WWE added another blockbuster match to Saturday Night’s Main Event during the July 10 episode of SmackDown, but the announcement quickly descended into chaos.
Before the dust settled, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis found himself at the center of another violent confrontation with Gunther.
The closing moments of the show made it clear that the road to SummerSlam won’t be a smooth walk to the ring.
Gunther assaults Nick Aldis after Saturday Night’s Main Event announcement
Earlier in the night, Aldis officially returned as SmackDown General Manager after serving a period of administrative leave following his previous backstage altercation with Gunther. Before the show’s conclusion, Gunther confronted Aldis once again, demanding that the situation surrounding his championship aspirations be made right.
Aldis responded by announcing a major tag team match for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18 at Madison Square Garden. Gunther will team with Sami Zayn to face Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.
The announcement came despite Aldis revealing earlier in the show that Zayn was taking a mental health break and would not appear on SmackDown. Even so, Zayn remains scheduled for the high-profile match.
Rather than accepting the decision, Gunther accused Aldis of simply correcting an earlier mistake. Aldis fired back, saying the real mistake to fix was “Gunther being an asshole” since arriving on SmackDown.
That exchange lit the fuse.
Gunther blasted Aldis with a clothesline before locking in a sleeper hold. Although WWE officials repeatedly tried to pull him away, “The Ring General” continued reapplying the hold, leaving Aldis limp in the ring. Cody Rhodes rushed to the ringside as the broadcast came to a close, forcing Gunther to back away before further damage could be done.
Like a referee trying to restore order after a ringside brawl, officials never truly regained control of the situation. With Saturday Night’s Main Event now set, tensions between Gunther, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Sami Zayn have only intensified ahead of the marquee showdown.
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