Add as a preferred source on Google Nick Aldis appears set to temporarily step away from his role as SmackDown General Manager to compete in his first WWE match.
According to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, the match between Aldis and Gunther is “100% set” for SummerSlam, although WWE has yet to officially announce it.
The first rumors of the match surfaced in late June. At the time, Dave Meltzer said WWE planned to have the two face off at the August premium live event.
The feud began at Night of Champions after Gunther lost to Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship that also included Cody Rhodes. The Ring General blamed Aldis for the outcome and got into a physical confrontation with the General Manager backstage.
Nick Aldis is set to compete in his first ever WWE match next month.
— Dirt Sheet Radio (@DirtSheetRadio) July 16, 2026
PWInsider reports Gunther vs Nick Aldis is 100% set for SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/XkxiJKmb3V
As a result, Gunther was sent home, while Aldis was placed on administrative leave. Aldis returned to SmackDown on July 10 and announced CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the title at SummerSlam.
Gunther, however, was furious about being left out of the match and brutally attacked Aldis, locking him in multiple Sleepers until he lost consciousness. Cody came out after the show went off the air to stop the assault.
Aldis has not competed in a wrestling ring since 2023, the year he wrapped up his TNA run and began working behind the scenes for WWE. Before taking over SmackDown, the British star won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and held the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship twice.
SummerSlam will take place on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.