Gunther defeated Nick Aldis by submission at WWE SummerSlam 2026 night one in Minneapolis on August 1. Aldis made his first WWE in-ring appearance and first match in three years.
Gunther forced Nick Aldis to tap out to a sleeper hold after an 11-minute bout. Aldis, entering to Oasis' Morning Glory, exchanged holds and strikes with his opponent throughout the match.
Aldis hit a superplex and applied the King's Lynn Cloverleaf before Gunther countered with a powerbomb and elbows from the top rope. The former TNA and NWA champion received "You've still got it" chants from the crowd.
After the match Aldis celebrated in the ring with his wife Mickie James and son Donovan. Commentary noted the possibility of another career ending at Gunther's hands, though no retirement was confirmed.
