Nick Aldis is officially putting his authority on hold in pursuit of settling unfinished business with Gunther. During the opening segment of the July 24 episode of WWE SmackDown, Aldis relinquished his role as the show’s General Manager to make his SummerSlam showdown with The Ring General official.
The decision clears the way for Aldis’ first WWE match in nearly three years. Nevertheless, it also comes with a significant change behind the scenes on the blue brand.
Nick Aldis steps aside as SmackDown GM to face Gunther
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce oversaw the contract signing. He explained that Aldis could not compete as an active WWE Superstar while serving as SmackDown General Manager. Pearce informed him that signing the contract would immediately end his tenure in the role, with Pearce assuming control of both Raw and SmackDown.
Aldis accepted the terms without hesitation. He made it clear he knew exactly what he was signing up for after weeks of escalating tensions with Gunther.
Gunther used the opportunity to mock Aldis, claiming the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion had never reached the level of success he had achieved in WWE. He argued that Aldis was jealous of his accomplishments and promised to make him famous at SummerSlam, referencing past victories over Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena.
Aldis fired back by insisting Gunther underestimated him from the beginning.
“You’ve called yourself the Career-Killer. After SummerSlam, you’ll be the guy who got his ass kicked by his boss.”
The exchange quickly broke down into a physical confrontation, with Gunther ending the segment by powerbombing Aldis through the contract-signing table. It was a fitting way to put pen to paper — and then put someone through it.
Later in the broadcast, Wade Barrett clarified that Aldis’ departure as SmackDown General Manager is only temporary. Once SummerSlam concludes, he is expected to resume his executive duties. Until then, Adam Pearce will oversee both brands as Aldis turns his full attention to finally stepping back inside a WWE ring.
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