Huge update on Nick Aldis’ WWE future after being removed as SmackDown’s General Manager – Report

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Over the last few weeks, Aldis and Gunther have come face-to-face on quite a few occasions, with things escalating to another level when The Ring General laid his hands on the former on the most recent SmackDown. This has now resulted in WWE removing Aldis as the GM of the Friday Night Show and handing over the duties to Adam Pearce. PWInsider is now reporting that all of this is leading up to the announcement of Nick Aldis vs. Gunther for SummerSlam 2026.

Jonathan Coachman believes WWE has given up on Gunther as a main event talent

On a recent edition of his Behind the Turnbuckle podcast, Jonathan Coachman addressed Gunther and Nick Aldis’ feud on SmackDown. He believes it was a sign that the company no longer had high hopes for The Ring General and that he might not be much of a draw with casual fans.

“I’ve never met Gunther. I’m sure he’s a hell of a nice guy, but for my enjoyment, his style is not enjoyable to me. I wonder, at some point in the last six months, if they [WWE] have realized, and maybe they look at numbers, and when he comes on, the numbers just aren’t there. That’s possible. His style is very 1980s-ish, and to me it doesn’t resonate in 2026.”

One can only assume that the rumored match with Nick Aldis is just a stepping stone for Gunther to get to bigger and better things following SummerSlam 2026.