WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has publicly named fellow WWE alumnus Al Snow as the ideal candidate to take over the lead writing role on SmackDown, replacing Road Dogg. Beyond creative duties, Rikishi emphasized Snow’s deserving place in the WWE Hall of Fame, citing both his in-ring career and influential behind-the-scenes contributions.
Rikishi’s Endorsement of Al Snow for SmackDown and Hall of Fame
In a recent interview, Rikishi singled out Al Snow, noting his unique blend of creativity, charisma, and wrestling expertise as critical assets for WWE’s ongoing product development. Rikishi praised Snow’s ability to balance entertainment with wrestling fundamentals and his proven track record in mentoring talent.
“Al Snow is one of those guys who not only understands what it takes to be in the ring but also how to make the storytelling click with the audience,” Rikishi explained. “He’s got the vision and experience that WWE needs, especially on a show like SmackDown. I truly believe he should be in the Hall of Fame—he’s earned it and then some.”
This endorsement adds significant weight to Al Snow’s profile ahead of his WWE Hall of Fame candidacy, which fans and insiders feel has been long overdue. Rikishi’s advocacy highlights a broader appreciation of Snow’s multi-faceted career, which combines in-ring innovation with invaluable developmental roles.
Al Snow’s Legacy: Beyond the Ring
Al Snow, real name Allen Ray Sarven, is best remembered for his eccentric cult-favorite character during WWE’s Attitude Era, notably accompanied by his mannequin “Head.” His innovative, unpredictable persona made him a standout performer who captured multiple titles including the European, Hardcore, and Tag Team Championships. However, Snow’s impact extends far beyond his own wrestling career.
He has played a crucial role as a trainer and mentor, particularly in WWE’s developmental territories. Snow was a head trainer at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and served on the popular reality series Tough Enough, where he helped shape the early careers of top stars such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista. Under his leadership, OVW has flourished into a respected wrestling school, gaining fresh recognition through the Netflix docuseries Wrestlers, which showcased his dedication to nurturing new talent.
The Case for Al Snow’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Snow’s name has been gaining traction for Hall of Fame induction beyond Rikishi’s comments. He was recently announced as a 2026 inductee into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame, cementing his place among wrestling’s influential figures. This honor recognizes his extensive contributions—as a performer, trainer, and creative mind—acknowledging that his impact touches every facet of the industry from in-ring storytelling to talent development.
According to Wrestling Life Online, Snow’s legacy is “not only defined by his entertaining in-ring personas but also his commitment to evolving the wrestling business by developing future stars.”
Sources close to WWE creative circles reveal that there is growing backstage support for Snow taking a more prominent role in WWE’s creative team, especially for SmackDown, where storytelling and character development remain paramount.
Why Al Snow Fits the SmackDown Lead Writer Role
The role previously held by Road Dogg on SmackDown was a cornerstone in shaping that show’s weekly narratives and character arcs. Rikishi’s suggestion of Snow as a replacement underscores Snow’s extensive storytelling ability paired with his hands-on experience working with talents both old and new.
An industry insider shared: “Al has this rare combination of creativity and empathy. He knows how to write compelling stories that resonate emotionally but also respects the wrestling craft. SmackDown would greatly benefit from his vision.“
Snow’s knack for blending humor, drama, and technical wrestling, developed over decades, could help elevate SmackDown’s product amid WWE’s constantly evolving landscape.
Rikishi’s Backstage Influence and His Take on WWE’s Creative Future
As a respected veteran and Hall of Famer himself, Rikishi’s recommendations carry significant backstage weight. His recent endorsement of Al Snow connects to a wider sentiment among wrestlers and staff who value authenticity and experience when it comes to WWE’s creative direction.
Rikishi stated: “We need creative leaders who know what wrestling is about at its core. Al understands that and can bring fresh ideas without losing sight of what fans want.“
This viewpoint aligns with a current WWE trend to promote former wrestlers into creative roles, recognizing that firsthand in-ring experience often translates into stronger storytelling.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Al Snow?
Rikishi’s vocal support shines a spotlight on Al Snow at a pivotal time in WWE’s history of creative reforms and Hall of Fame selections. Whether Snow will assume the coveted SmackDown writing position or soon be immortalized with a WWE Hall of Fame induction remains to be officially announced, but the momentum is clearly building.
For fans and industry watchers, Rikishi’s endorsement is a clear message: Al Snow is more than ready to return to WWE in a major way — both on creative team and Hall of Fame stage. Sources confirm discussions are underway, and many hope this recommendation signals exciting changes for WWE’s future storytelling landscape.
This article is based on recent interviews and reports from Wrestling Inc. and Wrestling Life Online, combined with insights from WWE insiders.