Nick Aldis has served as the WWE SmackDown General Manager for nearly two years, playing a major role in managing the brand since October 2021. His impact as an on-screen authority figure and his involvement in critical storylines have made his presence significant. However, his future in this position appears uncertain, sparking speculation that his tenure as SmackDown GM may soon conclude.
Rising On-Screen Conflicts with Top WWE Superstars
Recently, Nick Aldis has become increasingly entangled in confrontations with some of WWE’s biggest names, including Randy Orton, John Cena, Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens. These clashes have ranged from sharp verbal spats to physical altercations, as seen during a recent SmackDown episode where Aldis exchanged heated words with McIntyre following a controversial match outcome. This pattern suggests WWE might be preparing Aldis to transition out of his administrative role and into active rivalries within the ring.
Managing Dual Responsibilities Taking a Toll
Apart from his on-screen duties, Aldis holds a producer role backstage, juggling extensive responsibilities that demand both creative input and performance. The strain of managing these combined roles has led to sporadic absences from his SmackDown duties, during which Adam Pearce has temporarily stepped in. These breaks fuel speculation that Aldis is experiencing burnout, which could prompt WWE to relieve him of his GM position to ensure his health and help streamline their creative operations.
Aspiring to Return as an In-Ring Competitor
As a professional wrestler, Aldis has never fully stepped away from active competition, often expressing dissatisfaction with his current role behind the desk. In several interviews, he has openly shared his wish to return to full-time wrestling, indicating a strong desire to reignite his career in the ring. WWE has teased Aldis’ in-ring comeback previously but has yet to make a definitive move. This lingering possibility, combined with fan interest, makes it likely that Aldis could soon shift focus from management back to wrestling.
Addressing SmackDown’s Babyface Wrestler Shortage
The SmackDown roster currently leans heavily toward heel characters, with stars such as Drew McIntyre, Aleister Black, and Solo Sikoa dominating storylines. Conversely, the lineup of babyface wrestlers is thin, despite having a few key faces holding major titles. Aldis’ reputation as a fan-favorite in other wrestling promotions, like NWA and TNA, positions him as a logical choice to fill this void. Shifting him from GM to active babyface wrestler could balance the roster, create fresh matchups, and add new energy to the show.
Refreshing the Brand with New Leadership
Historically, General Manager roles in WWE are temporary, with few holding the position for an extended period. Although Aldis’ tenure has been impactful, repeated patterns in his role have contributed to a sense of stagnation on the show. WWE might introduce a new SmackDown authority figure to revitalize the brand and prevent storylines from becoming predictable. Doing so would also allow Aldis to smoothly exit his corporate role and potentially reenter the ring as an active competitor.
Nick Aldis’ future as SmackDown General Manager remains precarious amid ongoing storyline developments, backstage demands, and roster needs. Whether driven by creative decisions or Aldis’ own aspirations, the potential end of his GM role could represent a significant shift for the blue brand. Fans and observers can expect this transition to impact both the direction of SmackDown and Aldis’ career trajectory in the near future.
"Enough with the excuses!"@RealNickAldis is sick and tired of @DMcIntyreWWE throwing the blame around 😲 pic.twitter.com/HnVeFIwqo8
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
