WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis is once again at the center of controversy as he manages escalating tensions, this time focusing on both rising issues surrounding Cody Rhodes and decisions within the women’s division. The latest development in Cody Rhodes WWE news now sees Aldis issuing pointed warnings that could lead to championships being stripped, heightening uncertainty for champions on the brand.
Tension Between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre Intensifies
As part of ongoing efforts to maintain control over WWE SmackDown, Nick Aldis has intervened in the heated conflict between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Recently, Aldis enforced a stipulation requested by Drew McIntyre: if Cody Rhodes physically attacked The Scot before their impending title match, Rhodes could be stripped of his championship. This measure prevented Rhodes from taking any pre-match action, putting additional pressure on the build-up to their high-stakes confrontation.
Nick Aldis Puts Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green on Notice
Inspired by similar actions taken with Rhodes, Nick Aldis extended this demanding approach to the women’s division. During a backstage segment, Chelsea Green, who currently holds the Women’s US Championship, attempted to evade her scheduled defense against Guilia. Aldis, seizing the opportunity to demonstrate authority, reminded Green of his power to deem her unfit and strip her of her title if she failed to compete as required by WWE’s standards.
“Is it too cold for @ImChelseaGreen to defend her United States Title tonight? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/W9ozZfmddI”
— WWE (@WWE)
This confrontation left Chelsea Green in a precarious position, making clear that no competitor—regardless of division or status—is exempt from Aldis’s strict expectations. The backstage exchanges and Aldis’s statements mark an assertive management style, reflecting his determination to enforce discipline throughout the roster.
Wider Implications for WWE Stars and Titles
Nick Aldis’s recent crackdown is influencing other top stories and figures in WWE. While Cody Rhodes prepares for a tense title defense and Chelsea Green faces pressure to prove herself as champion, this assertive stance by management is also resonating across the tag team division and among other superstars. Names such as Drew McIntyre, Guilia, and other prominent members of the locker room remain vigilant as Aldis continues to assert authority.
Elsewhere in the WWE universe, major stars such as The Rock, Ronda Rousey, and Bianca Belair are experiencing their own pivotal moments, including potential returns, challenges for upcoming WrestleMania events, and dealing with injury setbacks. These developments contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty and anticipation ahead of marquee matches and high-profile events.
Significance of Aldis’s Leadership for WWE’s Future
Nick Aldis’s leadership has introduced a new rigidity in championship management, impacting both men’s and women’s divisions. Champions like Cody Rhodes and Chelsea Green are feeling the effects directly, as the risk of being deemed “unfit” looms over any champion unwilling or unable to defend their title under Aldis’s rules. As WrestleMania 42 approaches and new storylines unfold, fans and superstars alike will be closely watching how Aldis’s strict approach shapes upcoming title matches and the direction of WWE SmackDown.
Is it too cold for @ImChelseaGreen to defend her United States Title tonight? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/W9ozZfmddI
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
