Tag: Saturday Night’s Main Event results

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: John Cena’s final match

Posted on by Jeff Moss

For the final time ever, John Cena will perform in a wrestling ring in the headliner of tonight’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Cena’s retirement tour comes to an end in Washington, DC, as he faces former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther who won The Last Time is Now tournament to earn the opportunity.

The show will also feature several main roster vs. NXT bouts.

In one, reigning WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face NXT Champion Oba Femi in a non-title match.

Another will see former WWE Women’s Champion Bayley vs. former NXT Women’s North American Champion and former Speed Champion Sol Ruca.

The main show is rounded out by WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee defending against TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater & NXT star Je’Von Evans.

Our live coverage begins at 8 pm Eastern.

**********

Here it is, friends. The Time is Up, The Time is Now. John Cena announced his retirement tour last year and it has been quite a ride since then. Heel turns, dream matches, unrealized stories, this run truly had it all. Now, here on this the night of our Lord, Saturday, and the event known as “Main,” Cena will step through the ropes one last time.

So much has been deservedly said about Cena, his contribution to wrestling and his final run in the weeks leading up to tonight, that I don’t feel the need to say much else here. I always saw Cena as a gateway for new fans (and old fans with kids) and I’m pretty sure that’s how his work was meant to be seen. He was the ultimate personality, making money with the people who loved him and making money with the people who hated him. That ability to play both sides is rare in life and even rarer in pro wrestling.

Now, we find ourselves at the end of his career and he’s going out on his terms. Another rarity, especially in wrestling. Nothing else matters up to this point. Like him, hate him, whatever, it’s now all about this last match and going out in style in one of the rare events that has the eyes of the entire industry. An event that reminds us that we as fans are a community. We look to share these experiences (and then rant about them on the internet) with each other and mark the history and work of Wrestler, Actor, Jorts Enthusiast and GOAT-contender, John Cena.

-Leading into the official start of the show, Lillian Garcia gave one hell of a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the scene moved into footage of a very hyped crowd. Everyone was doing the “you can’t see me” gesture from attendees to merch sellers.

HBK, Johnny Gargano, Trish Stratus, Kurt Angle Mark Henry, actor Jon Berenthol and raper Metro Boomin’ were all shown in the crowd and backstage. Then, a GOAT-themed video retrospective of Cena’s career aired. WWE has always been #1 in all of sports and entertainment when it comes to these video packages and this one was no different.

Fireworks exploded around the arena at the video’s end and the traditional Wrestlers Arriving To Work footage was shown for the undercard matches. Gunther arrived to a smatering of boos and Stephanie McMahon was at the hosting desk with Joe Tessitore.

Stephanie gave Cena his flowers for including the up and coming NXT talent tonight and asked if we were ready. Spoiler: We were.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi

Femi won the chance to face Rhodes by re-acquiring the NXT Championship from Ricky saints at Deadline. He also defended the title against Je’Von Evans on Tuesday’s episode of NXT, so he’s been busy. This will be Femi’s first Main Roster match and if you’ve seen him in NXT, you know that it will definitely not be his last. Rhodes has been Undisputedly Championing since August when he took the title from the Man of The Hour, John Cena at Summerslam.

The only thing in the ring bigger than Femi was Cody’s neck tattoo as the two locked up in a feeling out process. Femi usually overpowers his opponents and Rhodes was no exception, with Femi throwing him into the corner. Rhodes came back with a headlock though, showing Femi he’s got some strength and agility as well.

Femi picked Rhodes up while the headlock was on and Rhodes tried to quickly zip around Femi, but he was caught by the throat. Femi landed a backbreaker as he methodically started picking Rhodes over. Femi whipped Rhodes into the corner and Rhodes started throwing punches.

Femi didn’t like that and he picked up Rhodes and tossed him across the ring. Rhodes dodged a charge and went for a powerslam, but Femi blocked it and hit a powerslam of his own. Every time Rhodes threw a kick or shot at Femi, the NXT Champion just shook it off and delivered one of his own.

Femi hit another backbreaker and pulld Rhodes to his feet. He hoisted him up, but Rhodes rolled out. Femi charged and Rhodes dodged it, sending him into the ringpost. Femi staggered back and Rhodes hit that powerslam and then a Cody Cutter, but Femi kicked out at two.

Rhodes tried another cutter but Femi caught him. Rhodes twisted Femi to the outside and went to diave afater him, but Femi caught him with an uppercut on the way through. Femi charged in the ring again, but Rhodes pulled down the top rope, sending him outside to land a suicide dive on the outside.

Back in the ring, Rhodes came off the ropes again, but Femi caught him and hit a spinbuster. Femi scooped up Rhodes, but again, Rhodes dropped out of it. Femi clotheslined him over the top rope. Femi went to the outside and hit a sprinting European uppercut onto the announce desk, busting Rhodes open.

Back in the ring, Femi planted Rhodes with a chokeslam, but only got a two count. Rhodes was bleeding profusely from the ear, sparking fears of a broken eardrum. Femi tried another pop up, but Rhodes countered it into another Cody Cutter.

Suddenly, Drew McIntyre showed up and started punching Rhodes. The ref called for the DQ and Femi grabbed McIntyre, very mad that his match was interrupted. Femi showed no fear, shoving him to the mat. Then Rhodes hit a cutter on McIntyre and Femi put the exclamation point on it with a chokeslam.

Match Result: Cody Rhodes vs Oba Femi went to a no contest after Drew McIntyre interfered

After the match, Rhodes picked up the NXT title and handed it to Femi, with both champions standing tall and celebrating.

That was a great match with a really disappointing ending. Rhodes is always at his best when he’s fighting uphill and Femi looked dominant against the veteran champion. Killer stuff until the interference, which I get (gotta protect those guys!) but at the same time, I really hope they get to finish that match one day.

-Next a video package with more celebrities like Peyton and Eli Manning, Snoop Dogg, and Jimmy Fallon wishing Cena well aired. An package featuring the likes of Tom Brady, Lil Yachty Vanessa Hudgens, and Jimmy Kimmel aired earlier.

-Back from break, more accolades for Cena from Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Bayley, Rey Mysterio Jr, Charlotte Flair, Jey Uso, Stephanie McMahon, and a tearful CM Punk via video package. Tyreese Haliburton and Chuck Zito were shown in the audience.

Bayley w/Lyra Valkyria vs Sol Ruca w/Zaria

Much like her fans, Bayley just kinda wanted something to do. That turned out to be competing against anyone from NXT at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and it was none other than former NXT Women’s North American and Speed Champion, Sol Ruca. The match was made on the Dec. 5 SmackDown and last Tuesday on NXT, Ruca invited her BFF Zaria to the Saturday Night party, which was nice of her. Bayley stopped to hug WWE vets Trish Status and Eve Torres on her way to the ring.

The bell rang and they locked up. Bayley managed to get a headlock on off the top and transitioned to a waistlock takedown. Ruca tried to roll her over, but Bayley kept her cook and went for a whip wristlock. Ruca turned it into a cartwheel and Bayley started working Ruca’s arm.

Ruca took down Bayley with a flipping ‘rana headscissor that really pleased the crowd. Bayley went back to the arm, but Ruca countered it into an X-Factor. Bayley rolled to the outside to recover, and lured Ruca to the ropes. When she got there, Bayley hung her up on the ropes and the fight moved to the apron.

Ruca kicked Bayley to the ground and went for a flip from the apron, but Bayley moved and she hit the floor. Bayley threw Ruca back into the ring and the two searched for a pin with neither getting one. Ruca planted a kick in Bayley’s face and sent her back to the outside. Ruca hit a handspring over the top rope and landed right on her.

Ruca put Bayley back in the ring and went for a springboard splash, but Bayley moved and hit a front suplex, hitting Ruca’s head on the second turnbuckle. Bayley took control from there with a knee to the back of Ruca and a high knee to the face. Bayley charged Ruca in the corner, but Ruca stepped away and hit a series of back elbows.

Ruca got up on the top rope and walked it into a DDT for a two count. She went for another springboard, but walked right into a Bayley to Belly suplex. Bayley hung Ruca up in a tree of woe and delivered a running elbow.

Ruca came back with a kick and a backslide, but Bayley transitioned it into a rose plant, but Ruca countered it with a shining wizard of sorts. Ruca went for a springboard, but Bayley caught her in another Rose Plant. Bayley made the pin, but Ruca’s foot was on the rope, forcing a break.

