Technical solutions are described to implement a scalable write ahead log using a distributed file system. A general aspect includes a method for providing consistency among metadata replicas and content in an enterprise content management cluster. The method includes recording a transaction log entry in response to receiving a content modification request, the transaction log entry including a version identifier set to a first version value. The method also includes updating the transaction log entry to a second version value in response to successfully modifying content and one of a plurality of metadata replicas containing metadata corresponding to the request. The method also includes updating the transaction log entry to a third version value in response to successfully modifying each of the metadata replicas. The present document further describes examples of other aspects such as methods, computer products.