Adam Pearce Won’t Be The SmackDown General Manager For Too Long; Former WWE Authority Figure Reassuming His Role After SummerSlam

The road to WWE SummerSlam took an unexpected turn tonight when Nick Aldis stepped down as the SmackDown General Manager.

As the 39-year-old WWE star prepares for his in-ring return, Adam Pearce will fill in his shoes, but not for too long. Wade Barrett seemed to have spoiled post-SummerSlam plans.

During the July 24 episode of WWE SmackDown, Nick Aldis and Gunther put pen to paper and made their SummerSlam match official. The two men have been at each other’s throats since the Ring General joined the blue brand.

Despite getting multiple title opportunities, the Austrian star failed in his quest to become the Undisputed WWE Champion, and that was the final straw for him. He held Aldis responsible for his shortcomings and gave the authority figure the worst beating of his life.

Nick Aldis returned with a vengeance at Saturday Night’s Main Event, costing Gunther and Sami Zayn against CM Punk and Cody Rhodes in a tag team match with major SummerSlam implications. This led to Triple H announcing a match between the two for the Biggest Party of the Summer.

Tonight, Adam Pearce told Nick Aldis that he would have to relinquish his duties as SmackDown General Manager if he wants to face Gunther at SummerSlam. The former NWA star agreed and signed on the dotted line, thus allowing Adam Pearce to assume those responsibilities. Fans have since been wondering whether Nick Aldis has been permanently removed from the position.

Later in the show, Wade Barrett confirmed that the British star had temporarily stepped down from his role and would resume his duties after SummerSlam.

“Nick Aldis temporarily relinquishing duties as GM until after SummerSlam.”

The segment ended with Gunther dropping Nick Aldis with a Powerbomb, sending him crashing through the table. He was rushed to the medical facility for evaluation.

Cathy Kelley was supposed to get an update on him before being rudely cut off by Sami Zayn.

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