Triple H’s Close Friend Reunites With AEW Star After Sudden WWE Exit

Amid WWE creative team shake-ups, Triple H had to say goodbye to his old friend.

Brian James, aka Road Dogg, who had served as the co-lead writer of SmackDown since 2014, was recently reported to have left the Stamford promotion.

2025 had been a tough year for the company, with the blue brand suffering the worst in terms of TV ratings.

The creative team also received heavy criticism for constant changes in storylines and poorly-booked rivalries.

James’ friendship with Triple H goes back three decades, when both men journeyed together to establish themselves as viable wrestlers.

Since his departure, multiple reports have made the rounds, explaining the reason behind the decision.

The latest report by Wrestling Observer revealed that the 56-year-old was unhappy with his annual review. Despite his departure, James does have a Legends deal with WWE.

Elsewhere, Great Lakes Championship Wrestling announced that Road Dogg will be reuniting with his former D-Generation X stablemate and current AEW star, Billy Gunn, later this year on December 5.

The first guests announced for GLCW Blizzard Brawl – 21

WWE Hall of Famers, The New Age Outlaws… “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn & The Road Dogg Jesse James. Tickets on sale now at BlizzardBrawl.com

Former Triple H Guy Turns Heel In AEW

During his time as a booker on NXT, Triple H was a huge fan of Tommaso Ciampa, who quit WWE in January 2026 and joined AEW a few days later.

In his first match in the Jacksonville promotion, Ciampa defeated Mark Briscoe to become the TNT Champion. He held the title for 11 days before dropping it to Kyle Fletcher.

On the March 7 taping of Collision, he viciously attacked Briscoe after the latter inadvertently cost him a singles match against Daniel Garcia of the Death Riders.

In a backstage promo later, Briscoe challenged Ciampa for a Trios match on Dynamite, him teaming up with The Young Bucks, and Ciampa joining forces with FTR.