The Ring General spoiled Aldis’ emotional return to the ring after a hard-fought battle
Summary
– Nick Aldis competed in his first WWE match after more than three years away from the ring
– Aldis nearly forced GUNTHER to submit with a Cloverleaf during the physical encounter
– GUNTHER trapped Aldis in a sleeper hold and forced him to tap out
GUNTHER defeated Nick Aldis in a physical battle at WWE SummerSlam 2026, ending the former SmackDown General Manager’s emotional return to the ring.
Their rivalry began after GUNTHER lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Sami Zayn in a triple threat match at Night of Champions. As GUNTHER attempted to remain in the championship picture, his growing conflict with Aldis eventually became physical, culminating in their SummerSlam showdown.
Before becoming a WWE authority figure, Aldis built an accomplished career outside the company. He held the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship for one of the longest reigns of the modern era and also captured world and tag team championships in TNA and GFW.
Aldis entered SummerSlam in his classic ring attire as “The National Treasure,” with Oasis providing his entrance music. The match marked his first appearance in the ring in more than three years and his first official WWE match.
GUNTHER controlled the opening stages before Aldis showed that his time away had not erased his abilities. The Ring General responded with a brutal chop that sent Aldis crashing to the floor.
Mickie James watched her husband compete from ringside alongside their son. GUNTHER attempted to provoke James before returning his attention to Aldis.
Aldis eventually rallied and trapped GUNTHER in a Cloverleaf. The former champion came close to securing the submission victory, but GUNTHER managed to reach the ropes.
GUNTHER later applied a sleeper hold, only for Aldis to reverse it into one of his own. The crowd continued supporting Aldis as he fought through the punishment, but GUNTHER regained control and dragged him back to the mat.
Aldis ultimately tapped out while trapped in the sleeper, giving GUNTHER the victory after a much more competitive fight than the Ring General expected.
The crowd gave Aldis a standing ovation and chanted “You Still Got It” following the match. He then joined Mickie James at ringside and took in the emotional SummerSlam moment with his family.
