Randy Orton vs. Nick Aldis Match Seems 'Likely' For SummerSlam

According to a report by WrestleVotes (Q&A - Backstage Pass), the "likely" plan is to run Orton vs. Aldis at SummerSlam this year. The original plans might have been for Orton versus Aldis at WrestleMania 41, but WWE elected to go with Joe Hendry as Orton's opponent. It was a great opportunity for Hendry, and a lot of fun for Randy Orton, but now it's time to get back to a storyline WWE had started on SmackDown, allowing Aldis to get back in the ring for the first time in many years.

Aldis joined WWE as the general manager of SmackDown in October of 2023. He had since left the wrestling industry as a competitor, despite recently wrestling as part of the NWA and spending time in TNA. There was the potential to wrestle for WWE, but never any hints that it was imminent. Aldis remains in fantastic shape, and this is a match fans would love to see.

Why SummerSlam for Aldis vs. Orton?

Because Orton is a big draw and a match with Aldis would be an attraction, SummerSlam makes a lot of sense. It also gives the company time to write the creative for it, especially with Orton done chasing after the WWE Championship. And, because Kevin Owens is out injured, there's no timeline on his rivalry with Orton rekindling.

Reactions online were mixed over this idea. One X.com user wrote, "Nick Aldis deserves this man." Another wrote, "Randy Orton vs Nick Aldis sounds incredibly intense."

However, some fans don't love this, thinking that a prime SummerSlam spot should go to an active member of the WWE roster. One fan mentioned that Karrion Kross was right in that WWE only thinks about viral moments and not what's best for long-term storytelling.

Where do you sit on the idea of this match? Are you in favor of Aldis versus Orton? Or, would you rather Aldis stay the SmackDown GM?