SmackDown Has A New Head Writer

Within WWE, writers frequently come and go regularly due to how high-pressured and relentless the job can be. However, it can be very rewarding for those who last the course. And now, in a demonstration of someone paying their dues, Fightful Select has reported that longtime creative member John Swikata has been named the new head writer of SmackDown, with Ryan Callahan, previously in that role, having departed.

“Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp learned that longtime WWE creative writer John Swikata has been promoted to lead writer on WWE Smackdown, at least as of earlier this week. We were able to confirm the news with numerous people in the company. Swikata replaced Ryan Callahan in the role, who we’re told parted ways with WWE.”

Precisely what Swikata’s long-term creative vision for the show remains to be seen. However, this week’s episode of SmackDown was highly praised online, featuring Jacob Fatu’s debut and Drew McIntyre stunning the Chicago crowd with his attack on CM Punk.