Nick Aldis Temporarily Gives Up GM Role On Smackdown Ahead of WWE SummerSlam Match

Nick Aldis is no longer the Smackdown General Manager — at least until after he’s faced Gunther at WWE SummerSlam — as revealed on this week’s show. Friday night’s episode of WWE Smackdown opened with a contract signing between Gunther and Aldis for their match at next weekend’s two-night PLE.

Adam Pearce oversaw the contract signing and announced during the segment that once he signs the contract, he would be stepping down as Smackdown GM for the time being, and that WWE would not be liable for anything that happens between him and Gunther. Aldis said he knew what he was doing and didn’t want any of this but Gunther had pushed him too far and then signed the contract.

Gunther cut a promo before signing the contract, accusing Aldis of having it out for him and being jealous of him. He vowed to add Aldis to the list of legends that he’s retired.

After the contract was signed, Aldis told Gunther that his career is in in jeopardy because if Aldis wins, Gunther will have lost to a man who hasn’t had a match in three years. They ended up brawling, with Gunther putting Aldis through the table after a low blow kick.

You can see clips from the segment below.

"You are jealous of me."@Gunther_AUT is just taunting @RealNickAldis… 😡 pic.twitter.com/J03WqFnhvI

— WWE (@WWE) July 25, 2026

Goldberg. ✅
AJ Styles. ✅
John Cena. ✅

Is Nick Aldis the next name on @Gunther_AUT's list?! pic.twitter.com/aD6tOEgpgX

— WWE (@WWE) July 25, 2026

Not waiting for SummerSlam…@Gunther_AUT has put @RealNickAldis through a table!! 😱 pic.twitter.com/UyHLHK7Gav

— WWE (@WWE) July 25, 2026