WWE must make a big play for Nick Aldis

Free agency is professional wrestling has long been an exciting ideal because there’s no telling where big names will show up. Over the weekend interesting news broke about a potential big name in Nick Aldis announcing that his time with NWA will end on January 1. If he is truly set to become a free agent, then Aldis is a name that WWE should make a big effort to bring into the promotion.

News of a rift between Aldis and NWA leadership in Billy Corgan has been making rounds in recent times. Fightful Select reported on the matter Monday afternoon, highlighting that Aldis pointed toward the disrespect that was shown to Aldis’s wife, Mickie James both before and following NWA Empowerrr. Aldis tweeted about the matter publicly to confirm that the issues were true.

For those that strictly follow AEW or WWE, Aldis may be a name that doesn’t spark a lot of familiarity. His match against Cody Rhodes back at All-In may be the first and only time some have seen his work. But Aldis is the type of guy that could be a major player in any promotion. However, looking at some of the pieces that are available in WWE, that would be an interesting place to see him continue the next phase of his career.

At 36 years of age, Aldis has shown that he can carry a promotion. Even though NWA doesn’t come with the level of prestige it may have held long ago, it still says something that the company was built around Aldis for such a long time. He held the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship for 1,043 days. Along with that, he had success in both TNA and GFW, the former of which he held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and was tag team champion with Samoa Joe.

Bringing Aldis into WWE could see him work with individuals like Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, LA Knight, Seth Rollins, and the eventually returning Cody Rhodes. Much like Rhodes’s addition earlier this year, it would be a surprising addition to the roster, but one that could have long-term implications if he’s built into a strong name. Aldis has long shown the ability to work and can also present his character well on the microphone. As more free agents become available in the market, seeing someone of Aldis’s stature get strong booking goes a long way in helping sway future candidates.

Nick Aldis made a strong stand for women’s wrestling with his announced departure from NWA. He has the makings to be a star regardless of what promotion he chooses. But with all the pieces available in WWE, hopefully, that opportunity is the place where he lands.