WWE has confirmed a significant change in SmackDown management following the fallout from Night of Champions.
Nick Aldis has been placed on administrative leave, forcing the company to appoint a temporary replacement while the situation unfolds.
The announcement came during Monday Night RAW. Nevertheless, the full story traces back to a heated confrontation that spiraled out of control after one of the weekend’s biggest matches.
It seems the tension backstage finally reached its breaking point. However, this time, there was no general manager’s ruling to save the day.
Adam Pearce takes over SmackDown after Nick Aldis’ administrative leave
During RAW, Michael Cole and Corey Graves revealed they had received information directly from WWE Headquarters confirming that both Nick Aldis and Gunther had been sent home following their backstage altercation after Night of Champions.
Cole added that Aldis has officially been placed on administrative leave for an unspecified period.
As a result, RAW General Manager Adam Pearce will now oversee SmackDown until Aldis is cleared to return. Pearce will temporarily handle duties for both brands, giving WWE one authority figure across RAW and SmackDown.
The confrontation stemmed from Gunther’s frustration after losing a Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions. Sami Zayn captured the title by reversing Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes into a pinfall. This left Gunther empty-handed in his latest championship bid.
After the event, Gunther confronted Aldis backstage. He accused the SmackDown General Manager of sabotaging his title opportunities once again, claiming Aldis was jealous of him. Aldis, who had already dealt with repeated confrontations and pressure from Gunther, shoved him after the former champion put his hands on a staff member, sparking a physical brawl.
With both men now sidelined, Adam Pearce has been handed extra responsibility while WWE sorts through the aftermath. For Aldis, it’s an unexpected timeout. For Pearce, it’s double the workload. And for SmackDown, a new voice will be calling the shots until further notice.
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