Add as a preferred source on Google Nick Aldis’ SummerSlam match with Gunther may not be a one-and-done. Following the SmackDown General Manager’s showing on Night One, Triple H left the door open for him to work again.
Aldis made his in-ring WWE debut at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, wrestling for the first time since October 2023. He tapped out to Gunther’s sleeper at the 11:38 mark, but got a strong reaction from the crowd on the way out, complete with “you’ve still got it” chants, and celebrated in the ring with wife Mickie James and their son, Donovan.
At the press conference following Night One, Triple H was asked whether Aldis could get back in the ring again.
“When we first spoke about this, he was open to whatever opportunity there was to come to WWE. It was his dream job. The GM role was what we had. He was thrilled to take it and he’s never really questioned it in any way.
But as a competitor, I know that desire never dies. No matter where you are or how removed from it you are. I know every week when he’s in those arenas, he’s thinking, ‘Man, I remember this.’
Opportunity arose for him to step into the ring, and it was on short notice. But here he is. He looked like a million bucks. Went out there and performed like a million bucks… I have to admit I was pretty emotional watching it happen for him, knowing him as a human being. And I was really excited for him.
As far as will it happen again, never say never.”
Ahead of the show, Aldis said he had never gone to Triple H or Bruce Prichard asking for a match. He stayed focused on the GM job while continuing to train in case something came up.
After the loss, Aldis handed Triple H his letter of resignation. WWE’s Chief Content Officer tore it up and put him right back in charge of the blue brand.
For now, Aldis remains the SmackDown GM. But between the crowd reaction and Triple H’s comments, the belief is that the Gunther match opened the door for more.