Nick Aldis to quit SmackDown; massive heel turn to end Cody Rhodes' title reign? 5 ways the blue brand's GM can make his WWE in-ring debut
WWE SmackDown has featured Nick Aldis as its General Manager for the past eleven months. It is safe to say that he has done a magnificent job on the blue brand and feels like a proper authority figure, which was something missing on the main roster for a long time.
Nick Aldis is still in great shape and could leave his duties as an official if he ever decides to step inside the ring again. He has never had the opportunity to show his skills in the biggest pro wrestling company in the world, so WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H may give him a chance to do that in the future.
Here are five ways Nick Aldis could return to the squared circle in WWE.
#5. Nick Aldis is forced to quit after Survivor Series: WarGames
WWE had been booking multi-man elimination matches at Survivor Series between RAW and SmackDown since the brand split returned in 2016. The trend changed once Triple H took over creative and the theme of the Premium Live Event shifted to WarGames.
The Game may bring back the brand war ahead of Survivor Series: WarGames for a change. He could even add NXT to it ahead of the show's move to The CW in October.
WWE had a brand war between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT in 2019 as well, which was the year the blue brand debuted on FOX and the white and gold brand moved to the USA Network. To give a ratings boost to all the shows, the idea could be brought back as it would allow multiple top stars to appear across all three brands.
Triple H may even announce a huge stipulation if he books a multi-man elimination match. It may lead to the losing team's General Manager quitting their job on their respective brand.
#4. AJ Styles attacks Nick Aldis after returning to SmackDown
AJ Styles was written off WWE programming after losing an I Quit match to Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle back in June. He went to Japan for a match against Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Destination 2024 event after that.
It has been rumored for a while that The Phenomenal One will be back on SmackDown, but plans for him seemingly keep getting delayed.
A feud between Nick Aldis and AJ Styles could be a direction WWE could head in to plant the seeds for the SmackDown General Manager's in-ring return. The Phenomenal One could attack him because he refused to give him a title rematch against Cody Rhodes, which led to him using his own tactics to get it.
He could also reveal Aldis not booking him on SmackDown for months as a big reason behind a potential assault. Styles would be the perfect first opponent for someone who has not wrestled for a long time.
#3. The Rock fires Nick Aldis
The Bloodline has been the main attraction on SmackDown for four years. The group carried the show long before Nick Aldis took over and even had Adam Pearce in check when he used to run things on the blue brand.
Nick Aldis has shown on many occasions that he is not scared of anyone and treats everyone fairly on the blue brand. This could lead to him having problems with The Bloodline, if the group tries to misuse its power and forces him to book SmackDown according to their liking.
The Rock is a part of TKO's Board of Directors, so he could return and fire Aldis for not listening to Solo Sikoa and his men. This way, The Final Boss could also reveal himself as the new Tribal Chief.
Nick Aldis could then join Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns in their feud with The Bloodline.
#2. Randy Orton/Kevin Owens assaults Nick Aldis
After losing his World Heavyweight Championship match to GUNTHER at Bash in Berlin, Randy Orton will likely be back on SmackDown soon.
The Viper will not be happy about his loss to The Ring General, so he may take out his frustration on Nick Aldis and RKO him. It would not be the first time he would do it, but this time, it may trigger the SmackDown General Manager to get back in the ring.
Another solid opponent for Nick Aldis' in-ring return could be Kevin Owens, who also lost his Undisputed WWE Championship match to Cody Rhodes in Germany. He could take out the blue brand's GM for the same reason and have a match with him in the future.
#1. Nick Aldis costs Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Title
Nick Aldis and Cody Rhodes have crossed paths outside of WWE and had two matches for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Their most notable encounter took place at the first-ever All In pay-per-view.
Triple H could revive their rivalry in the Stamford-based promotion by having the SmackDown General Manager cost Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Championship. He could do it if he decides to sell out and become The Bloodline's pawn.
Aldis could help Solo Sikoa dethrone The American Nightmare on SmackDown's USA Network premiere next week. He may turn heel by shutting the Steel Cage's door on the Undisputed WWE Champion when he is about to escape it.
The Bloodline could then take over the blue brand completely and have a power struggle with top guys like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens.