Gunther has pushed Nick Aldis to an absolute breaking point, leading to the WWE SummerSlam 2026 bout between the two. On this week’s July 24, 2026 SmackDown, the terms were named for the match, as both men put pen to paper, making their match official.
Nick Aldis Relinquishes SmackDown General Manager Position for Gunther SummerSlam 2026 Bout
To kick off the July 24, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, the show began with Raw and acting SmackDown General Manager Adam Pearce in the ring with Nick Aldis, as he and Gunther will finally make it official. Gunther would enter the ring, but before everything could come to a head, Raw and acting SmackDown General Manager Adam Pearce would clear up terms for the match.
First and foremost, once Aldis signs on the dotted line, WWE will have no responsibility regarding whatever happens between Aldis and Gunther at SummerSlam 2026. Apart from that, the biggest caveat of this match for Nick is that he will need to relinquish his spot as SmackDown General Manager effective immediately, with Adam Pearce assuming the role after him.
Aldis agreed, saying he knew what he was signing up for. Nick Aldis explained that he was pushed to a certain point and knows he’s going to take it into his own hands. Gunther would rebut, saying this wouldn’t have happened if Aldis did his job, but he figured out why Nick supposedly did what he did; it’s because he’s jealous.
Yes, he’s a former NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion, but Gunther stated that Aldis wanted to be a WWE star but knew he wasn’t good enough. In contrast, Gunther did everything he could, winning titles, making millions, and a lot more.
Gunther says he’ll make Aldis famous and do what he did to Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena.
Nick Aldis would have the last word, making it clear that he thinks Gunther thought it would never escalate to this. He refers to himself as the “Career-Killer,” but after SummerSlam, Aldis promises he’ll be the guy who had his “ass-kicked by his boss.”
This would irate Gunther, and it got physical between the two, with Gunther Powebombing Aldis through a table.
