Nick Aldis Breaks Down Perks of His Unique WWE Contract

Nick Aldis didn’t dream of becoming an authority figure in WWE—but the deal he got made it impossible to say no.

Speaking on the Keepin’ It 100 podcast, Aldis revealed that when WWE offered him the position in 2023, it came with two separate contracts: one as an on-screen talent and another as a full-time employee producer — giving him rare financial security in an often unstable industry. Aldis added that while stock options weren’t part of his WWE deal, he does personally own shares of TKO Group.

“It was two contracts—it was a talent contract and an employee contract as a producer,” Aldis explained. “So you’ve got the employee benefits and the security—the 401(k), medical, dental, all that stuff. That part was awesome. They don’t give stock options—no stock. I mean, I’m sure the very high-up guys probably still get that, but that wasn’t something that was offered. That said, I do own some TKO stock.”

He also admitted the role of SmackDown General Manager wasn’t something he ever aspired to — but his wife Mickie James, immediately saw the fit and encouraged him to go for it.

“I’m not going to lie and say, ‘Oh my God, this was always what I wanted.’ It wasn’t really what I had hoped for… But Mickie jumped on it right away, and she was like, ‘You will crush that.’”

Aldis has served as SmackDown General Manager since October 13, 2023, after working backstage as a producer beginning that August. With strong fan reception and a unique mix of on-screen presence and backstage influence, he’s turned what started as an unexpected opportunity into one of WWE’s most well-received roles.

Do you think Nick Aldis has become one of the best General Managers in recent WWE history? Should more talent pursue similar hybrid roles with long-term stability? Let us know your thoughts below.

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