SmackDown’s general manager, Nick Aldis, might have to make a big decision soon. Tension was teased in last Friday night’s SmackDown with his authority put to the test. Now fans wonder if Aldis will swap his GM position for a return to the ring—a prospect he hasn’t ruled out.
Since being appointed as GM by Triple H, Aldis has brought a much-needed refreshing spin. But during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former NWA World Champion admitted that he isn’t totally at peace with stepping away from in-ring competition.
Also Read: Reason Nick Aldis Did Not Join AEW
“I see it more as a sort of, you know, maybe not a full-time wrestler,” Aldis said. “… If and when the time comes, it’ll be what they want and it will hopefully be the right time. I just told them that if you wanna do that, I’m ready.”
While Aldis remains dedicated to his new backstage responsibilities, he left the door open for a potential return.
“In all honesty, no (I’m not at peace with the career I’ve had),” he admitted. I would like to lace ‘em up. I don’t care if it’s on a regular basis but, I’ve earned it, once. […]. If it was one more time, so be it. Like I said, I feel like I meet the criteria to be on that canvas at least once… (My bicep is) 100 percent.”
Kevin Owens Sparks Controversy on SmackDown
In the final moments of this week’s episode of SmackDown, it was pure chaos. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens clashed, but things got messy when Owens accidentally hit GM Nick Aldis with a shove, taking the Undisputed WWE Champion with him.
But Owens then went on to blame Aldis for his struggles, particularly failing to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Owens turned fiery in a promo, warning: “I’m on the verge of snapping, and it’ll be WWE’s fault.”
If Owens does snap and takes things further—like hitting Aldis with a package piledriver—then it could take the Smackdown GM out of action, which would set the stage for his return to the ring. Triple H could give Aldis a choice: stepping back between the ropes or remaining as the GM.
Who Could Replace Nick Aldis as SmackDown GM?
If Aldis leaves, it’s very possible WWE could bring in someone new to be at the helm of the blue brand. Wade Barrett and William Regal are the two names that have emerged as possible candidates.
Stephanie McMahon
One speculated idea is that Triple H may bring back Stephanie McMahon to fill the position of SmackDown GM. This is possible because of her previous experience in authority roles in WWE.
Wade Barrett
Currently part of RAW’s commentator team, the former Intercontinental Champion is due to make a change on RAW in the new year. But Barrett’s future hangs in the balance, with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee heading to RAW and Joe Tessitore possibly joining SmackDown. With commentary off the table, his most obvious next move would be to step in as GM.
William Regal
Another interesting possibility is William Regal who has made a comeback to the WWE in a backstage capacity at the start of 2024. For the majority of his tenure as the NXT General Manager, Regal did well in providing a little bit of authority where appropriate and a little bit of charisma where needed. Continuity would come by bringing him to SmackDown and providing a veteran leader for the brand.