Over on WWE NXT, the brand recently underwent a major change after Ava decided to leave the company and had to be replaced by Robert Stone as General Manager.
Following this change, the company could look at Nick Aldis and realize that they could get a lot more out of the former two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion as an in-ring competitor than as a GM.
Aldis being replaced as GM could open the door for a number of different stars or backstage personnel who can step in and replace him on SmackDown.
Here are six potential new WWE SmackDown General Managers.
6. Adam Pearce
Adam Pearce has become one of the longest tenured authority figures in WWE history since becoming one in 2020.
Having served as a WWE official on-screen over the past six years, Pearce has brought a different take on the authority figure, coming off like a true boss with genuine emotions.
While he is currently the Raw General Manager, Pearce has experience being in control of both main roster brands in the past.
After last being in charge of both Raw and SmackDown in 2023, Pearce seems like the most logical option to replace Nick Aldis if WWE wants him to focus on another role in the promotion.
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5. The Miz
The Miz is someone who many fans have pegged as a star who will have a role within WWE long after his in-ring career is over.
While he still competes inside the squared circle, “The A Lister” also feels like a star who has more years behind him than ahead of him.
At 45 years old, The Miz could be winding down his in-ring career and make the transition to an on-screen authority figure role down the line.
Miz replacing Nick Aldis feels like a sensible transition that could work based on his well regarded talking ability and how he can interact with the different stars on the SmackDown roster.
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4. Bobby Roode
Retiring from in-ring competition in 2022, Bobby Roode transitioned from being a competitor to a backstage role.
Becoming a backstage producer, Roode helps to tell stories through working with talent directly behind-the-scenes.
While he has excelled in this role, Roode is someone who has been regarded as an entertaining character whether it be his run in WWE or his more impressive stint in TNA Wrestling.
Roode becoming an authority figure seems like a move that would help WWE programming and make him a suitable replacement for Nick Aldis if he needs to step down from the SmackDown General Manager position.
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3. Paige
Back in 2018, Paige officially retired from in-ring competition and became the SmackDown General Manager.
While this run only lasted a few months, the former WWE Divas Champion proved herself to be someone who could shine in this position.
Back in March 2025, the former Paige, real name Saraya, announced her departure from All Elite Wrestling after a three-year run with the promotion.
Despite not re-signing with the company just yet, it may just be a matter of time before Paige makes her return and could be the perfect individual to step in as SmackDown GM once again in the place of Nick Aldis.
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2. Chris Jericho
Another AEW star who could be about to make his return to WWE very soon is Chris Jericho.
The inaugural AEW World Champion has been absent from the company since April 2025 and has been the source of a lot of discussion in the wrestling world regarding his future when his contract expires with the company.
With various reports indicating that WWE has strong interest in the legend, it feels inevitable that Jericho will make his return to his former home promotion.
Jericho returning to WWE to become the new SmackDown General Manager would be an intriguing way to bring him back into the fold to see how he fairs in a brand new role for “Le Champion.”
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1. Kevin Owens
Ahead of WrestleMania 41, Kevin Owens was pulled from the card after announcing that he had to undergo neck surgery to recover from a serious injury.
The former WWE Universal Champion has remained one of the biggest names on the roster for over a decade now.
With his distinct character and impressive talking ability, Owens is someone who can succeed in any role given to him by WWE.
Owens returning to serve as SmackDown General Manager while he continues his recovery would be similar to Kurt Angle who held the same role over two decades ago and keep “The Prizefighter” in the mind of fans before his in-ring return.
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