Nick Aldis Next WWE Opponent

WWE

At WWE SummerSlam 2026, Nick Aldis made his in-ring debut for the company after signing to become SmackDown General Manager three years ago.

After lacing up his boots for the first time since 2023, it is clear that Aldis did not miss a beat and deserves another opportunity to step in the ring to compete.

Looking at the WWE roster, there are a number of stars who could shine and work well with Aldis if the company decides to give another match in the near future.

Here are six potential Nick Aldis next WWE opponents.

6. GUNTHER

After a physical confrontation at WWE Night of Champions 2026, GUNTHER attacked SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, laying him out with a sleeper.

This led to Aldis returning to cost GUNTHER and Sami Zayn their tag team match with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, which could have seen them earn an opportunity to make the Undisputed WWE Championship a four-way at SummerSlam 2026.

With all the animosity between the two men, GUNTHER went on to defeat Aldis in a grudge match on the WWE SummerSlam 2026 premium live event.

While both men have looked to move on, it feels like this tension between GUNTHER and Aldis will continue and lead to a rematch down the road.

5. Sami Zayn

 

As previously mentioned, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes defeated GUNTHER and Sami Zayn thanks in large part to outside interference from Nick Aldis at the July 18 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

This loss resulted in Zayn being denied his rightful spot in a four-way match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2026.

Then at SummerSlam 2026, Zayn lost again when his best friend Kevin Owens returned to defeat him, Finn Balor and GUNTHER to become the new number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

After constantly feeling conspired against, Zayn could attack SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, leading to a showdown between these two veterans.

4. Kevin Owens

Speaking of Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens made his return to WWE for the first time in 18 months at SummerSlam 2026.

KO recovered from a neck fusion surgery to make his comeback and defeat Sami Zayn, Finn Balor and GUNTHER to become the new number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.

Now that he is back, it should not take long before Owens shows his true colors whenever he feels wronged by circumstance or by others.

Whether it be due to wanting a title match or a disagreement, it feels likely that Owens might cross paths with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and potentially have some tension that leads to a singles showdown.

3. The Miz

The Miz is someone who has been a consistent visitor to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis’ office over the past few years.

‘The A Lister’ still remains as one of the eldest statesmen on the WWE roster today and someone who often has a grievance to discuss with his authority figures.

Despite his vegetative state thanks to Danhausen, The Miz has been missing from WWE television over the past few weeks.

Making his return, The Miz might blame Aldis for his negligence in allowing Danhausen to electrocute him and challenge his manhood for a fight sooner rather than later.

2. Cody Rhodes

Back in 2018, Nick Aldis had one of the biggest matches of his career when he defended the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Cody Rhodes at the first ever All In event.

Over the years, Rhodes and Aldis have developed respect for one another and a friendship thanks to those battles over the top prize in NWA.

Considering both men are on Friday Night SmackDown, there is always a chance some animosity can grow between Aldis and Rhodes down the line.

Rhodes challenging Aldis to a singles match could prove to be a highly anticipated bout that has plenty of history to it beforehand.

1. Drew McIntyre

Over the past few years, Nick Aldis has had his share of run-ins with various stars on the WWE roster since becoming the SmackDown General Manager.

Drew McIntyre is someone who has constantly been a thorn in the side of Aldis throughout his time on the blue brand.

In 2026, McIntyre has consistently gotten into heated confrontations with Aldis thanks to his actions towards other stars on the SmackDown roster.

McIntyre returning to attack Aldis would be a statement that would show that he isn’t willing to listen to his authority anymore.

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