Add as a preferred source on Google Adam Pearce will serve as the interim General Manager of WWE SmackDown this Friday, July 17, filling in for Nick Aldis, who won’t be on hand after the brutal attack he suffered at Gunther’s hands last week.
The chaos unfolded in the closing moments of last week’s show. Gunther demanded a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship, but Aldis kept CM Punk and Cody Rhodes booked for SummerSlam and offered the Austrian a different route instead.
Aldis then announced a tag team match pitting Punk and Rhodes against Gunther and Sami Zayn for Saturday Night’s Main Event, set for this Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Gunther didn’t take the decision well and attacked Aldis with multiple sleeper holds, even as referees and officials tried to restrain him.
This will be the second time in a matter of weeks that Pearce has had to take over SmackDown. After Night of Champions, Gunther and Aldis got into another backstage altercation, and both were sent home. Aldis was also placed on administrative leave, while Pearce temporarily took charge of both brands.
Your OFFICIAL #SmackDown Mini-Preview for TOMORROW NIGHT in Albany!
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) July 16, 2026
📺: 8e/5p LIVE on @usanetwork around the world on @Netflix! @wwe pic.twitter.com/Q0Ibu2dMgO
Aldis returned to his post on the July 10 episode, but just hours later, he was removed again because of Gunther.
This Friday’s SmackDown will be held at MVP Arena in Albany, New York. Gunther remains advertised for the show alongside names like CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Rhea Ripley and Trick Williams.
It remains to be seen what Pearce’s first move will be, and whether Gunther will face any punishment for the attack on Aldis.