Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Friday, September 2, 2005 at 12:32 PM EST

As noted last night, WWE.com added an article confirming that Dusty Rhodes had come to a contract deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. Today was Rhodes first day as a member of the WWE creative team for the SmackDown brand. Rhodes will be replacing David Lagana, who is set to transfer to the newly revamped New Media division of WWE that is currently run by Shane McMahon.

Lagana's new move is said to be a much higher paid position that will require less travel with the company on the road. In the mean time, Lagana will be helping Rhodes in his transition into the creative department of SmackDown until the end of October as long as things go to plan. Despite the move for Lagana, he will still remain on the team as a consultant as his ideas are well thought of by WWE management.

Rhodes initially met with WWE officials in early August, something WWE profiled highly on their official website. He signed a WWE Legends contract at the time and was in talks about a position with the creative team. As reported on before as well, there are plans in the works to also develop a Dusty Rhodes-themed DVD. In regards to Rhodes appearing on WWE TV, that has yet to be confirmed. When asked if he had any aspirations of being in front of WWE cameras, Rhodes added, "None whatsoever. Thirty-seven years is enough." Rhodes' new deal with WWE pretty much makes him a lock for the upcoming 2006 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony next year before WrestleMania 22 in Chicago. It should be noted that WWE wanted to induct him earlier this year, but Rhodes had to decline due to his then-responsibility of taking on booking for TNA. For more on this signing, click here.

Credit: Mike Johnson @ PWInsider.com