Add as a preferred source on Google Brian James’ expected move to TNA has hit a wall after weeks of talks over a backstage role.
Dave Meltzer reports in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that negotiations between TNA and James have stalled, that Road Dogg hasn’t signed anything, and that the two sides don’t appear close to a deal.
Sean Ross Sapp had reported at Fightful Select that TNA discussed bringing James in to work with the creative team, but stressed that “nothing is nailed down as of yet.”
That’s a change from where things stood a few weeks back, when the expectation around the company was that James would end up signing.
Road Dogg was backstage at Slammiversary on June 28 at Agganis Arena in Boston without a contract, though it’s still not clear whether he actually contributed anything to the show or was just visiting. He wasn’t at either night of the Impact tapings in Albany on July 1 and 2, with PWInsider noting at the time that talks were ongoing but nothing was signed.
The discussions began after Tommy Dreamer was let go in June as part of what TNA called a workforce reduction. Hunter Johnston, better known as Delirious, has been running point as head booker since, with Executive Creative Director and VP of TV Production Eric Tompkins also involved.
James was never pegged to take Dreamer’s spot outright — the pitch was for him to work alongside Tompkins putting together the final product on Impact and PPVs.
James left WWE in March after working as co-lead writer on SmackDown. He also has history in TNA, where he worked from 2002 to 2009 as B.G. James and was part of 3Live Kru and Voodoo Kin Mafia.