NWA Powerrr: What’s the deal with Nick Aldis?

While the NWA’s new studio show is getting rave reviews for its nostalgic feel and seemingly unscripted promos, one question lingers: what’s up with World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis?

For many pro wrestling fans, our recent reintroduction to Nick Aldis was on the NWA’s brilliantly produced ‘Ten Pounds of Gold’ vlog series.

For others, he was the supporting cast member of a sublimely crafted storyline heading into his first NWA World Heavyweight Title match against Cody Rhodes at ‘All In’ in September of 2018.

At first glance, Aldis has all the makings of a professional wrestling superstar. The chiseled physique, the tailored suits, the masterful microphone presence and the innate ability to tell a story.

The ‘National Treasure’ is the face of the NWA and one of the most marketable champions in the wrestleverse – yes, I’m coining that. His willingness to defend his title all over the world has become one of the most crucial facets of his character.

As of late, Aldis can be found spearheading the NWA’s new studio show, Powerrr. Defending his World Heavyweight Title in a rematch with Tim Storm in the series premiere.

Both men gave passionate promos and both men laid it all on the line in the ring. All done in a span of 20 minutes. An absolute masterclass in storytelling.

Once the match was over, Aldis praised his opponent and gave a final promo with Joe Galli conducting the interview.

When Galli asked Aldis’ insurance policy Kamille about an incident at the tail end of the match where Aldis accidentally clotheslined her, the champion seemingly flipped a switch.

He abruptly rejected Galli, questioning what his intentions were and put an end to the interview. But not before saluting his defeated opponent in a classy moment of sportsmanship between the two rivals.

This set up a sit-down interview with Galli, Aldis and Kamille on Powerrr’s second episode where much of the same happened. Aldis confronted Galli, blew a fuse and walked out of the studio flustered and frustrated.

We can’t help but ask ourselves what the NWA has planned for their champion given the type of behavior we’ve seen from him so far.

On one end, Aldis presents himself as a consummate professional. He dresses up, he exudes confidence and is one of the most articulate individuals on the roster.

On the flip side, the ‘National Treasure’ has exuded particularly possessive behavior when the spotlight is on Kamille, who has yet to say a word when given the opportunity by Joe Galli.

Are they purposely tarnishing Aldis’ good guy aesthetic in order to humanize a character who was almost too perfect? Is the NWA effectively erasing the line between face and heel?

One thing is certain, they have been able to build a compelling narrative in a very short amount of time. The Aldis saga – similar to the AEW Dynamite show-ending scuffles – will entice viewers to tune in on a weekly basis.

And that’s why we watch, isn’t it? To be entertained.