The June 21 episode of WWE SmackDown made waves across the wrestling world, receiving widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike for its compelling storytelling and impactful debuts. Among the highlights was the WWE debut of Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre’s triumphant return, and a series of electrifying Money In The Bank qualifying matches.
Recently, WWE elevated long-time creative writer John Swikata to the position of lead writer for SmackDown. However, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Swikata’s influence on this standout episode was somewhat limited. Meltzer revealed that most of the episode’s plans were already in place before Swikata assumed the role, emphasizing that the groundwork for key storylines, including the Bloodline saga and Jacob Fatu’s debut, had been laid out well in advance.
Meltzer acknowledged the show’s exceptional quality but clarified, “Most of that episode was written before him.” He noted that while Swikata introduced a few new elements and twists, such as certain angles and nuances, the core structure and major plot points were largely established prior to Swikata’s appointment.
Key moments such as Solo’s provocative remarks about Roman Reigns and the outcomes of the qualifying matches were reportedly part of pre-existing plans. Similarly, Drew McIntyre’s impactful return to confront CM Punk in Chicago had been anticipated for some time, underscoring the meticulous planning behind SmackDown’s recent success.
It appears there might be some confusion or a mix-up with the names mentioned in your query. As of my last update, there is no known individual named Swikata associated with WWE or its creative team. If there have been recent developments or new hires that I’m not aware of, I apologize for the oversight.
Typically, WWE’s creative direction and programming are influenced by key figures such as Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, Bruce Prichard, among others, who play significant roles in shaping storylines and the overall direction of shows like SmackDown. These individuals bring their extensive experience and vision to the table, constantly evolving the product to keep fans engaged and excited.
If there is specific information or context you can provide about Swikata or any recent developments related to WWE’s creative team, I’d be happy to help provide insights or expand further on the topic.
