John Swikata, a longtime WWE creative writer, was appointed as the lead writer for SmackDown last week, replacing Ryan Callahan, who parted ways with the company.
According to a report from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, while Callahan was highly talented, he faced challenges due to interpersonal dynamics and criticisms related to Jennifer Pepperman’s departure, which some linked to Mercedes Mone’s move to AEW.
Additionally, there were also concerns that it became difficult for lower-level talent to communicate with Callahan. The pressures of diplomacy and burnout likely contributed to his decision to step down.
Dave Meltzer noted, “We were told that Callahan was considered a very talented writer but wasn’t as well liked as the leader of the group. He took heat for Jennifer Pepperman leaving (although I think her leaving is more Mercedes Mone got her into AEW). It was also said it became harder for underneath talent to reach him. But he was believed to be burned out by the pressure and need for diplomacy from the position. The feeling was he just wanted to write the show and not be a guy working to get along with everyone.”
Despite these challenges, under Callahan’s leadership, WWE SmackDown achieved significant success, consistently ranking as the leading program on Friday nights and often as the highest-rated entertainment program of the week, despite competing against network television shows with larger audiences.
It was perceived that Callahan preferred a more focused writing role rather than handling interpersonal challenges.