Adam Pearce to lay out WrestleMania challenge; Battling former champion? — 4 ways Nick Aldis can make his WWE in-ring debut

Nick Aldis has been working as the SmackDown General Manager since October 2023. Throughout his time as the authority figure, he has captivated fans with his unique personality and charisma. However, the WWE Universe has yet to get a glimpse of the 'wrestler' behind the corporate suit. The 38-year-old is a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

However, Nick Aldis has never gotten an opportunity to grace the squared circle in the Stamford-based promotion. There have been numerous instances when he teased his in-ring return, but it never came to fruition. It looks like WWE is waiting for the right opportunity for the SmackDown General Manager's in-ring debut in the company. However, it could be on the horizon.

Let's look at four ways Nick Aldis can make his WWE in-ring debut:

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#4. He could be a surprise entrant in the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble

Next year's Royal Rumble is set to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 1. Given the grandeur of the PLE, it sets the perfect stage for Nick Alids to make his WWE in-ring debut. He could appear as a surprise entrant in the 30-man Royal Rumble Match at Lucas Oil Stadium.

This has the potential to garner a huge pop from fans, who have been waiting to see him hit the ring. Aldis could enter the Men's Royal Rumble Match and eliminate a superstar to start a blockbuster feud leading up to major events like Elimination Chamber 2025 or WrestleMania 41.

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#3. Nick Aldis could step up to Kevin Owens

For the last several weeks, Kevin Owens has been causing a lot of mayhem, as he has become SmackDown's number-one enemy. Despite constant efforts, Nick Aldis has failed to take the situation under control. Therefore, the WWE Official could decide to take matters into his own hands and step into the fray.

In order to teach The Prizefighter a lesson, Aldis could challenge him to a match. There have been several occasions when authority figures have laced up their wrestling boots against WWE Superstars. Therefore, the SmackDown GM could do the same, paving the way for his much-awaited return to in-ring duties.

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#2. He could compete in the Season Premiere of RAW on Netflix

WWE is pulling out all the stops to make the first RAW on Netflix a star-studded affair. It is set to be the biggest edition of the flagship show in the company's history, and Triple H will likely book some massive things. The event could also see Nick Aldis grace the ring for the first time in WWE.

With it being one of the highly anticipated moments, the SmackDown GM competing on the season premiere of RAW on Netflix will leave fans excited. It could also become one of the biggest highlights of the night, opening the doors for many more matches involving Aldis in the Stamford-based promotion.

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#1. Nick Aldis could lock horns with Adam Pearce at WrestleMania 41

Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce have been battling for brand supremacy for well over a year. WWE has been showcasing a competitive rivalry between the two general managers, teasing a future showdown. There is a good possibility that the company is laying the foundation of a future in-ring battle between them.

With the stage being set, Aldis and Pearce could lock horns in a blockbuster encounter at WrestleMania 41. This is a match that the WWE Universe has been clamoring to see. With a few more months of buildup that could see Adam Pearce challenge his SmackDown counterpart to a match, the company could finally pit the two officials against each other at The Show of Shows in Las Vegas.

This will be the perfect stage for Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce to come out of their corporate den and have an in-ring showdown in WWE.