Brian James Claims He Got Rejected From Working in AEW Due To His Political & Core Beliefs

As previously reported, WWE Hall of Famer and former creative team writer Brian James, aka Road Dogg, argued with The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer when Road Dogg criticized AEW over Austin Gunn and the company’s tag team division. Later on, the former WWE Tag Team and Intercontinental Champion claimed he was turned away from working in AEW due to his political and core beliefs.

Later on, a user on X noted to Brian James, “Sir, if you really want a job in AEW you shouldn’t be publicly arguing with their executive vice president of Communications like this!!”

James then claimed he got turned away from AEW due to his political beliefs. He wrote, “Actually, I was turned away because of my political/ core beliefs. That happened IN AMERICA 🇺🇸 I didn’t donate to or vote for Trump, BUT his old man did, why was I punished?”

As has been noted in the past, Tony Khan’s father, Shahid Khan, the primary owner and investor in AEW, previously donated to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016, donating $1 million to him ahead of his inauguration.

Later on, wrestling journalist David Bixenspan responded to James’ comments, asking what happened with the former wrestler being turned away by AEW. James responded, “Do you want to know David, cuz you’re the one that reported it all. Tell us all right now, David you can’t hurt me dude. I’m not scared of you and your social warrior friends. I’m unemployed and living my life. Show the world why David, and I’ll live on my side.”

When Bixenspan explained that wasn’t the case and he’s barely reported on wrestling in the last three years and never saw any reports at all regarding talks between James and AEW, James simply commented, “Roger that 🫡”

Did Brian James Attempt To Join AEW?

Brian James exited from his position in WWE earlier this year. It was later rumored that he was in talks with TNA Wrestling for a creative role, but late last month, it was said that talks between James and TNA had “stalled” and a deal was not close to being reached.

None of the rumors or recent reports on James since his WWE exit indicated that he was ever in talks with AEW, or that AEW rejected Road Dogg for his political and core beliefs. James’ former tag team partner, WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn, is currently employed by AEW as an on-air talent and behind-the-scenes as a coach and producer.

Earlier in May, Road Dogg did speak about wanting to reunite the New Age Outlaws for a Dumpster Match against Billy Gunn’s sons, Austin & Colten Gunn, who are also signed to AEW.

The former WWE Tag Team Champions have made appearances together at conventions and on the independent circuit after James left WWE.

Actually, I was turned away because of my political/ core beliefs
That happened IN AMERICA 🇺🇸
I didn’t donate to or vote for Trump, BUT his old man did, why was I punished ?

— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) August 19, 2026

Do you want to know David, cuz you’re the one that reported it all. Tell us all right now David you can’t hurt me dude, I’m not scared of you and your social warrior friends. I’m unemployed and living my life. Show the world why David and I’ll live on my side.

— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) August 19, 2026

Roger that 🫡

— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) August 19, 2026