Gunther choked out Nick Aldis at WWE SummerSlam 2026 in an emotional return to the ring for Aldis, who entered US Bank Stadium to “Morning Glory” by Oasis. Fans were behind Aldis since the opening bell, and after a series of hope spots, Aldis finally succumbed to the sleeper hold.

After the match, fans gave Aldis a standing ovation and chanted “you still got it." Aldis celebrated with his legendary wife Micke James and son Donovan.

Nick Aldis relinquished his duties as SmackDown General Manager to challenge Gunther to a grudge match amid months of tension with Gunther that inevitably became physical. Aldis was in tremendous condition and did not miss a step, dazzling the crowd with an early delayed vertical suplex.

Gunther constantly took his attention off Aldis and even taunted James who was ringside with their son Donovan.

Gunther Def. Nick Aldis With Cameo From Mickie James

• Nick Aldis received a huge ovation from the fans as he walked out to “Morning Glory” by Oasis. Fans chanted “let’s go Aldis” as Gunther and Aldis exchanged early mat wrestling holds. An arrogant Gunther took a brief break to celebrate atop the announce table.
• Nick Aldis muscled Gunther into a delayed vertical suplex as fans cheered. Gunther went to the top rope, but Gunther chopped him off the ropes and onto the floor. Gunther once again took his attention away from Aldis by taunting Aldis’ wife—WWE Hall of Famer Mickie James—and his son Donovan. Gunther slowed the match down, mauling Aldis and sending him flying into the corner.
• Aldis countered an Irish whip sending Gunther into the corner. Aldis followed up with a backbreaker but Gunther trapped him in a sleeper hold. Aldis drove Gunther face first into the turnbuckle, but Gunther cut him off again with a clothesline. Nick Aldis came battling back with a right hand on Gunther on the top rope. Aldis followed up with a superplex as the fans rallied.
• Nick Aldis hit a powerslam a la the British Bulldog for a nearfall. Fans chanted “you still got it.” Gunther missed a big boot and a powerslam before going to the top rope. Aldis hit back-to-back flying elbows and locked in the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf. Fans went nuts as Aldis pulled Gunther to the middle of the ring. “How embarrassing this would be for the Career Killer!” said Michael Cole. Even fellow European Wade Barrette was pulling for Aldis.
• Fans chanted “you still got it!" again as Gunther slapped on a sleeper hold. Aldis countered to a huge pop, but Gunther crossed over into a rear-naked choke on the ground. Aldis fought back, fans roared, but Aldis was wrestled back to the mat as he tapped out.