Bayley hit a back suplex and went up top to hit a big elbow, but Ruca got her knees up. Ruca scrambled up the turnbuckles and hit a Sol Snatcher, but Bayley rolled it through into a pin attempt. Ruca did the same and shockingly got the 1-2-3 to win the match!

Match Result: Sol Ruca defeated Bayley

Bayley approached Ruca after the match and shook her hand. All four in the ring did the Cena saulte and Zaria and Ruca hugged.

That was fun! Very cool to see Ruca get the quick win over Bayley. Especially when you consider that Bayley is an NXT OG and Ruca is a star in the making. Great stuff.

-Next, Sheamus, Rob Van Dam, Corey Graves, Becky Lynch, Micheal Hayes, Cameraman Tom Stewart, Micheal Cole, Cody Rhodes, Undertaker, and The Rock all wished Cena well via video. Michelle McCool and Rob Van Dam were also shown in the audience along with Sami Zayn. Cole also mentioned Corey Graves, JBL, Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross and Taz as colleagues who’ve called icon Cena matches with him over the years.

WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater

Why is this match happening? Who cares! World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans and TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater is a collossal clash of wrestling’s past and it’s future. If you’ve never seen Evans, dude be bouncy. Like, really bouncy. Slater is the current X-Division Champion in TNA, a title and division that was literally defined by Styles. Styles has said repeatedly that his time in wrestling is growing short, so maybe this will be the start of his own retirement tour.

Evans and Slater did not waste time, Superkicking Lee and Styles to the outside and diving after them. The speed was about 100 mph as Slater and Evans traded splashes on Lee in the ring. Evans and Slater isolated Lee in their corner and tagged in and out, delivering splashes, kicks and forearms.

Lee managed to kick he way free and pulled the top rope down to sent Evans to the outside. Slater came in through and tried a clothesline, but somehow Lee countered and worked it into a sit out powerbomb.

Evans and Styles made tags and Styles hits a leaping forearm and then a neckbreaker. Slater tried to interfere and took a slam. Styles went outside and Evans followed via moonsault, but not one was home. Lee hit a flying Rana on Slater, sending him into Styles’ arms, but Evans stopped him before he coult hit a Styles Clash.

Back in the ring, Evans hit a massive cutter from about 15 feet in the air, followed by a swanton 450 from Slater. Slater went for the pin, but Lee broke it up. “This is awesome” chants were loud and plentiful.

Lee hit a big dive on Evans on the outside and Slater set up Styles in the ring, but Styles reversed it, trying to get a clash on. Slater wiggled free, but couldn’t get away from the Phenomenal Phorearm. Unfortunately, Styles slipped on the top rope and couldn’t land it.

Slater went up top, but Styles caught him into a Styles Clash and that was it. Styles pinned Slater to get the win.

Match Result: Dragon Lee and AJ Styles defeated Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

Great match, I love it when the WWE guys get a chance to speed things up and Evans and Slater are all about speed. Lots of high spots with big moves and a solid finish.

-Next, after showing a litany of tweets from pro sports teams congratulating Cena, Kane, R-Truth, The Miz, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Alexa Bliss, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn and Xavier Woods all thanked Cena in video messages.

-When we came back from break, they threw to Stephanie McMahon and Joe Tessitore at the Host position. However, you could see someone in the ring behind them, who interrupted with an “Aaaaaawwwwwsome!” It was the Miz, being mad about being left out of all the celebration for Cena, since he beat him at Wrestlemania. That brought out R-Truth who said that Miz stole someone’s oppourtunity in the Last Time Is Now tournament.

Truth handed Miz the ball with the name of the person who’s spot he took. Miz opened it and said the name “Joe Hendry.”

As is legally required, his name was said and he appeared! Truth believes in Joe Hendry and Hendry took out Miz. Truth and Hendry then hit a stereo 5-Knuckle Shuffle on Miz. Hendry hit a Standing Ovation and Truth counted to three. They did the wave and posed as the segment ended.

-A “Thank You Cena” video package aired that rivaled the “My Sacrifice” vignettes from way back in the day. It touched on Cena’s accomplishments, his relationship with his fellow wrestlers and the impact he’s made in people’s lives.

Then, the lights went out and Gunther made his way to the ring. While he was walking down the ramp Cole noted that Cena has not tapped out in 20 years. Gunther actually got out of the ring after his entrance to allow Cena his moment.

Cena’s music hit and the crowd exploded. He walked out of the entrance ramp and took it in as the crowd sang along word for word with his music. Even Cena looked surprised by this. He took the camera off the shoulder of Tom Stewart and gave him his thanks. Cena then threw his towel into the audience and sprinted to the ring for the last time.

The Last Time Is Now: John Cena vs Gunther

During his retirement year, Cena had faced the likes of Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Logan Paul, R-Truth, Dominik Mysterio and more. Now hes up against one of the best in the world, the Ring General, Gunther. Gunther defeated NXT’s Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa and, LA Knight in the Last Time Is Now tournament for the right to face Cena. Gunther notably also retired Goldberg earlier this year, so beating Cena would be another notch on his considerable belt.

Cena looked emotional as he got out of the ring and thanked all the WWE legends that were at ringside including Kevin Owens, Meng, and Booker T before getting back into the ring and throwing up his signature hand gestures.

LIllian Garcia did the introductions, her voice shaking as she announced “the greatest of all time, never seen, seventeen, …for one final time, the last real Champion, John Cena.”

Cena tossed his hat and shirt into the crowd and the bell rang. They locked up collar and elbow, with Cena breaking free. Gunther then stepped out of the ring, playing mind games and trying to calm the crowd. There would be no calming though as he stepped back in and started throwing European uppercuts.

The crowd went with a “F*ck You, Gunther” chant, which actually seemed to rattle the Austrian a bit. He continued punching Cena though, knocking him to his knees with some chops. Gunther scooped slammed Cena, then whipped him into the corner.

Gunther went for a chop and Cena caught it. He threw hands at Gunther and then laied him out with some shoulder tackles and a back breaker. Cena then looked to the audience and called for the 5-Knuckle Shuffle. He executed it perfectly and the crowd went nuts.

Cena went to hoist Gunther into the AA, but Gunther countered and turned it into a suplex. He drove a knee into Cena’s face and locked in a tight sleeper hold. Cena flipped out of it though and locked in an STFU. Gunther was far from the ropes and as the crowd went berserk he slowly crawled his way there.

Cena broke the hold before Gunther could get to the ropes and Gunther kicked him off. He then powerbombed Cena, leaving him flat in the ring. When Cena got up, Gunther clotheslined him back down.

After every strike, Gunther made the ref check Cena, promising that he was going to make Cena give up tonight. A third clothesline repeated the process as Gunther talked trash. A fourth clothesline from Gunther, but Cena got back up. That led to a fifth clothesline, shades of Brock Lesnar and his suplexes.

Cena ducked the sixth clothesline and began to rally with a shoulder block. He hit a second 5-Knuckle Shuffle and nailed an AA. Gunther, however, kicked out at two. Cena grabbed Gunther for another AA but Gunther got out of it and locked in a sleeper in the middle of the ring.

Cena powered out of it and put a sleeper of his own on Gunther. Gunther squirmed and wiggled until his foot touched the rope and Cena had to break the hold. Gunther slid out of the ring and Cena followed, only for Gunther to backdrop him on the ring apron (the Cena-est part of the ring!).

Gunther then threw Cena into the steel steps and dragged the other set up against the announce table. He mocked Cena for the crowd atop the stairs and then went back for Cena himself. Gunther dragged him up the steel steps and cleared the table.

Gunther set Cena up for a powerbomb, but Cena countered and hit an AA, sending Gunther through the table!

Cena threw Gunther back into the ring for a cover, but Gunther kicked out. The two lay in the ring, exhausted. Cena got to his feet first though and went up top for a big leg drop. Gunther kicked out at two though.

“You’ve still got it!” chants broke out, but Cena quieted the crowd and asked if they wanted one more 5-Knuckle Shuffle. As it turns out, they did, so Cena did that, but before he could land it, Gunther popped up and superkicked him. Gunther then hit a powerbomb, but Cena kicked out.

Gunther went up top, but Cena met him there with an uppercut. He grabbed him and set him up for a seccond rope Avalanche AA, but Gunther refused to go down and kicked out at two.

Both men got up and started trading potatoes in the middle of the ring. They went blow for blow until Cena ducked one and tried another AA. Gunther countered it with a powerbomb though and went up top. He hit a massive frog splash, but Cena kicked out at two.

