WWE made a key adjustment behind the scenes and it could shape the storytelling across both RAW and SmackDown moving forward.
According to PWInsider, longtime WWE writer Ryan Ward is now overseeing the overall creative direction for both flagship shows. This shift is described as a recent adjustment, signaling a unified vision across both brands.
On the ground level, SmackDowns creative team will now be led by Road Dogg and John Swikata, while RAW will be co-led by Alexandra Williams and Jonathan Baeckstrom.
The reshuffle was further confirmed by Fightful Select, with a source close to the situation backing up the report.
Alexandra Williams has been heavily involved in CM Punks promos, working as his dedicated writer since he came back to the company. Her direct collaboration with Punk has helped shape many of his current storylines.
Jonathan Baeckstrom, meanwhile, brings experience he was named RAWs head writer in September 2019 and led 205 Live for roughly a year and a half before that.
As for John Swikata, he took over as lead writer for SmackDown in Summer 2024, and now shares responsibilities with WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg, who has maintained a prominent role in creative over the last several years.
