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Here are five new General Managers for SmackDown if Nick Aldis returns to wrestling:
#5. Teddy Long
Teddy Long is the longest-serving General Manager in SmackDown history, making him the ultimate replacement for Nick Aldis. Bringing him back as the GM immediately injects a sense of fun and comfort into the blue brand. From a storyline perspective, Teddy is an ultimate neutral authority figure who knows exactly how to handle out-of-control locker rooms. He has the experience required to handle even the most combustible situations.
During an interview in May, the Hall of Famer refused the idea of coming back to WWE. However, things have changed dramatically since then. Teddy Long recently talked with TMZ, where he acknowledged that he is signed with the Stamford-based promotion under a legends deal. Citing his association, Long expressed his openness to coming back to WWE in whatever capacity whenever the situation demands.
#4. Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is another big name who could be SmackDown’s new General Manager if Nick Aldis returns to wrestling. The Wiseman serving as the blue brand’s top voice would be pure box office television and it could give rise to several incredible things. Heyman previously ran Friday Night SmackDown during the iconic “SmackDown Six” era in the early 2000s, proving his unmatched brilliance in the role.
In 2026, putting the corporate suit back on him and giving him that power would create endless creative friction. Paul Heyman could use the General Manager position as a tactical shield to protect his own superstars like Bron Breakker or terrorize the entire roster. His masterclass promos would elevate every single championship feud on the Friday night show, making SmackDown feel like an unpredictable brand.
#3. Adam Pearce
Adam Pearce taking over Friday Night SmackDown full-time is the most logical and seamless transition WWE could make. The 48-year-old effectively ran both RAW and SmackDown as a singular WWE official for years before the brand split happened. With Nick Aldis currently on administrative leave, Adam Pearce is already pulling double duty.
Solidifying him as a permanent GM of both brands would return him to his roots as the ultimate overworked corporate figure. Pearce could handle the storylines of both rosters more effectively, as he would have the ultimate power. His straightforward rule-following demeanor would provide a perfect baseline of stability, allowing the chaotic wrestling storylines to shine.
#2. AJ Styles
If Nick Aldis steps aside, one of the biggest names who can be a good fit to be SmackDown’s new General Manager is AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One retired from in-ring action early this year and since then he has been working in other capacities for WWE. Styles transitioning into the blue brand’s General Manager role would be a brilliant creative choice, as SmackDown is regarded as the house that he built.
Moving AJ Styles into an authority position preserves his star power on television, giving fans some must-see moments every week. The Phenomenal One has been part of the roster and he knows exactly how things work at a grassroots level. With his knowledge of the business and keen sense of justice, Styles can smoothly operate the functioning of Friday Night SmackDown. Besides, it could also revive the blue brand from its dying state.
#1. Stephanie McMahon replacing Nick Aldis
Stephanie McMahon returning as the SmackDown General Manager would be an absolute monumental internet-breaking moment for WWE. She operated as the GM of the blue brand back in 2002 and has the required experience to manage the chaos. Stephanie has also been the authority figure in on-screen storylines for many years, delivering several iconic moments. Her presence instantly commands unparalleled gravitas and corporate legitimacy.
Storyline-wise, her return would signal that the higher-ups are stepping in to clean up the mess left by Nick Aldis’ investigation. Stephanie McMahon is a master at playing the sophisticated, passive-aggressive boss who can elevate a babyface simply by standing in their way. In her presence, SmackDown would command ultimate respect. There wouldn’t be a single superstar who could defy Stephanie’s authority or create chaos under her watch.
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