For years fans wondered if they would ever see Nick Aldis on WWE programming and back in October of 2023 he was introduced as the new SmackDown General Manager.

WWE fans have since become quite familiar with Nick Aldis, but he recently explained to Inside The Ropes why his introduction on TV played out the way that it did.

“Hunter and I discussed it at length, and Paul was very honest about it. He goes, “Look, I know there is no ideal way to do this, we just feel like this is the best way, music and entrance doesn’t make any sense.” Because most of the WWE audience were not familiar with me. They are now, but at the time, it’s very out of the blue, and I’m using my real name.

I think Hunter looked at it as, like, let’s rip the band-aid off. There’s no easy way to do this that’s not going to be a little bit awkward. So let’s get it out of the way. And then he just said, “I’m going to give you the mic right away, and you’ll get over. Once you talk you’ll be okay.” And that’s how I felt about it. I was like, the sooner I can get in the ring and forget that part the better, just give me the mic.”

What was your reaction when Nick Aldis made his debut on WWE SmackDown? Sound off in the comments below.