The crowd chanted for “Super Cena” as Gunther showed frustration and locked on another sleeper. Cean started fading as he sank down to the ring apron. He found his guts though and stood back up, peeling Gunther’s arms from around his neck.

Gunther reset and Cena started to fall back to the mat. Cena powered out again and tried for another AA, but Gunther just put that sleeper right back on. Cena dug deep and stood, with Gunther leaping onto his back for leverage.

Cena kept his wits though and drove Gunther back into the corner. Gunther ran back at him though and put him back in the sleeper. Cena, as billed, would not give up and sent Gunther back again. This time. when Gunther charged, Cena hit another AA. Gunther kicked out though and immediately put the sleeper back on.

Cena clenched his fists as the crowd chanted “don’t give up!” Gunther wrapped his legs around Cena’s body and the ref checked Cena’s arm. Two fell, but ont he third, Cena raised his fists and powered back. Gunther started pummeling Cena’s chest with elbows before putting the sleeper on yet again.

Then John Cena shocked everyone by tapping out, giving Gunther the win.

Match Result: Gunther defeated John Cena

Shots of the astonished crowd were shown, a scene I haven’t seen since Lesnar broke The Streak. Gunther laughed as he walked from the ring, leaving Cena sitting in the middle of it.

The crowd showed their displeasure, chanting “bullsh*t” at the ending.

Cena for his part though, stayed calm. He patted the ring gently as the chants changed to “thank you, Cena.”

He stood in the ring and thanked everyone, saying “that’s all I’ve got.” He bowed as the crowd applauded.

Triple, H, Stephanie, HBK, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Undertaker, Bruce Pritchard and the producers and workers in the back came out. The crowd screamed “you fu*ked up” at them.

Rhodes and Punk laid their title belts on Cena’s shoulders and the crowd applauded for him. The rest of the locker room surrounded the ring as Cena held the titles high amongst the “thank you, Cena” chants.

Cena played with the crowd, hoisting the titles around the ring to great cheers. He gave the belts back and Triple H grabbed Cena for a big hug. He pointed to the big screen and a video package began to play.

While Cena watched, picture in picture, It recapped Cena’s greatest moments and featured comments from his Mom and Dad, his colleagues, his rivals and his never ending quest to give time to every kid, fan and person out there.

The shocking part was that Vince McMahon himself was included speaking about Cena in the video. It was from an old interview, but it was still a surprise to see VKM on WWE TV in any capacity.

Cena took one more bow after the video’s end, surrounded byt his colleagues, friends, and fans. He slowly stepped out of his shoes (showing off his “U CANT SEE ME” socks) and laid his wristbands next to them in the middle of the ring.

With that, he walked up the ramp, touching as many hands as possible. He stopped at the entrance and took it in for a moment. With one final salut, Cena said “it’s been a pleasure serving you all these years” and walked through the entrance.

The show went to black as a true era ended. With all that said and done, there’s only one thing left to say on behalf of wrestling fans, journalists, and workers:

Thank you, Cena.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso

Posted on by Jeff Moss

The vacant WWE World Heavyweight title will find a home with either CM Punk or Jey Uso on tonight’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event from Salt Lake City, Utah.

The title was vacated by Seth Rollins after an injury suffered at last month’s Crown Jewel. Punk was originally set to challenge Rollins while Uso earned the shot by winning a battle royal on Raw.

Punk held the title for a matter of minutes at August’s SummerSlam before Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and defeated him. Uso is looking for his second title run and first since June of this year.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his title against Drew McIntyre in a match where Rhodes can lose the title by DQ or countout.

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton will defend against the recently turned heel Jade Cargill who is in search of her first WWE singles title.

In a three-way, WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio will defend against past challengers Penta and Rusev.

Tonight’s show airs exclusively on Peacock domestically and on Netflix outside the United States.

**********

You can bet there were a lot of people in WWE hoping the Blue Jays won the World Series last night so that Saturday Night’s Main Event didn’t have to go up against the Baseball Birds. Fortunately, we live in 2025, so double screens it is and let’s get into Saturday Night’s Main Event!

After everyone arrived to work safely (with Penta stopping for a coffee) and Micheal Cole running down the card, the show began with a video package recap that ran down the card.

Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes [c] vs. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre got cranky a few weeks ago and put Rhodes’ head through the announce table with a Claymore. After Rhodes shooed away the little cartoon birds that were circling his head, he and McIntyre went to war at Wrestlepalooza. Rhodes won that bout, but via a controversial call by the official. McIntyre then beat Jacob Fatu to again become No. 1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Title. This time though, McIntyre had a plan, which he put into action on Smackdown and got Rhodes to agree that the title could change hands on a DQ or Count out.

Lillian Garcia read us the tale of the tape, with McIntyre insisting she call him the “Real American Dream” and we were off. Rhodes charged off the bell, but McIntyre dodged it and hit a back elbow. Rhodes sent McIntyre into the corner and the two started trading chops.

McIntyre went for a suplex, but Rhodes reversed it with one of his own and McIntyre rolled out of the ring, trying to lure Rhodes into a count out. Rhodes didn’t bite though and McIntyre got back in at 9. The two locked up and McIntyre tried to throw Rhodes into the official to cause a DQ. Rhodes pulled up though and remained qualified.

McIntyre kept trying to goad Rhodes into getting DQ’ed, but it wasn’t working. Instead he went for a kick in the gut and laid Rhodes out on the ropes. McIntyre then bit Rhodes’ forehead without the Ref seeing. Rhodes fired up and started throwing jabs and kicks at McIntyre. He got too agressive with stomps in the corner and almost shoved the ref when he broke it up.

McIntyre came back and threw Rhodes into the ringpost. On the outside, he tossed Rhodes over the barricade to try and get the count out. Rhodes made it back into the ring at 8 though. McIntyre started throwing punches and hit a belly-to-belly throw across the ring.

McIntyre put Rhodes in an upper octopus huld, but Rhodes fought out of it and went off the ropes to be struck by McIntyre for a two count. The two started trading forearms and McIntyre hit a high back body drop for another two count.

McIntyre took a moment to mug for the crowd before climbing the turnbuckles. Rhodes met him there though and they threw hands on the top rope. Rhodes got McIntyre up and landed a mean looking superplex.

After some punching, Rhodes landed a powerslam on McIntyre and started powering up. He hit a Disaster Kick and then a Cody Cutter for a two count. Rhodes hit a Bionic Elbow and charged, but McIntyre caught him with a spinebuster and sit out powerbomb.

McIntyre rolled out of the ring and grabbed the title belt. Cody ripped it out of his hands and tossed it to the ref. That opened him up for a Claymore kick, but McIntyre could only get a two count. Rhodes rolled out of the ring and McIntyre set him up in front of the announce table. Rhodes caught him with a fist in the gut and put them both back in the ring.

McIntrye then knocked Rhodes off the ring apron and through the announce table looking for a countout, but Rhodes made it back at 9.5. McIntyre set himself up for another Claymore, but Rhodes ducked it. McIntyre tried a future shock, but Rhodes dodged and went up the turnbuckles. Before he could do anything though, his knee buckled and he fell to the mat clutching it.

Rhodes tried again and hit a supercutter, but McIntyre kicked out at two. Rhodes set up CrossRhodes, but McIntyre kicked him in the face and sent him into the corner, squashing the official in the process. McIntyre hit a Glasgow Kiss, but the ref was still out. Using that to his advantage, McIntyre grabbed the belt again.

McIntyre went to hit Rhodes with it, but Rhodes ducked and the two collided with crossbodies in the center of the ring. The ref continued to nap.

McIntyre went for the belt again, but Rhodes managed to DDT him on the belt and then throw it out of the ring. The ref then began to stir in time to see Rhodes hit a CrossRhodes and get the pin to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Match Result: Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre

Decent match from these two to kick things off. There were more than a couple moments where I thought that McIntyre had it in the bag, but Rhodes pulled it off nicely. I give it 7 Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s out of 6.

WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton [c] vs Jade Cargill

In January, Stratton cashed in the Money in the Bank contract on Nia Jax to put the title on her shoulder. She’s sucessfully defended it against Jax, Charlotte Flair and WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. Stratton also beat Cargill at Summerslam. However, that wasn’t enough for Cargill who stepped in to save Stratton from an attack by Giulia and Kiana James, only to turn on the champion and lay a beating on her. It was a subtle move, but she seemed to to be communicating that she wanted another title shot. Because wrestling, she got it and here we are.

