Gunther’s Original Match for SummerSlam 2026 Was Planned Against This Ex-AEW Star

WWE reportedly had the former Powerhouse Hobbs penciled in as Gunther's SummerSlam opponent this year.

Gunther’s Original Match for SummerSlam 2026 Was Planned Against This Ex-AEW Star

Gunther [via- Cageside Seats]

Gunther was reportedly considered for a match against Royce Keys at this year’s SummerSlam, as noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It must be noted that this was tentatively planned at one point and does not necessitate that the company would still go ahead with it. Speaking of how ‘The Career Killer’ has fared recently, he has been on a lean patch since WrestleMania.

After registering a big win over Seth Rollins at the Show of Shows, ‘The Ring General’ re-entered the world title picture as part of his official trade to SmackDown. He’s had three opportunities over the last month to put the big one around his waist, but he couldn’t. He succumbed to subpar refereeing at Clash in Italy, which allowed Cody Rhodes to keep the WWE title.

They met in a rematch on SmackDown in Kansas City with Sami Zayn as the special guest referee handpicked by Gunther himself. It backfired on the Austrian as he put his hands on Zayn during the match to dig his own grave. Gunther had one more chance to right the wrongs at Night of Champions. However, it wasn’t to be for him.

In fact, Sami Zayn, whom the former Imperium boss deemed a non-factor to him heading into the PLE, silenced his critics by shocking them with his first world title triumph in WWE. After Zayn pulled off a miracle in Riyadh, it struck a nerve with Gunther. The Vienna-born wrestler consequently got into a heated confrontation with Nick Aldis backstage.

At first, it seemed like a case of Gunther venting it out on Aldis while accusing the Englishman of holding grudges against him. The Ring General’s refusal to keep his hands off Aldis triggered a similar reaction from the erstwhile Magnus. He got physical with the longest-reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion, and the two had to be separated to prevent a brawl-like situation.

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WWE has held discussions for Nick Aldis’ in-ring program with Gunther

There’s some real positive news for those hoping to see Nick Aldis make his in-ring debut for WWE. His latest altercation with Gunther could result in an actual match at SummerSlam. As per WrestleVotes Radio via Fightful Select, there have been significant internal discussions in WWE about Aldis and Gunther having a feud.

Gunther and Nick Aldis
Gunther and Nick Aldis [via- WWE]

It was also noted that the idea of Aldis lacing up a pair of wrestling boots again was floated around on multiple occasions. The aforementioned reporting of the story added that Nick Aldis isn’t expected to bring someone in on his behalf to take out Gunther. Which, in turn, means that when they indeed show up on WWE television the next time, the fans should expect their beef to pick up steam.

Gunther has posted a reel on Instagram featuring some of his most savage moments, including him leaving Jimmy Uso a bloody mess during his feud with Jey Uso and making John Cena tap out in his final match, and the last bit of the said clip was Gunther getting into Nick Aldis’ face. ‘The Ring General’ used the caption, “Never disrespect me.”

It would be interesting to see what he’ll have to say about the suspended general manager of SmackDown once he returns to work. If this does lead to a match between the two of them at SummerSlam, it’d definitely make up for some compelling storytelling in the weeks leading up to the Biggest Party of the Summer.

Moreover, Aldis stepping into the ring with this wrestling machine from Austria could open the floodgates for the Brit having more matches in WWE down the road.

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