WWE SummerSlam 2026: 12 Things That NEED To Happen

Credit where it's due: Gunther vs. Nick Aldis has received some of the best building heading into the weekend's bumper PLE. Some on socials seem to think this is a step down for the 'Ring General' from his usual fare and has come out of the blue, but they clearly haven't been paying attention to events on weekly TV for months.

Friday's contract signing segment involving both guys and new Raw and SmackDown GM Adam Pearce made for pulsating television too. On the whole, Aldis is well spoken, and those who haven't seen him wrestle are probs in for a surprise once he laces up his boots and goes nose to nose with Gunther on Saturday night.

Gunther pointed out that Nick is a former NWA World Champion. He's also a former TNA one, but that wasn't mentioned (for whatever reason; confusing, given WWE's alliance with Total Nonstop Action!), and he was once one of the most respected workers in the biz. However, it's fair to say that Aldis likely shouldn't match up perfectly against a full-timer.

After all, Gunther has been on a tear since Nick last wrestled way back in 2023. He's won World Titles, retired Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles, and he's one of WWE's most credible in-ring bruisers. Thus, Aldis may have to get choked out and eat humble pie at SummerSlam.

The good news? He'll have more matches in waiting, assuming he's actually done with the authority figure role for good of course. Here's hoping, 'cause Nick deserves a crack at WWE in-ring. He shouldn't win here though.