Nick Aldis to ban major WWE star & refuse his request; serious injury confirmed? 4 Things the SmackDown GM can announce on tonight's episode
This week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown promises to be a huge one, with multiple big names set to appear. While Roman Reigns and Randy Orton will be in the house, there's a lot more for Nick Aldis to attend to.
The SmackDown General Manager has his hands full, with some huge decisions needing to be made ahead of Crown Jewel. Some of them are necessary, based on what happened recently, while others could add new storytelling elements in the coming weeks.
So, let's get into it. Here are four announcements Nick Aldis could make on tonight's episode of the blue brand.
#4. Kevin Owens' video does NOT get played
Let's start off with the most important piece of business: the Kevin Owens situation.
The former Universal Champion revealed that he sent a video explaining his attack on Cody Rhodes to WWE. However, the company did not air it on RAW. Nick Aldis could ensure the same happens on SmackDown, while Owens remains banned from the arena.
KO did mention that he would post the video himself if WWE didn't show it on SmackDown, so it remains to be seen what is done. Either way, Aldis is in a mess. All the General Manager can do now is control his show and keep Kevin Owens away, for now at least.
#3. Nick Aldis could officially confirm AJ Styles' injury
AJ Styles has confirmed he suffered a Lisfranc injury, following a freak incident on SmackDown two weeks ago. There hasn't been official word on his condition on WWE television, so Nick Aldis could finally make the announcement tonight.
The General Manager can confirm that Styles will be out for a few months, potentially while addressing the United States Championship scene. Aldis may also make a Triple Threat match for the title at Crown Jewel, with LA Knight facing Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.
Unfortunately, though, The Phenomenal One won't be in the mix for a while.
#2. Naomi could get her title shot on WWE SmackDown next week
In a staggering upset last Friday, Naomi pinned Nia Jax in a non-title match. As a result, she looks set to challenge for the WWE Women's Championship soon. It could happen as soon as next week's episode of SmackDown if Nick Aldis permits.
The General Manager could have one goal for announcing the match so soon. Aldis wants the best of SmackDown to represent the blue brand at Crown Jewel. So, whoever wins, between Jax and Naomi, will have earned the right to face Liv Morgan for the WWE Crown Jewel Championship.
#1. Nick Aldis can announce an incentive for Cody Rhodes ahead of Crown Jewel
Speaking of the WWE Crown Jewel Championship, Nick Aldis will be desperate for Cody Rhodes to bring home the gold for SmackDown. The American Nightmare is set to face Gunther in the main event of the Saudi Arabia show.
Aldis can motivate Rhodes by adding an incentive for winning. If he defeats The Ring General, the Undisputed WWE Champion can pick his own match at Survivor Series. Such a stipulation would open up a bunch of possibilities as we head towards the Big Four premium live event.
This would be a creative way for Kevin Owens to be reinstated, with Cody Rhodes longing for revenge on his former friend. Alternatively, The American Nightmare can choose to join Roman Reigns' team in the potential Bloodline vs. Bloodline WarGames Match.
Either way, one such announcement from Nick Aldis can open up a bunch of exciting possibilities for Survivor Series. The added stakes would also make the Crown Jewel match interesting.