Before the match, Smackdown GM Nick Aldis checked on Stratton to make sure she was 100% for the match. She said she was. Hey, that’s great. Extremely relevant actor and comedian Pauly Shore was shown in the audience, as was Post Malone. Expect to see him vs Jelly Roll at Summerslam next year.

Right off the bell, Stratton jumped Cargill. Cargill easily reversed it though and began sweeping legs and throwing stomps. She grabbed Stratton and flattened her with a huge chokeslam. Gargill then hit a pumphandle flip slam for a two count.

Cargill threw Stratton across the ring and into the corner. She charged, but Stratton moved. Stratton went up top, but Cargill knocked her into a tree of woe, wrenching the knee of Stratton. Cargill pulled Stratton out of the ring and dropped her headfirst onto the ring apon (the prettiest part of the ring!).

Cargill laid Stratton out on the stairs, but Stratton caught her and tripped her face first into the steps. Stratton threw Cargill into the ring and went up top again, but Cargill met her there. Statton threw Cargill off and hit a swanton, but only got a two count.

Clutching her bandaged knee, Stratton got up, but Cargill clotheslined her back down and hit a blue thunder bomb for the customary two count. Cargill landed a fallaway slam and then another, keeping the pace in her favour. She hit another, but Stratton kicked out at two.

Cargill hit a sit out powerbomb for another two count, then a pair of Power Bomb Classic’s. Cargill hit a Jaded and then sat on Stratton for the 1-2-3 to become the new WWE Women’s Champion!

Match Result: Jade Cargill defeated Tiffany Stratton

Good for Cargill! She’s got money written all over her and it’s time she ascended to that upper echelon. She was aggressive and powerful through the whole match. Stratton did a good job making a fight out of it and the Cargill era is here. 16 Addison Barger’s out of 10

During the break, it was announced that the next Saturday Night’s Main Event (and the preceding Smackdown) will come from my hometown of Montreal, Quebec! If I start the GoFundMe now, I might be able to afford tickets!

Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat Match: Dominik Mysterio [c] vs Penta vs Rusev

Can we all just agree that Mysterio is the best thing going in WWE right now? Ok, good. What we didn’t know at the time was when Dom was up on that pole 20 years ago, he got a great view of what Rey Mysterio and his real father Eddie Guerrero were doing in the ring. He’s channelled that into multiple titles including the AAA Mega Championship and the WWE Intercontinental Title.

On Raw, Rusev and Penta had their Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contenders match interrupted by the arrival of their Starbucks order as El Grande Americano, Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano attacked them. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce threw up his hands and said “all right, everybody into the pool!” and made this Triple Threat Match.

As the bell rang, Rusev and Penta attacked Mysterio, taking turns stomping and punching him. Mysterio rolled out and Rusev dropkicked Penta. Rusev went for the cover, but Mysterio returned and broke up the count. Rusev put Penta out and turned his attention to Mysterio, suplexing him repeatedly.

Rusev picked up Mysterio like a small child and threw him across the ring like a small child. Mysterio rolled out of the ring, Rusev followed and Mysterio put his head into the ring post. Penta dove through the ropes and took out Rusev. Then Mysterio did the same and took out Penta.

Back in the ring, Penta and Mysterto battled in the corner with Penta delivering his drop headstand kick for a pin attempt. Rusev pulled Penta out of the ring and threw a lariat before tossing him into the barricade. He threw Penta into the barricade again and Mysterio dove at Rusev through the ropes. Rusev caught him and slammed his head onto the newly-repaired announce desk.

Rusev took a moment to connect with the Intercontinental Title Belt, saying “I’m coming for you” before entering the ring and kicking Mysterio in the back. Rusev went for a lariat, but Mysterio tripped him and went for a 619. Rusev caught him though and slapped on the Accolade. Panta broke that up with a superkick to Rusev.

Penta hit a backbreaker for a two count and then threw some kicks at Rusev as he tried to stand up. Penta went for a springboard, but Rusev caught him and slammed him for a two count of his own. Rusev set up Penta on the top turnbuckle, but Penta fought out of it. Rusev pulled Penta off the ropes, seemingly hurting his knee.

Mysterio brought a chair into the ring and pulling a page from his real father, threw it at Rusev and pretended he hit him. The ref did nothing, since there is not DQ in tha triple threat. Pentat took out Mysterio with a Mexican Destroyer then hit a tornado DDT on DDT on Rusev.

Penta went for a Destroyer on Rusev, but he caught him and hit an Alabama Slam. Penta hit a big sit out driver, but Rusev kicked out at two. Penta went up top again and leapt off, but Rusev caught him with a kick to the gut. He put the accolade on. and the bell rang!

Everyone seemed very confused, with Rusev thinking he won, but the camera caught Mysterio with a hammer in his hand. He hit the bell to cause a distraction. That made Rusev very very mad and he ragdolled Mysterio around the outside of the ring.

Mysterio shoved Rusev into the steel steps and then climbed back into the ring with the bell hammer. Penta stopped him though, grabbed the hammer and went to hit Mysterio. Mysterio ducked and Penta took out Rusev with the hammer. Mysterio took out Penta and then hit a frog splash on Rusev to get the pin and retain the Intercontinental Title.

Match Result: Dominik Mysterio defeated Penta and Rusev

Very fun match! It did not drag anywhere like a lot of Triple Threats can. Penta and Rusev would have both been great IC Champs, but Mysterio continues to steal the show. From the Eddie chair spot to the ringing of the bell, he’s pure entertainment. 27 George Springers out of 10.

Next, a promo aired for December’s Saturday Night’s Main Event aired, speculating on who John Cena’s final opponent will be. It was announced that starting one week from Monday (November 10th), at RAW in Boston, a 16-man “The Last Time Is Now” tournament will begin, with the winner facing Cena in his final bout. What was intriguing, was it mentioned the possibility of the tournament including someone (or someones)”who doesn’t even work here.”

PS – how do you not call it “The Last Tournament Is Now”

WWE World Heavyweight Title Match: CM Punk vs Jey Uso

A few RAW’s back, Punk beat Jey Uso and LA Knight to receive the right to face Seth Rollins for his World Heavyweight Title. Unfortunately, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed decided they had enough of Rollins’ giant should pads and turned on him, delivering a beating so bad that Rollins was put out of action with a totally real maybe for sure kinda legit injury (you never know with Seth. We’ve been fooled before).

Anyway, RAW General Manager and plaid sport coat enthusiast Adam Pierce stripped Rollins of the title and the next week, Uso earned his way back into the hunt by winning a Battle Royal. So that brings us to tonight where Uso looks to regainthe title and Punk wants to get a taste of his first gold since returning to WWE almost two years ago.

Lillian Garcia did her thing and the crowd was clearly behind Punk, even though there was a lot of Yeeters out there. The bell rang and we were off. Punk a Uso circled each other, both looking for an opening. Uso blinked first and the two tied up.

Punk ran Uso into the corner and backed off, leading to another tie up, which the ref broke up in the corner. Uso gave Punk a little shove and Punk tried to quickly hit a GTS, but Uso wriggled out of it. They tied up again, this time with Punk working Uso’s arm with a wristlock.

Punk went for a cover, but only a two. He put a headlock on Uso and transitioned to working the arm again. He came off the ropes, but Uso intercepted with a crossbody. Uso stomped Punk, keeping him off his feet. Uso wrestled Punk to the mat, but couldn’t get a count.

Uso seemed confused with the crowd started chanting “CM Punk” and it opened him up for Punk to try to get another GTS. He didn’t and Uso rolled out of the ring.

After a moment, Uso climbed back in through the ropes and tied up again. Punk started throwing forearms and dopped a few elbows for good measure. Punk hit a neckbreaker, but couldn’t get a cover. Uso seemed dazed as Punk started throwing chops. Punk charged and Uso caught him in a Samoan Drop that was so hard, it took Uso’s shirt off.

Uso went for a spear, but Punk caught him and hit another neckbreaker. The pace of the match was slow and controlled by Punk, who put a crossface on Uso in the middle of the ring. Uso fought out of it and thew hands. Punk sent him off the ropes, but Uso grabbed them and Pink drop-kicked the air.

Punk grabbed Uso and connected with a GTS, but Uso fell out of the ring with the momentum. Instead of just going and getting him, Punk decided to stay shocked for a few minutes. He jumped out and grabbed a water bottle, dumped it on Uso to wake him up, and then thew him back in the ring. Weird.

