three-hour format, starting with the January 2, 2026, episode from Buffalo, New York. This move echoes the pattern set in 2025, when SmackDown ran as a three-hour program for the first half of the year.
Current plans suggest that SmackDown will maintain this extended format for approximately half of the year.
Reporting the Action:
Bringing you this insider scoop is Andrew Ravens, a seasoned reporter for WrestlingNews.co. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andrew's expertise lies in covering the daily buzz of professional wrestling, with a special focus on WWE and AEW. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Andrew's knowledge is extensive, and his work goes beyond standard news updates.
As a beat writer, he provides in-depth coverage of wrestling companies and their captivating storylines. His skills include detailed play-by-play coverage of major events, ensuring fans who miss the live action still get the full experience. Andrew also excels at transcription, accurately converting interviews and media interactions for readers.
A dedicated reporter, Andrew frequently attends major wrestling events, covering WWE's Raw and SmackDown, as well as AEW Dynamite. You can reach out to Andrew for news tips or correspondence at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.
So, what do you think about these creative changes? Are they a step in the right direction, or do they raise more questions than answers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
