With the WWE Draft 2025 seemingly on the horizon, it may be time for the General Managers of Raw, SmackDown and NXT to be shaken up as well.
There isn’t any indication that Nick Aldis is set to depart his role as SmackDown GM anytime soon, but if WWE were looking to recast the role, there are plenty of choices that would be a great fit.
Here are seven possible replacements for Nick Aldis as WWE SmackDown GM.
7. Paige (Saraya)
While she returned to her in-ring roots in AEW, that doesn’t mean Paige (Saraya) couldn’t return to WWE as a GM.
Already having previous experience as the SmackDown General Manager a few years ago, Paige would be a rather poetic choice to replace Nick Aldis as the authority figuree on the brand.
There would be an entire host of wrestlers that have never interacted with the former Divas Champion but others will have long histories – imagine Paige and Naomi going toe-to-toe over a decision.
It would be great to see a return to the ring for Paige in WWE, but it might be an even better fit to showcase her again as a GM.
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6. Kevin Owens
An amazing authority figure could be someone who is currently absent from WWE entirely – Kevin Owens.
With Owens currently out of action due neck surgery, it is possible that he might not return to in-ring action at all.
However, not wrestling would definitely not preclude KO from being an on-screen authority figure, a role that he would undoubtedly excel at.
Frequently known for calling out inconsistencies in storylines as well as his amazing ability to improv hilarious lines, Owens would be a great choice for a future SmackDown GM.
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5. Big E
Another wildly entertaining WWE star that has not returned to in-ring action after neck surgery in 2022 is Big E.
While the former WWE Champion still makes appearances across WWE programming, including premium live event panels, it would be great to see Big E back in the mix on weekly television.
Particularly given his long history as a competitor with many of the current main roster members, there would be a deep well of subtext for stories to draw from.
It would also be satisfying to see his mischievous antics, because the beloved Big E could definitely pull off some shenanigans as General Manager!
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4. Kurt Angle
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle would be another logical choice to replace Nick Aldis as the SmackDown GM.
While Angle has had multiple roles throughout professional wrestling in addition to his in-ring career, he already has experience as SmackDown GM, back in 2004.
He would later go on to serve as an on-screen authority role as Raw GM from 2017 – 2019, actively being involved in storylines including joining The Shield for a match.
While the Olympic Gold medalist is seemingly satisfied with his current projects, in the event he wanted to get back into WWE, becoming SmackDown GM would be a great fit.
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3. William Regal
One much beloved on-screen authority figure in WWE is William Regal.
Regal is well regarded for not only his on-screen work but also his contributions to WWE backstage, giving him instant authority with the audience as well.
Since returning to WWE from his stint in AEW, Regal has appeared minimally on TV but it would be great to see him really back in the mix on-screen.
The WWE legend could absolutely be a replacement on-screen for Nick Aldis as the SmackDown GM.
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2. Dustin Rhodes
Since Cody Rhodes has risen to the top of the mountain in WWE, many fans have called for him to be joined by his brother Dustin.
Having performed in professional wrestling across generations – most notably as Goldust in WWE – Dustin Rhodes would be an amazing addition, whenever he is available.
While it may not end up coming to pass anytime soon – with Rhodes having reportedly signed a ‘multi-year’ contract with AEW in December 2024 – it could happen down the road.
Given his legendary status after his work not only in WWE but also AEW and even WCW, Dustin Rhodes would be a great authority figure for Raw, SmackDown or NXT.
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1. Ava
With perpetual discussions of nepotism in WWE, there’s an option to actually lean into that and make The Rock’s real life daughter Ava a heel authority figure on the main roster.
While Ava is currently still the NXT General Manager on-screen, she could definitely end up having a bigger role in the future.
Able to bring together a lot of storylines, Ava as a replacement GM for Nick Aldis – even if only for a temporary basis – would be a savvy way to connect NXT and the main roster.
It would be a pretty intriguing long-term story to tell if Ava had essentially been a secret agent in NXT for The Rock and Paul Heyman all along!
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