Punk hit a suplex on a limp and dazed Uso, but could only get a two. Punk put Uso on the top turnbuckle and tried for a superplex. Uso blocked it though and headbutted Punk back to the mat. Uso went for a stomp, but Punk moved out of the way. Not missing a beat, Uso threw a bunch of right hands, knocking Punk down in the corner.

He thew a hip at Punk and went for a spear, but Punk caught him with a GTS attempt. Uso got out of it and hit the spear and then an Uso Splash, but Punk kicked out at two. Uso went back up top, but Punk met him with a fist. Punk landed a superplex, but took a bunch of damage to do it.

The two traded blows in the center of the ring. Punk came out on top, throwing Uso into the ropes and hitting him with a clothesline and then a dropkick. Punk threw a high knee into a bulldog and called for the GTS.

He got Uso on his shoulders, but Uso got out of it and superkicked Punk out of the ring. He followed that with a suicide dive and the ref started counting. Uso got back in first and the Punk followed to reset the count. Punk then rolled out on the other side to catch his breath.

Uso climbed out and charged, hitting a spear and driving Punk through the barricades. Uso dragged Punk back into the ring and hit another Uso splash, but Punk got the knees up. He hoisted Uso up and hit a GTS, but Uso kicked out at 2.5!

Punk set up Uso for a piledriver, but Uso countered and hit a GTS on Punk! Then Punk got up and hit Uso with a spear! Punk got to his feet first and hit another GTS on Uso, who collapsed onto Punk’s shoulders. Uso was playing possum though and locked in a sleeper hold in the center of the ring!

Punk rolled it over into an anaconda vise but Uso grabbed the ropes, breaking the hold. Punk dragged him back to the center of the ring and Uso hit a pair of superkicks. he went for a spear, but Punk caught him for a pair of GTS’s. With that, Punk pinned Uso to get the victory and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion!

Match Result: CM Punk defeated Jey Uso

Fun show! Not quite PLE-level, but definitely better than the average TV show. Lots happened, the matches had stakes and there was no sure fire winners, with each victory being well earned. 50 Trey Yesavage’s out of 25. Also, apologies again to Goldberg, we just ran out of time.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: John Cena vs. R-Truth

Posted on by Marc Quill

WWE returns to the airwaves of NBC and Peacock for its second Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025 featuring both the past, the present and the future of WWE.

In a featured match, undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will defend against R-Truth in an angle coming out of Backlash. While the two shared the ring in 2024, this will be their first singles match since 2011.

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso will defend against Logan Paul in their first-ever meeting. Paul is looking for his first World title run while this is Uso’s second title defense.

In a high-profile tag team match, past opponents CM Punk & Sami Zayn will team up against Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker.

Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre will battle in a steel cage match in a WrestleMania rematch.

In a match made on SmackDown, Women’s U.S. Champion Zelina Vega will defend against inaugural champion Chelsea Green.

**********

– Following the WWE signature open, the voice of Joe Tessitore welcomed us over a shot of Tampa before we went to an outside shot of the Yuengling Center and fans pouring into the arena. As we saw shots of several wrestlers arriving to the arena, we then went to the cold open for our show.

– Tessitore was then seen on stage with Jesse Ventura, as they discussed the action to come for tonight’s show, including the McIntyre vs. Priest cage match and Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul. The two then tossed things over to our commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee.

CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker

Once all four men entered the ring, the brawl began before the bell could even ring. In the ensuing scuffle, Punk and Zayn cleared the ring as the match finally kicked off when Zayn and Rollins started things off for their teams. Breakker tagged himself in and with Zayn slumped against the commentary table at ringside, he hit a powerful clothesline that sent the Canadian over the table as we headed to a break in the action.

We returned with Rollins and Breakker working over Zayn in their corner. Breakker dropped Zayn with a suplex as he then did his pushups to taunt his foe. Rollins tagged in and tried to continue the momentum, but Zayn avoided calamity and got the tag to Punk. The Chicago native went to work on Rollins as he attempted the GTS, but got countered. Punk pulled out a Code Red out of nowhere on Rollins, which got a close two-count. He then took down Rollins with a bulldog while simultaneously clotheslining an interfering Breakker.

Diving elbow drop by Punk appeared to lead to a GTS, but Breakker pulled Rollins away and caused a distraction. This opened Punk up for a Pedigree from Rollins, but Zayn broke up the count at two. Breakker tried to intervene, but Zayn threw him out and then took off with a springboard moonsault ala Sabu as we got another break.

The action continued with Rollins and Punk mixing it up in the ring as the two men attempted to hit their respective finishers, but to no avail. A double clothesline from both men took each other out as they then tagged in to their respective corners. Zayn caught Breakker napping with a springboard DDT. He appeared to have Breakker in position for a Helluva Kick, but Rollins held on to Zayn’s foot. Punk took down Rollins with a dive to the outside. After an exploder suplex, Heyman pulled at Zayn’s leg, as we then saw a returning Bronson Reed appear at ringside to take Punk out of the equation with a charge to through the barricade.

In the ensuing chaos, Breakker hit Zayn with the spear and got the win for his team.

Post-match, Breakker sized up Reed, but Rollins stepped forward and embraced Reed, apparently having recruited the massive Australian to his burgeoning alliance. Punk tried to grab at Heyman’s leg, but he found himself a victim of a Tsunami at the hands of Reed.

Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker def. Sami Zayn & CM Punk via pinfall (Breakker pinned Zayn)

A fun enough opener to the evening, but the big story is Bronson Reed aligning with Seth Rollins’ faction which should make them a formidable heel faction on Raw. That said, the crowd continually cheering for Rollins and singing his song does make that a bit of an issue, and it’s something that’s probably going to have to be addressed down the line.

**********

WWE Women’s United States Championship Match: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Chelsea Green

Green started off hot by takine down Vega with a clothesline as she then pounced on her with punches, followed by an irish whip to the turnbuckle. Vega avoided a scoop slam from Green, and took momentum with an arm drag. She missed on a 619 attempt, as the action spilled to the outside. Green grabbed Vega from the floor and dropped her with a hard powerbomb right to the outside.

Back in the ring, Green relished in having Vega down and out as she slammed her face-first on the mat for a two-count. Green continued to assert her command on the match by targeting Vega’s back, followed by a patented all-Canadian chinlock. Vega fought out of it, but got rocked by a boot to the face from Green.

Green missed on a splash as Vega dodged at the last second, which gave the Women’s U.S. Champion an opening and a second wind. Vega showing some almighty offense with a back suplex, but Green snuffed that out. An Un-Pretty-Her attempt was blocked by Vega, who then hit the 619 on Green, which appeared to have busted her nose upon impact. A distraction from Alba Fyre allowed Piper Niven to try her hand in distracting Vega, but to no avail.

In the end, Vega retained her Women’s U.S. Title with an avalanche Code Red for the three to maintain her perfect record against Chelsea Green.

Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green via pinfall to retain the Women’s United States Championship

A fine match for sure, and the anime nerd in me really appreciated Vega’s choice of attire, which was a shoutout to the character All Might from My Hero Academia. Still, it was nice to see Vega in action on this edition of SNME.

**********

– Jimmy Hart and Bushwhacker Luke were shown in the crowd. The commentators discussed the CMLL/NXT Worlds Collide show, particularly a match just made for the event in two weeks: El Hijo del Vikingo versus Chad Gable.

Non-Title Match: John Cena vs. R-Truth

Cena, of course, entered to cheers despite being a heel. Truth entered to the match to Cena’s own music, as well as sporting attire that was directly a spoof of Cena’s own attire.

Cena started the match by hitting Truth from behind and went on the offensive before he ripped off Truth’s shirt. The Undisputed WWE Champion attacked Truth in the corner as he threw aside his earrings in disgust. Cena didn’t waste any time hitting his usual shoulder tackles, followed by the back drop. The Five Knuckle Shuffle made no mistake as Cena looked for an Attitude Adjustment. Truth escaped and proceeded to give Cena a taste of his own medicine. Five Knuckle Shuffle from Truth was then followed by an AA on Cena. One, two… no! Truth applied the STF on Cena, but the Champ escaped to the outside. A throw to the ringpost at ringside by Cena gave him the opportunity to retrieve his WWE Championship belt.

Cena looked to hit Truth with his WWE Title belt, but seemed to have a moment of hesitation, but that was just a distraction for a low blow, followed by the AA for the victory.

Post-match, Cena grabbed his title belt and smashed Truth with it before he walked off.

