Nick Aldis shares remorseful message following actions on WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown has been full of controversy as of late. After a strong post-WrestleMania XL season, the blue brand superstars turned things up a notch for the final build to Money In the Bank, plus the ongoing road to SummerSlam. Nick Aldis has had to resort to extreme measures to keep control of his brand, and now the SmackDown General Manager has provided a follow-up to a recent situation.
The Bloodline recently brought on Jacob Fatu to continue the battle with Cody Rhodes, who has been assisted by Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. The Undisputed WWE Champion brought The Viper and KO to Friday's SmackDown at Madison Square Garden for a fight with The Bloodline.
After the babyfaces took out the Samoans and security, Cody took the mic and gave an intense promo on how this is a watered-down version of The Bloodline, referring to Sikoa as a seat-filler instead of the one sitting at the head of the table.
Aldis then called on New York's Finest to help restore order. The 20-year veteran came out with officers from the New York Police Department to help escort the babyfaces out. Cody, Orton and Owens returned to the backstage area, then drove away while a half-dozen NYPD officers watched.
Aldis took to Instagram today with a statement in defense of what happened. He included a photo with Cody from SmackDown.
"Sometimes you have to make decisions in the heat of the moment and those decisions have unintended consequences. #SmackDown #nickaldis #codyrhodes #wwe #madisonsquaregarden," Nick Aldis wrote with the photo below.
Rhodes will team with Orton and Owens for a big six-man tag team match at Money In the Bank on Saturday. They will face Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and/or Jacob Fatu.
WWE SmackDown updated lineup for go-home show
The final SmackDown episode before Money In the Bank will air on Friday from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The 2024 MITB PLE will air the following day from the same venue.
The Bloodline has now been confirmed for SmackDown. This will be their first appearance since taking out Paul Heyman. Below is the updated lineup for Friday:
- Final Money In the Bank build
- The Bloodline appears
- Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae vs. Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair
- The Street Profits vs. Pretty Deadly
- WWE Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under defend vs. DIY
The WWE Events website has Tiffany Stratton and Cody Rhodes advertised to appear. The arena website also has Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, and Naomi listed.