SmackDown GM Nick Aldis Likely to Make WWE in-Ring Debut at SummerSlam 2025 Against 14-Time World Champion: Reports

Nick Aldis seems to be nearing his WWE in-ring debut. He's likely to battle a prominent industry legend at SummerSlam.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis Likely to Make WWE in-Ring Debut at SummerSlam 2025 Against 14-Time World Champion: Reports

Nick Aldis [via- MSN]

A match that many wanted to see at WrestleMania 41 is likely in the cards for WWE’s inaugural two-night SummerSlam PLE later this year. That being said, Nick Aldis, who’s accomplished a lot outside of WWE, is reportedly lined up to make his in-ring debut for the Stamford-based promotion. As per WrestleVotes, the SmackDown GM might take on Randy Orton at The Biggest Party of the Summer.

Not that long ago, it seemed as if the two would collide at WrestleMania. Orton was left with nothing to do at The Grandest Stage of Them All after Kevin Owens disclosed his neck injury. The Viper would RKO Aldis on SmackDown leading up to Mania. The rumors started to swirl that the general manager might ditch his suit and put his wrestling boots on to take a stand against the 14-time world champion.

However, contrary to what the WWE Universe was thinking, the company never actually had this showdown factored in for WrestleMania in Las Vegas. Shortly ago, a report claimed that the former Magnus was open to wrestling again, but only if the story presented to him made sense. As of the current scenario, Orton would be the perfect opponent for Aldis’ WWE debut match.

The Englishman has succumbed to a number of RKOs from The Apex Predator in the past few months. Most recently, Orton dropped The Gladiator with his finishing maneuver at Backlash when Aldis and other WWE producers came out to check on a referee that had been inadvertently taken out by John Cena. The Legend Killer was ticked off seeing the drama unfold and turned it into an RKO party.

Is Randy Orton in trouble after downing Nick Aldis at Backlash?

In what could be the most obvious scenario, a hefty fine is loading for Randy Orton. As noted above, he laid his hands on Nick Aldis once again at Backlash, which, in all likelihood, will have its repercussions. With SummerSlam still a few months away, it’d be interesting to see how WWE proceeds with the on-screen interactions between Aldis and Orton in the meantime.

Nick Aldis and Randy Orton
Nick Aldis and Randy Orton [via- WWE]

The SmackDown GM hasn’t wrestled since August 2023. Although he’s proved his mettle on the independent circuit, Aldis has yet to register a WWE match under his resume. The former NWA Champion has maintained a great physical shape despite performing non-wrestling duties for over a year now.

The WWE Universe is mighty impressed with his on-screen presence, and it might only add to their delight when the erstwhile Magnus competes inside a WWE ring. Who knows if the rumored bout with Orton eventually opens up the floodgates for Aldis? But first, he must clear the hurdle that in itself is going to be a challenge for the ex-TNA star.

What else could WWE have in store for SummerSlam apart from Randy Orton vs. Nick Aldis?

Since the company has to fill up the MetLife Stadium for two straight nights at SummerSlam 2025, they’d need more marquee matches to pique interest around the event. Cardi B has already been announced as the host of the PLE, and it’s something that WWE had been targeting for years.

SummerSlam 2025
SummerSlam 2025 [via- WWE]

Now that the company has its celebrity involvement for the show figured out, a main event has to be there that’s must-see. A likely and probable main event for SummerSlam could see John Cena defending his Undisputed WWE title against CM Punk.

As per a recent report from PWInsider, WWE does plan on getting this match done at the right time. It was also noted that Punk vs. Cena isn’t scheduled for Money in the Bank on June 7. These two rivals fighting it out in front of a capacity crowd would be a sight to behold. But it remains to be seen if that’s actually the plan for SummerSlam.

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