John Cena def. R-Truth

A lot like most of Cena’s heel run, this was just kinda there. Nothing overly bad, but nothing really remarkable, either. Truth doing Cena’s mannerisms and moves was cute and all, but it wasn’t really much to write home about. Even the obvious route of perhaps having Cody Rhodes return to save Truth and confront Cena wasn’t taken, but I suppose the return of the American Nightmare will be saved for a bigger occasion.

**********

– Backstage, Jey Uso was confronted by John Cena, who said that it’d be quite something if Logan Paul were to defeat Uso for the World Title, causing a scenario where the World Title would be in the hands of a YouTuber, while he held the WWE Title as his clock struck zero. Cena told Uso that he’d be watching his defense against Paul later tonight closely.

Steel Cage Match: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre

Jesse Ventura joined Cole and McAfee at the commentary table for this next match.

McIntyre attacked Priest before he could enter the cage as he grabbed a pair of chairs from under the ring before entering the ring to get this match started. Priest responded with a couple of elbows, but McIntyre countered with a chop. Priest fought back with a Flatliner, followed by a kick to the face. A South of Heaven attempt by Priest was blocked by McIntyre. The Scotsman avoided a running splash, and took advantage by sending Priest face first into the cage twice as we went to a break in the action.

Saturday Night’s Main Event returned with McIntyre and Priest duking it out as both men were climbing the side of the cage wall. Priest blasted McIntyre with a kick, followed by the South of Heaven for an incredibly close two-count. Priest tried to climb up to the top of the cage, but McIntyre met him at the pass. McIntyre caught Priest and delivered a superplex from the side of the cage. McIntyre set Priest up for the countdown and the Claymore. One, two… Priest kicked out!

As both men got up to their feet, Priest and McIntyre exchanged strikes as it devolved into a hockey fight of sorts. Priest got the upper hand and left him stunned with his martial arts strikes. Priest avoided a Claymore and dropped his Scottish foe with a big boot. McIntyre responded by delivering a South of Heaven of his own to Priest. One, two… another Priest kickout! McIntyre eyed the chair that he brought in and proceeded to put it to great use by striking Priest with it repeatedly.

McIntyre attempted to hit the Claymore against a chair propped up in the corner, but Priest dodged at the last second. Priest placed McIntyre’s neck across the top of a chair and dropped it. Priest then delivered a South of Heaven to stun McIntyre. With the Scotsman out cold, Priest laid his head across the chair on the mat as he then grabbed the other chair. Priest then hit McIntyre with a con-chair-to, which left him unconscious long enough for Priest to just walk out of the cage to secure the victory. Jesse Ventura was apopletic on commentary on how Priest won by just walking out of the cage door, as Cole tried to cover for it.

Damian Priest def. Drew McIntyre via Cage Escape

That match was entertaining and it picked up considerably after the commercial break. Seeing Priest deliver a con-chair-to to finish this match was a good way to put an end to this match, and I chuckled at Jesse Ventura’s indignation on commentary at Priest’s exit through the door to win this match.

**********

– As the U.S. Express were shown in the crowd, we returned to Ventura and Tessitore discussing the events that has transpired on this evening before we got a video package for the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event: Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship.

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Jey Uso (c) vs. Logan Paul

The match started off with a lockup in the middle of the ring until Uso dropped Paul with a shoulder block. Paul caught Uso with an elbow strike, followed by a Blockbuster on the World Champion. As Uso powdered to the outside, Paul flew to the outside with a vaulting dive press as we got a break with about ten minutes left on the night.

We returned to Uso hitting a running hip splash on a prone Paul in the corner. That was not enough to get the victory, however. Uso headed up top and looked for a splash, but Paul caught him and went for the pin. Uso was able to kick out at two. Paul hoisted Uso on his shoulder and dropped him with a forward roll. The springboard Lionsault by Paul was met by knees from Uso. A pop-up Samoan Drop by Uso only got a two as Paul kicked out once more.

Paul held on to dear life to the second turnbuckle as Uso grabbed on to him, ripping the padding away. As Uso tried for the dive, he got met by a punch from Paul. The so-called YouTube “star” tried for his imitation Buckshot Lariat, but Uso intercepted with a superkick to the face.

Uso attempted the spear, but he got sent to the exposed second turnbuckle, which allowed Paul to hit him with the hard right punch. One, two… Uso kicked out at the last second! Uso recovered and delivered a superkick, followed by the dive from the top rope. Just as Uso had the pin, John Cena pulled the referee out as he then attacked Uso.

Just then, Cody Rhodes’ theme music hit, which signalled the arrival of the American Nightmare. Rhodes, appearing for the first time since his WrestleMania loss, caught Cena with Cross Rhodes to send him to the outside. Paul tried to sneak up on Rhodes with the brass knucks, but Uso intercepted with the Spear. One Uso Splash later from Uso on Paul and that’s it, over. Jey Uso retains the World Title in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

After the match, Rhodes took the microphone and challenged Cena and Paul to a tag match at Money in the Bank in two weeks time just as the producer credits popped up to end the night.

Jey Uso def. Logan Paul via pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

The match itself wasn’t really anything to write home about, largely due to it being constrained by oddly placed commercial breaks, but the finish certainly spiced things up. Cody Rhodes’ return and subsequently setting up a potentially huge tag match for Money in the Bank did its job in making things exciting.

All in all, another fine edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event that might’ve not had any true standout matches, but we had some interesting storyline advancements with Bronson Reed joining Seth Rollins’ faction and Cody’s return.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: Three title matches, contract signing

Posted on by Marc Quill

The second installment in the WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event revival on NBC airs live tonight from San Antonio, Texas, featuring three title matches, a contract signing, and a match between two brawlers.

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther will look for the fifth defense of his title as he faces former Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso who is looking for his first World title. Gunther is making his second SNME appearance after defeating Damian Priest and Finn Balor in December’s debut.

The show will feature a contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens ahead of their undisputed Universal title ladder match at the Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels will mediate.

WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley returns for her second SNME as she defends against former Women’s Champion Nia Jax.

Sheamus will attempt to win his first-ever WWE Intercontinental title as he challenges reigning titleholder Bron Breakker.

The show is rounded out by Jacob Fatu against Braun Strowman.

**********

– Following the WWE signature intro, we got a kickoff of the show from Joe Tessitore, who introduced all our key players for this evening’s show, including Ted DiBiase, who appeared with his Million Dollar Belt. We then went to the cold open.

– Tessitore was shown on the stage with Jesse Ventura. The two discussed tonight’s card, particularly the Intercontinental Championship match between Bron Breakker versus Sheamus. But first, it was time for the first match of the evening.

Women’s World Championship Match: Rhea Ripley defeated Nia Jax to retain

As always, Ripley got a great reaction from the crowd as she made her entrance. Jax delivered a cheap shot as the championship introductions were in progress, which brought this match underway.

Ripley assumed control with a DDT and a cannonball from the apron. In the ring, Jax withstood clotheslines from the Women’s World Champion and then flattened her with a headbutt. In the corner, Jax took out her foe with an avalanche Samoan drop as we took our first break of the evening.

We returned with Ripley reversing a move from Jax as she tried to rally back into the match. An attempted springboard hurricanrana was caught by Jax, but Ripley turned that into a Code Red for the near-fall. Ripley’s attempt at Riptide was countered into a Samoan Drop by Jax. The challenger headed up top for a leg drop on Ripley, which wasn’t enough to get this match done.

In the corner, Ripley showed impressive strength and dropped Jax with a powerful powerbomb. She attempted a Prism Lock, but Jax countered it. Uranage from the corner by Jax gave her the chance to take over. She went to the top rope, but got driven to the outside. Ripley climbed to the top and hit a superb crossbody onto Jax.

Back in the ring, Ripley tried for another Riptide, but got splashed by Jax instead. On the corner, Jax hit the Annihilator on the Women’s World Champ. As Jax attempted for a second Annihilator, Ripley lifted her up for the electric chair drop. Ripley avoided a splash from Jax before finishing this title defense off with third time’s the charm for a Riptide and the win.

A good opener with an expected result, but still an enjoyable way to open tonight’s SNME show. Rhea’s popularity simply can’t be underestimated.

**********

– In the crowd, Alundra Blayze (or Madusa, if you prefer) and Mark Henry were shown in the crowd.

Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker defeated Sheamus to retain

Prior to the match, Jesse Ventura joined Michael Cole & Pat McAfee for commentary on this match, the first Intercontinental Championship title defense on a SNME episode since 1992 when Shawn Michaels defeated the British Bulldog.

