Since making his debut in 2023, Nick Aldis has served as the WWE SmackDown GM, running things and keeping order every Friday nights.
Aldis is someone who made his name in the business as an in-ring competitor, being a former TNA World Champion and two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion.
With everything he has accomplished in other promotions, it would be a shame if he never stepped in the ring in WWE. If he decides to lace up the boots again, the company needs to consider who they could bring in to replace Aldis.
Looking at the different options in the company, here are eight potential Nick Aldis WWE SmackDown replacements.
8. Adam Pearce
While Nick Aldis has been with WWE since 2023, Adam Pearce has been an authority figure on the main roster for much longer.
At one time, Pearce was in charge of both Raw and SmackDown, having a lengthy run as an authority figure on WWE TV that might be longer than anyone in history not named McMahon.
If Aldis does decide to step down as SmackDown General Manager, the easiest decision that WWE could make is giving that spot to Pearce.
Knowing how much he has done in this role, it makes a lot of sense to see Pearce take over and control both main brands once again.
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7. Ava
Much like Nick Aldis, Ava became an authority figure back in 2023 and has been at the helm of WWE NXT for the past three years.
At just 24 years old, Ava made history as the youngest General Manager in WWE history.
With Ava’s background as the daughter of The Rock, it feels like her spot as a GM might be intact for the foreseeable future.
Ava moving up to take over the show named after her father’s catchphrase feels poetic in a way and could see her in control of the next generation of the WWE main roster on the blue brand.
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6. Chelsea Green
Since Nick Aldis became the SmackDown General Manager, Chelsea Green has been a thorn in his side, constantly complaining and trying to get her way to more opportunities.
Whether it be for herself or her Secret Hervice, Green has been seen interacting with Aldis on a consistent basis.
Having the personality and talking ability to have this role, Green would make for an entertaining character to have in the position of SmackDown GM.
Green having power would make her a key figure that can be featured regularly to maintain order, but also use this position to get what she wants on Friday Night SmackDown.
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5. Wade Barrett
Over the past few years, Wade Barrett has been the color commentator on Friday Night SmackDown.
Becoming one of the best behind the announce desk in WWE today, Barrett has been a commanding voice that has been the soundtrack behind many memorable moments in this time.
The former five-time Intercontinental Champion has the talking chops that could benefit WWE in other ways outside of commentary.
Barrett making the transition to become a SmackDown GM would be an intriguing direction for him to go and having him replace his countryman Nick Aldis could lead to some interesting storylines as well.
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4. Santino Marella
Over in TNA Wrestling, their current authority figure on their programming is Director of Authority Santino Marella.
The former multi-time Intercontinental Champion has been seen on WWE NXT as part of the partnership with TNA Wrestling and has even stepped inside the squared circle in the past.
After making his WWE in-ring return, this could open the door for a more active role on the company’s programming if Nick Aldis needs a replacement.
Santino Marella becoming GM for Friday Night SmackDown would bring his funny personality and allow him to mix it up with a fresh batch of talent on the blue brand right now.
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3. The Miz
While he is still an active member of the WWE roster, there is no denying that The Miz has more days behind him than ahead of him.
At the age of 45, The Miz has wrestled in less and less matches over the past year, which points to him winding down his in-ring contributions.
Still one of WWE’s best talkers and heel characters, it would make sense to see “The A Lister’ transition to an authority figure role when he hangs up his boots.
The Miz becoming SmackDown GM feels inevitable considering his impressive mic skills and ability to have chemistry with several different WWE stars especially when interacting with them in promo or backstage segments.
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2. Paige
Back in 2018, Paige was named the new SmackDown General Manager.
Only serving in the role for a short period of time, Paige was able to show her poise and credibility in such a position.
Since leaving All Elite Wrestling in March 2025, Paige, real name Saraya, has made it clear that she is open to making a return to WWE at some point.
Paige returning to WWE could see her replacing Nick Aldis and becoming the new SmackDown General Manager in his place.
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1. The Undertaker
In his latest role with the company, The Undertaker has taken over the booking for the Lucha Libre AAA promotion.
In this position, “The Deadman” has left his fingerprints on the product giving certain stars more of a spotlight and improving upon the overall presentation of the company.
Wanting to use his star power in a more meaningful way, Taker could accept the role as SmackDown General Manager.
Considering his accomplishments and history on the blue brand, The Undertaker replacing Nick Aldis as GM would be quite compelling to watch unfold and give him a chance to contribute to the company in a major way.
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