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Although Gunther enters the bout as the overwhelming favourite, WWE has built enough intrigue around the storyline that several outcomes remain possible.
That said, in this article, we look at three directions the company could take at The Biggest Party of the Summer.
#3. Nick Aldis shocks the WWE Universe with the biggest victory of his career
The least likely scenario may also be the one that generates the loudest reaction.
Nick Aldis has not competed inside a WWE ring since becoming SmackDown General Manager. However, the company has constantly reminded fans of his decorated résumé outside WWE. Throughout this rivalry, Aldis has insisted that Gunther has underestimated him by viewing him as nothing more than an executive in a suit.
Thus, a surprise victory for Aldis would instantly become one of the biggest upsets of 2026. It would prove that the GM can compete with WWE’s elite.
There are several ways Triple H could protect The Career Killer while making this outcome believable. Nick Aldis could capitalize on Gunther’s overconfidence or counter one of his signature powerbomb attempts into a sudden pinning combination. Aldis could even survive an exhausting war before stealing the victory.
Such a finish would also elevate the GM into a full-time competitor if WWE chooses to move in that direction. Instead of immediately returning to his office, he could even pursue bigger matches against CM Punk or Cody Rhodes later in the year.
Although this remains an outside possibility, shocking victories have often been a hallmark of SummerSlam. Thus, Aldis pulling off the impossible would certainly become one of the event’s defining moments.
#2. Gunther wins, but the rivalry continues beyond SummerSlam
Perhaps the most balanced outcome is one where Gunther gets his hand raised without ending the feud. This rivalry has become deeply personal over the past several weeks.
Nick Aldis temporarily gave up his authority as SmackDown General Manager simply to get his hands on The Ring General. Meanwhile, the latter has repeatedly mocked Aldis’ legacy and questioned whether he ever belonged among wrestling’s elite. Because of that emotional investment, one match may not be enough.
Gunther could narrowly escape with a controversial victory after using the ring ropes for leverage, exposing the turnbuckle, or taking advantage of a referee distraction. Although those tactics are rarely associated with The Ring General, WWE has occasionally shown him becoming increasingly ruthless whenever someone threatens his aura.
Another possibility is The Ring General surviving a much tougher fight than expected. Aldis could push him to the absolute limit before eventually falling. Thus, earning Gunther’s respect while simultaneously proving he can hang with WWE’s top stars. Also, the loss would give Nick Aldis a legitimate reason to return to his General Manager role with unfinished business.
An eventual rematch at another premium live event would not feel out of place, especially considering how much television time WWE has invested in building this programme. Continuing the rivalry would also help Aldis transition smoothly between his executive duties and occasional in-ring appearances. Thus, giving SmackDown another compelling long-term storyline.
#1. The Ring General wins decisively before moving back into the world title picture
The most logical outcome is also the one that benefits WWE’s main-event scene the most.
Gunther has spent the past year establishing himself as one of WWE’s most dominant stars. He has retired legendary names, defeated multiple former world champions, and built a reputation as the feared “Career Killer.” Thus, allowing him to decisively defeat Nick Aldis would only strengthen that aura heading into the remainder of 2026.
A clean victory would send a clear message to the rest of the roster that The Ring General remains one of the company’s most dangerous competitors regardless of which championship he is chasing. More importantly, defeating Aldis would free him to re-enter the world title picture immediately.
Whether CM Punk retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes or the latter reclaims the title, Gunther would instantly become one of the strongest challengers down the line. His credibility has never been in question. Thus, a dominant SummerSlam performance would only reinforce that status.
WWE has already portrayed The Ring General as someone capable of carrying the main-event scene. He doesn’t need shortcuts or interference to win. Instead, a methodical dismantling of Nick Aldis through devastating chops, suffocating submissions, and thunderous powerbombs would perfectly fit his established character.
Following the match, Aldis could receive a standing ovation for his performance before quietly returning to his position as SmackDown General Manager. Meanwhile, Gunther would waste little time shifting his attention toward championship gold.
Considering WWE’s long-term booking, this outcome feels like the most natural conclusion. The Ring General leaves SummerSlam with another statement victory, and Aldis exits with his credibility intact after a valiant effort.
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