Sheamus and Breakker locked horns to start off this encounter. The champ broke off the lock and laughed arrogantly at his foe. Sheamus began to work over Breakker in the corner with clubbing blows, followed by a hard lariat. Breakker recovered and hit a belly to belly throw on Sheamus. Breakker made a a speedy run across the ropes to send Sheamus outside with a clothesline. At ringside, Sheamus caught Breakker after an attempted super spear and threw him into the timekeeper’s area.

In the ring, Sheamus threw Breaker onto the apron and wanted to deliver the Beats of the Bodhran, but Breakker escaped. As Sheamus leapt off the steel steps, he was met by a fierce spear from Breakker. That, of course, meant a break in the action.

The action continued as Breakker delivered repeated rib breakers on Sheamus in the middle of the ring. Sheamus fired himself up as Breakker taunted him and he answered with a huge knee to the champion. That only got a near-fall, however. As Breakker scurried to the apron, that left him open for the Beats of the Bodhran from Sheamus — 16 to be exact. Sheamus lifted Breakker up high for the Celtic Cross. One, two… not quite.

Breakker hoisted Sheamus above his head for the Gorilla Press Powerslam, but that was not enough for the three. On the corner, Breakker paid homage to his lineage with a Frankensteiner. Attempted Spear by Breakker was met by a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Is this one over? No! Breakker got his foot on the bottom rope to break the count.

Sheamus attempted for another Brogue Kick, but his bad ribs gave out. Breakker eventually seized the moment with a Spear and that’s it, over. Another successful Intercontinental Championship defense for the young Breakker.

Now that was a very enjoyable fun. I’m always entertained by, for lack of a better term, big meaty men slapping meat. On that end, Sheamus and Bron Breakker delivered in spades. That ringside spear was one hell of a spot.

**********

– More legends in the crowd were shown, including Ted DiBiase and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, who got a great reaction from the crowd.

Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens Contract Signing (Hosted by Shawn Michaels)

Michaels started by saying he was so happy to be back in San Antonio, and that he had been given one job tonight: to walk out of the ring with the contract signed by Rhodes and Owens. He said he was “the closer” that SmackDown GM Nick Aldis sent for tonight. With that said, Michaels introduced Owens (who wore a “Cody Sucks Eggs” shirt, shouting out Terry Funk’s shirt aimed at Cody’s legendary father) and Rhodes.

As Rhodes and Owens stared each other down in the ring with their respective championships on their shoulders, Michaels told them to be seated. They refused to do so. HBK said that for as much as we enjoyed Rhodes and Owens battering each other for months, his assignment was to walk out of tonight with their Royal Rumble match contract signed. Rhodes signed the contract first before Owens was supposed to do so.

Owens took the mic and said that Rhodes talked about something that pissed him off last night on SmackDown. He said that Rhodes saying Owens took the easy way out annoyed him. Before Owens could continue his diatribe, Rhodes told him to shut up because he was done talking about Kevin Owens and he was looking ahead to who he was facing at WrestleMania.

Owens said that at the Royal Rumble, he will shut everyone up who doubted him and he will prove to be the true WWE Champion. He says that everything that Cody has will be his once everything is all said and done.

Michaels interrupted and told Owens sounded jealous. The belligerent Canadian took umbrage to this remark and lashed out at Michaels, claiming that he was bringing more pride to the Winged Eagle than HBK ever did. Owens finally signed the contracted and forcefully shoved it to Michaels’ chest.

On Michaels’ instruction, a referee took both Rhodes and Owens’ championships and hung it on a hanger. Michaels said that only one man will walk out undisputed WWE Champion next Saturday before he wished both Rhodes and Owens the best of luck. As HBK tried to shake both men’s hands, Owens delivered a cheap shot to Rhodes and set Michaels up for a package piledriver. Rhodes responded with a superkick to Owens before HBK tuned up the band and hit Sweet Chin Music on the self-proclaimed WWE Champion.

**********

Braun Strowman defeated Jacob Fatu via disqualification

On the way to the ring, Fatu cut a promo to the camera, stating that he was going to beat Strowman from post-to-post, on NBC, and coast-to-coast.

This showcase of the big meaty men slapping meat kicked off with a test of strength beween Strowman and Fatu, before the former took early control with a shoulder block. Fatu recovered for a bit and hit a right hand, but that didn’t help him for long. Strowman clotheslined Fatu to the outside, but Fatu responded with a suicide dive across the middle rope to knock down the redwood that is Braun Strowman. That cued up a break in the action.

Saturday Night’s Main Event returned with Fatu in firm control until a sidewalk slam from Strowman created some separation. Strowman swung meat hook strikes that kept Fatu stunned long enough for a Biel throw that sent him outside. At ringside, Strowman had a full head of steam for a running charge that sent Fatu into the barricade. Strowman went for another running shoulder pounce that sent Fatu over the announce table. Third time’s a charm? Nope, as Fatu sent Strowman with a Samoan Drop onto the announce table to stop the Strowman Express.

Back in the ring, Fatu launched a barrage of running hip strikes on Strowman which kept the big man stunned. The referee attempted to stop him, but got thrown out for his troubles. With nobody to stop him, Fatu unleashed more running hip strikes on the stunned Strowman. The referee called the match to the disapproval of the fans.

Security poured in and got waylaid by Fatu as additional officials and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis arrived in the hopes of stopping this onslaught by Fatu. Strowman was left bleeding as Fatu hit his leaping moonsault onto him. The fans were in love with this carnage as they chanted “one more time”. Fatu obliged and delivered one more springboard moonsault onto Strowman, The fans chanted for Fatu as we got one more springboard moonsault onto the out-of-it Strowman. Fatu and Tama Tonga made their exit, the Samoan Werewolf more than satisified in living up to his boast of beating Strowman from post-to-post, coast-to-coast.

This match was rather short, but it more than filled my need of seeing two big giants battering the hell out of each other. Fatu getting cheers despite being a heel was interesting to see. Maybe the San Antonio fans just love the sight of giant-on-giant violence like I do.

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– Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard were shown in the crowd as Cole tossed things over to Joe Tessitore and Jesse Ventura, who were stood at the “Okerlund Position” (named in tribute to “Mean” Gene Okerlund). We then got a rundown of the Royal Rumble next week:

  • Men’s Royal Rumble Match
  • Women’s Royal Rumble Match
  • Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens (Undisputed WWE Championship)
  • 2/3 Falls: DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)

World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther defeated “Main Event” Jey Uso to retain

Gunther caught Uso with a boot to the head to start the match, which led to a striking start. The World Champion gave us the sight of a big meaty man slapping Yeet as he hit Uso with a hard chop that sent the challenger outside, which sent us to the commercial break once more.

We returned with Gunther flattening Uso with a clothesline for the two-count. Gunther maintained his dominance with more chops and boots to the head of Uso, who fired back with some strikes of his own. A very hard-hitting World Title affair taking place right now. Gunther applied a submission in the middle of the ring, but couldn’t hold it for long. Uso lifted up Gunther for a Samoan Drop to create some much-needed separation.

Gunther delivered his finishing Powerbomb on Uso, but couldn’t put him away with it as Uso kicked out at two. As Uso rolled out to the apron, Gunther attempted to choke him out with a boot as we got another ad break.

We returned from the break, same as the last, with an exchange of strikes that ended with Gunther hitting a German suplex. He was met with a superkick from Uso as he tried for another lariat. Uso avoided the shotgun dropkick from Gunther and hit a running hip strike on the World Champion. Uso ascended the top rope but was intercepted by Gunther, who tried for a superplex. Uso slipped underneath and instead got a sitout powerbomb on Gunther for the two.

Uso hit a surprise Spear on Gunther, who kicked out at 2.999999 to keep his World Title reign alive. Another superkick and a Spear from Gunther was followed by the Uso Splash. Once again, Gunther barely kicked out after that salvo from “Main Event” Jey.

As Uso went for a third Spear, Gunther caught him for two consecutive Powerbombs. The three, and that’s it, over. Gunther retains the World Heavyweight Title in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show ended with the implication that Uso’s gutsy effort got some respect from Gunther.

An alright main event that got hot in the last five minutes, but the placement of commercial breaks kind of disrupted things and made it a bit hard to fully get into the match.

**********

All in all, while the results were predictable, this edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event was as good as the one last month, and gave us a rather memorable angle with Jacob Fatu’s destruction of Braun Strowman in their encounter. Meat was on the menu this evening and all that hard-hitting action tonight was, in my view, enough to whet the appetite of wrestling fans who were looking for the kind of wrestling that would make Big E proud.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens

Posted on by Marc Quill

For the first time since 2008, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will return, back on its original home of NBC and emanating from Uniondale, New York — the site of the very first episode of the show.

