WWE Hall of Famer Brian “Road Dogg” James recently claimed that his political beliefs prevented him from landing a job with AEW.
As previously reported, Road Dogg made the claim on X while discussing his past interest in working for the company.
Dave Meltzer addressed the situation on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio at F4WOnline.com, saying he has never heard of AEW using political views as a determining factor when it comes to hiring talent or employees.
“There are many people in AEW with conservative viewpoints, and I have never heard of anyone being denied a job by AEW based on their political beliefs, whether conservative or liberal,” Meltzer said.
The comments came after an online exchange between Road Dogg and Meltzer that initially centered around The Gunns. Road Dogg argued that the AEW World Tag Team Championships were beneath Austin and Colten Gunn, which ultimately led to a back-and-forth between the two on social media and Road Dogg making the claim about his previous attempt to work for AEW.
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
I will say this. For all the people who championed him coming to AEW, saying the tag titles are "beneath" Austin & Colten Gunn shows an lack of understanding of AEW tag titles. They weren't beneath Omega & Page, nor Christian & Copeland, nor FTR, nor Young Bucks. Saying tag… https://t.co/BR3mBZBepY
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) August 18, 2026
This is the guy that screenshot my social media Post (I am conservative) and then used it to get my opportunity canceled.
I feel differently than a lot of you. Im not sorry for who I am and how I was raised https://t.co/9m19tQUkL8— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) August 19, 2026
My bad David
I guess there’s another David B out there doing this— 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
