Nick Aldis was ready and willing for any opportunity in WWE.
During a recent appearance on Busted Open, WWE’s new SmackDown General Manager reassured fans that he was happy to take on whatever role he could land in WWE after nearly two decades as an in-ring competitor.
“I’d already made the decision that whatever opportunity, if any, ever came from the WWE, I would take it. You’ve only got one chance in the game, and that’s to play, no matter how that comes along. I had a brief conversation with Paul Heyman the other night, and I said, ‘Hey, opportunity comes in all shapes and sizes.’ He said, ‘Yes, it does.’ He knows that better than anyone. I was excited, I really was. I know that people will hear that and be like, ‘Oh, bullshit.’
“But I’ve enjoyed tremendously the other hats that I’ve worn in this business, particularly in the last few years. Bully, you’re quite privy to it. I don’t think it’s any secret at this point that my fingerprints were all over my previous employer, as far as the product and everything like that, beyond my contributions as a talent. So I do find it very rewarding, and it is something, certain guys are well-suited to it, and certain guys are not.”
Nick Aldis Looks Forward To Learning About The WWE Machine
Nick Aldis then noted that not everyone who has success in the ring is equipped to work behind the scenes, especially within the machine of WWE. He believes it will take him months, if not loner, years to understand it all.
“There’s so many pieces of the WWE machine that I’m still getting familiar with,” Aldis admitted. “It’s gonna take me months, if not more, to still really fully understand that beast, and it is a beast. Every day that I go to work, I’m just in awe of the operation. But for me, that’s the most exciting thing. It’s exhilarating for me because I sit there and go, ‘Man, I remember when I had such limited resources.’
“Building a brand with one guy and a YouTube show is a hell of a lot different than having an idea and being able to pitch it to the most powerful people in the industry, and then getting to have your input on things in conjunction with the greatest minds currently working in the industry, like Michael Hayes and Hunter and Bruce and Ed Koskey, all the different guys who are involved, and Kevin Dunn. Getting to sit on the headsets with Michael and Kevin, listening to those conversations and watching that whole process, it’s fascinating, it’s terrifying, it’s exhilarating all at the same time.”
Nick Aldis Recalls First Conversations With Triple H
Nick Aldis went on to reflect on his first talks with Triple H and Bruce Prichard. He noted that he consistently told them that he was eager to contribute to the company.
“So I am every bit as fulfilled and excited about contributing to WWE. God’s honest truth, my first conversations with Paul, with Triple H and with Bruce, I echoed the same message over and over again. It took a few months before I was given some sort of opportunity, but I just kept echoing the same message, which was I’m ready, willing and able to contribute to WWE in any way I can. I stand by that, and I appreciate everybody who wants to see me in different capacities.”
Aldis concluded, “As far as I’m concerned, I’m just over the moon to be part of the process in any way. If other stuff comes along, those opportunities, you can bet that I’ll be ready, willing, and able.”
The video version of the interview can be seen here:
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If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Busted Open with a h/t to WrestleZone for the transcription.
