Nick Aldis Removed from WWE SmackDown Amid Controversy

Following a contentious backstage incident involving WWE Superstar Gunther, Nick Aldis has been temporarily replaced as General Manager of SmackDown.

The tension between Aldis and Gunther intensified after Night of Champions 2026, where Gunther expressed visible frustration following his main event loss to Aldis. Last Friday’s SmackDown episode featured a dramatic confrontation, resulting in Gunther delivering a devastating assault to the SmackDown General Manager. Aldis will not return to his role this Friday as the blue brand takes the stage in Albany.

RAW General Manager Adam Pearce announced via social media platform X that he will serve as the acting General Manager for SmackDown during Aldis’ absence, citing the recent attack as the reason for the temporary replacement.

Your OFFICIAL #SmackDown Mini-Preview for TOMORROW NIGHT in Albany!

: 8e/5p LIVE on @usanetwork around the world on @Netflix! @wwe pic.twitter.com/Q0Ibu2dMgO

— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) July 16, 2026

Silas Mason Criticizes Aldis’ Leadership Style

In an interview with ITR Wrestling, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Silas Mason publicly rebuked Aldis for his previous criticisms of the wrestling industry, stating:

“I’m not so much into the vertical hierarchy. I don’t place myself in the position of authority above anybody. I’m a leader. You know Nick Aldis is one of those guys. He likes to put himself above other people. And all he did was sh*t on the company when he left and now he’s holding a clipboard on some TV show.”

Mason also lauded Pearce for his contributions to wrestling history, highlighting his mentorship of NXT talent and collaboration with legendary figures like Harley Race and Lou Thesz.

Adam Pearce, on the other hand, all he does is spend his time putting over the ten pounds of gold, saying exactly what I am saying about Harley Race, Lou Thesz, and all these other things. He helped train an entire generation of talents at NXT. Here’s the thing, I met him at Cauliflower Alley Club when I very first started. Great guy. He’s a super nice dude, so I have nothing but respect for him.”

In contrast, Mason voiced strong disdain for Aldis, asserting:

I have nothing but disrespect for Nick Aldis. Nick Aldis is the guy, he’s trying to take food off of people’s plates with the stuff he said about how we’re a terrible company and you shouldn’t be watching us and so and so. If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all. He had an opportunity to not say anything at all and he chose to be a prick. That shows what kind of guy he is.”

Speculation continues to grow regarding Aldis’ potential return to in-ring competition, with fans eager to see if he will face Gunther in a high-stakes matchup.

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