Road Dogg

Road Dogg is a former American professional wrestler best known for his work in WWE as a member of The New Age Outlaws and D-Generation X. He is also currently signed to WWE as the Senior Vice President of Live Events and also takes on commentary role during the WWE Main Event weekly programmings.

Early Life

Road Dogg’s real name is Brian Girard James. He was born on May 20, 1969, in Marietta, Georgia, USA. James comes from a wrestling family, but he also followed in his father's footsteps by serving in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in 1987 and even saw combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. It was after his time in the Marines that James set his sights on professional wrestling.

Professional Wrestling Career

Early Career (1986 - 1994)

Brian Girard James kicked off his professional wrestling career in 1986. Back then, he was known as Brian Armstrong. He wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Southeast Championship Wrestling where he even wrestled and defeated Kevin Sullivan to claim the NWA Southeast Championship Wrestling title. His wrestling career was interrupted in 1987 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving his country, James returned to the world of wrestling in 1991.

He wrestled for various promotions including World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) but unfortunately didn't find major success. In 1994, James wrestled for WCW under the ring name The Dark Secret. Throughout 1994, he continued to wrestle for WCW, mostly on television tapings. He also wrestled for the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) under the ring name Jesse James Armstrong. There, he achieved more success by winning the USWA Heavyweight Championship, USWA Television Championship, and USWA World Tag Team Championship.

WWF - New Age Outlaws and D-Generation X (1994 - 2001)

Road Dogg joined the WWF in 1994 and teamed up with Jeff Jarrett upon joining. He worked as The Roadie, who was an assistant to Double J “Jeff Jarrett”. His stint revolved around supporting Jarrett. When Jarrett released a song he claimed was his own, it was to be revealed that the song was actually sung by The Roadie. However, before this story could take place, both Jarrett and The Roadie left WWE and joined the United States Wrestling Association where they won quite a few championships.

After a break, James rejoined the WWE in 1996, without Jeff Jarrett. He was soon given the name of “Road Dogg” Jesse James or simply Road Dogg and was teamed up with Billy Gunn. Together, they formed the brash and rebellious New Age Outlaws. Their swagger and in-your-face attitude resonated with fans, and they quickly rose through the ranks. They captured the WWF Tag Team Championship an impressive five times, feuding with established duos and becoming a thorn in the side of the establishment.

Their success wasn't limited to tag team competition. Road Dogg dabbled in singles competition, even capturing the Intercontinental and Hardcore Championships. However, their greatest moments came as part of D-Generation X (DX). Alongside Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and later X-Pac, DX became a counter-culture movement within the WWF. They pushed boundaries with outrageous antics, often aimed at the boss, Vince McMahon. Their antics were hilarious, sometimes controversial, but undeniably entertaining. However, by 2001, cracks began to show. Road Dogg faced personal struggles, and tensions within DX simmered. He and Billy Gunn formed a short-lived tag team with K-Kwik before Road Dogg's suspension and eventual release from the WWF.

TNA Wrestling (2002 - 2009)

After leaving the WWF in 2001, Road Dogg, now known as B.G. James, found a new home in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2002. While not replicating the meteoric rise of the New Age Outlaws, he found tag team success again. Partnering with Konnan and Ron Killings under the name 3Live Kru (following the "Freebird Rule" where any two members could defend the titles), they captured the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice. James even got a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship but ultimately came up short.

His TNA career wasn't without its stumbles. He formed another tag team, The James Gang (later Voodoo Kin Mafia), with his real-life brother but it never quite reached the heights of 3Live Kru. There were periods of inactivity and backstage drama. By 2009, James' run in TNA had sputtered out, and he left to compete on the independent circuit before eventually returning to WWE in a behind-the-scenes role.

Independent Circuit (2001 - 2002, 2009 - 2011)

After his release from the WWF, Road Dogg's career took a tumultuous path. He wrestled on the independent circuit, but struggled with substance abuse issues that led to him missing scheduled appearances. One such incident involved him being arrested for disorderly conduct at an independent show in South Carolina.

Despite the challenges, Road Dogg did find some success. He competed for promotions like IWA Mid-South and WWA in Australia, even winning the WWA World Heavyweight Championship briefly. He also continued his tag team career, forming short-lived partnerships with wrestlers like Dysfunction and even briefly reuniting with Billy Gunn on the independent circuit.

Return to WWE (2011 - 2014)

After a decade away from WWE, Road Dogg returned in 2011 to induct his father into the Hall of Fame. He then signed back on as a producer and made sporadic appearances on screen. In 2012, he participated in the Royal Rumble match and began co-hosting a web series. There was a one-night reformation of D-Generation X for the 1000th episode of Raw. Road Dogg also occasionally teamed with Billy Gunn as the New Age Outlaws, including a brief run as WWE Tag Team Champions in 2014.

Executive roles in WWE (2014 - Present)

Following WrestleMania XXX, Road Dogg transitioned from in-ring competition to a behind-the-scenes role as a producer. He occasionally teamed up with Billy Gunn for nostalgic appearances. Road Dogg's career path then shifted towards writing and creative. He worked his way up from the SmackDown writing team to become a lead writer. After leaving the writing team, he shared his experience by teaching aspiring wrestlers at the WWE Performance Center. In 2022, he was released but then rehired for a leadership role in live events. Most recently, he returned to the spotlight as a color commentator under his real name, Brian James.

Road Dogg Wife

Road Dogg is married to Tracy James. While Road Dogg's career in wrestling is well documented, his personal life is kept relatively private. In 2021, Tracy James provided updates on Road Dogg's social media when he was hospitalized. They are a close couple and Tracy James is a source of support for Road Dogg. The couple are parents to three children and one grandchild.

Road Dogg Family

Road Dogg is the youngest brother of the Armstrong family and is a second-generation wrestler. His father and his brothers have worked in professional wrestling as wrestlers and referees.

Bob Armstrong (Father)

Road Dogg, real name Brian James, comes from a wrestling legacy. His father, Joseph Melton James, wrestled under the name "Bullet" Bob Armstrong and enjoyed a successful five-decade career in the Southeastern circuits. Beyond wrestling, Joseph James served in the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating a commitment to service that continued within the family. His son also enlisted in the Marines, carrying on the tradition of service.

Scott Armstrong (Brother)

Road Dogg’s father, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, had four sons who all became wrestlers, including Brian. One of his brothers, Scott Armstrong, is particularly noteworthy. Scott Armstrong, who wrestles under his real name, actually had a career path similar to Brian's in some ways. While Brian transitioned from in-ring competition to a backstage role as a producer, Scott also went from wrestling to a behind-the-scenes role. Initially competing in various promotions throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Scott eventually joined WWE in 2006 as a referee. He later became a producer for WWE as well.

Brad Armstrong (Brother)

Brad Armstrong was a talented wrestler known for his technical skills and he even held the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship (later known as the Cruiserweight Championship) for a brief period in 1992. He is also the son of Bob Armstrong and a second generation professional wrestler. While Brian achieved superstardom with D-Generation X in WWE, Brad found success in various promotions, including WCW. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2012.

Steve Armstrong (Brother)

Steve Armstrong is one of Road Dogg's (Brian James) three brothers. He made his pro-wrestling debut in 1983 and worked in promotions such as Championship Wrestling from Florida, Continental Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, and other major independent promotions.

Road Dogg Net Worth 2024

Not much is known about the finances of Road Dogg including his estimated net worth in 2024.

Road Dogg Championships Won