The two-hour show will be full of nostalgia from the original theme song to Jesse Ventura returning to what Ventura described as a stripped-down stage and entrances reminiscent of the 1980s.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his title against heated rival and former champion Kevin Owens while in a three-way for the WWE World Heavyweight title, Gunther will defend against two former champions in Damian Priest and Finn Balor.

WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defends against IYO Sky while the inaugural Women’s United States Champion will be crowned between Chelsea Green and Michin.

The main card is rounded out by Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre in the latter’s first match since October’s Hell in a Cell.

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– After the WWE signature open, an overhead shot of New York City and the voice of Raw’s Joe Tessitore welcomed us to tonight’s show. We then headed into the cold open, followed by the iconic intro set to Animotion’s “Obsession”.

– Jesse “The Body” Ventura joined Tessitore at the broadcast position to loud cheers from the Uniondale, NY crowd. Ventura and Tessitore talked about Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens, with Ventura talking trash about Rhodes as only he could. They tossed things over to Michael Cole at ringside, as Pat McAfee joined the commentary team.

Drew McIntyre def. Sami Zayn

Zayn went after McIntyre right away as the bell rang, but got taken down with a chop. Zayn recovered and hit McIntyre with bunches of punches in the corner, followed by a clothesline. On the apron, Zayn hit a modified springboard moonsault on McIntyre.

On the other end of the ring, Zayn attempted for a vaulting press to the outside, but got caught by McIntyre, who splayed him on the announce table, which took us to the first break of the night at 8:13pm.

We returned to Saturday Night’s Main Event with McIntyre throwing Zayn for an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. That got a count of two. Zayn avoided calamity by dodging an attempted shoulder charge from McIntyre, which sent the Scot to the ringpost.

McIntyre tried for an Avalanche White Noise, but got flipped for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb by Zayn for another near fall. Zayn’s attempt at a Blue Thunder Bomb was blocked by McIntyre, who cracked him with the Glasgow Kiss headbutt.

McIntyre had Zayn in his sights for the Claymore, but he was intercepted for the Blue Thunder Bomb for yet another near-fall. As McIntyre rolled out to avoid a Helluva Kick, Zayn chased him to the outside, only to be met by a surprise Claymore Kick for the clean three.

A heck of a opener for tonight’s show. Zayn and McIntyre have fantastic chemistry and I enjoyed the intensity shown throughout the bout.

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– Tito Santana, Rich Hering, and Jimmy Hart were shown in the crowd enjoying the show.

Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) def. IYO SKY

Fast and furious action between SKY and Morgan to start off as the action headed to the apron. Morgan attempted for a powerbomb to the outside, but was blocked by SKY. Apron-based moonsault from SKY to Morgan took us to the break.

We returned with SKY and Morgan at a standstill, with the challenger gaining momentum. SKY ran across the ring and landed a suicide dive to the outside on Morgan. Double-footed springboard dropkick by SKY got a near fall.

Morgan avoided SKY’s Bullet Train and hit her foe with a backstabber. SKY, however, regained the advantage with three consecutive roll-through German suplexes. Morgan managed to kick out at two.

Enzuigiri from Morgan is met by a crossface from SKY that is easily escaped out of. Morgan, however, failed to escape another Bullet Train from SKY.

Moonsault by SKY is blocked by double feet from Morgan. Ob-Liv-ion from Morgan put an end to this title defense.

Post-match, Morgan’s victory celebration was interrupted by Rhea Ripley, who stared down the Women’s World Champion at the top of the ramp.

A by the numbers match with a by the numbers result that still managed to be entertaining. Hopefully, 2025 means bigger things for IYO SKY, who’s a joy to watch in the ring.

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World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat Match: Gunther (c) def. Finn Balor & Damian Priest

We started off with Gunther and Priest teeing off on Balor for a bit before the latter took over with a dive to the outside that stunned Gunther and led to a break in the action.

The action picked up from the break with Priest and Balor duking it out in the ring before Gunther floored both men with dual big boots to the face. Priest felt the wrath of the Boston Crab from Gunther before Balor chopped the World Champion to break things up. Pele kick by Balor to Gunther is followed by a double clothesline to both men by Priest.

Priest fired away with hard chops of his own to Gunther as he then teed off on Balor afterwards. With Gunther and Balor on opposite corners, Priest laid into both his opponents easily. He ascended the top rope with Gunther in hand and hit his own twist on the Undertaker’s Old School maneuver. Priest had Balor in position for the Razor’s Edge, but Gunther stopped it and looked to hit the Powerbomb. Balor took down both Priest and Gunther with consecutive Slingblades as a sleeper hold attempt was inadvertently turned into a pin by a superkick from Priest to Balor.

Gunther locked in the sleeper on Priest and looked to have him out, but the challenger powered out of it and landed South of Heaven. Balor snuck in with a neckbreaker on Priest, followed by the shotgun dropkick. Up top, Balor’s attempt at a Coup De Grace is stopped by Gunther, who looked to hit a superplex. Priest caught Gunther with a Razor’s Edge, as Balor hit a Coup De Grace on the champion. Priest managed to break it up at the last second.

South of Heaven to Balor by Priest, but the pin is interrupted by Gunther. Powerbomb to the steel steps to Priest by Gunther is followed by the Powerbomb to Balor in the ring and that’s it, over. Gunther retains.

A hell of a triple threat match with high stakes, and Gunther scoring the clean victory over two competitors certainly helps with building his credibility as a champion moving forward. A highlight of the night so far.

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– We went back to Ventura and Tessitore for their thoughts on the matches that we’ve seen so far on tonight’s edition of SNME before they sent things back to ringside.

Women’s United States Championship Finals: Chelsea Green vs. Michin

Missed kicks from both Michin and Green to start off as both women traded arm drags before Green threw her opponent to the outside. On the apron, Michin applied a modified submission using the middle rope as leverage. With the referee distracted, Piper Niven slammed Michin outside the ring, as we headed for a break in the action.

As we returned, Michin countered Green’s attempt at a Rough Ryder with a powerbomb. She followed that up with a release German suplex and then a tornado DDT. Green kicked out at two following that barrage from Michin. Green managed to connect with the Rough Ryder on Michin, but that only got two. Attempt at a spear is avoided by Michin, which caused Green to crash into Piper Niven.

Outside the ring, Michin took Niven out of the equation with Eat Defeat. In the ring, Michin managed to hit Eat Defeat on Green, but a well-timed foot on the bottom rope saved the match for the precocious Canadian. Michin was momentarily distracted by Niven, who got a dropkick for her troubles. On the corner, Green hit an amazing counter on Michin that led to the Un-Pretty-Her and the one, two, three that secured her the Women’s United States Championship.

A memorable finish led to a memorable moment for Chelsea Green, whose 2024 ends on a high with this Women’s U.S. Title victory. It’s a heck of a moment and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer star. Props to both Green and Michin for that incredible finishing sequence, too. Just a great way to end this match.

**********

– Koko B. Ware & Greg “The Hammer Valentine” were shown in the crowd as we saw Jesse Ventura join Cole and McAfee for commentary on our upcoming main event. After a “Pat-a-strator” gimmick, we got a hype video for the Undisputed WWE Championship main event match.

Undisputed WWE World Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) def. Kevin Owens

Owens entered to the ring wearing a t-shirt with his face taped over Dusty Rhodes, while Cody made his entrance with the Winged Eagle WWE Championship around his waist, which was teased a few days earlier in a YouTube video.

As the bell rang, Owens rolled out the ring and took his time while taking a gander at the Winged Eagle championship at ringside. Rhodes headed outside and proceeded to go on the attack against Owens, as he slammed him into the commentary table. Dive to the outside by Rhodes to Owens led to an awkward landing on the injured ankle of the Undisputed WWE Champion.

Owens regained the advantage by throwing Rhodes into the ring post, then doing a Randy Orton-style backbreaker on the commentary table, which led to a picture-in-picture break, but not before Owens said a sarcastic “Hi, Randy” to the camera.

During picture-in-picture, Owens targeted Rhodes’ injured ankle in the ring to maintain control of the match. As the match returned to live action, Owens, landed the swanton bomb on Rhodes for the two. Owens decided to rub salt in the wound by mocking Dusty Rhodes’ signature punches, but he got met with Rhodes hitting his father’s punches instead.

Disaster Kick by Rhodes on Owens got him a near-fall. The WWE Champion looked for a Cody Cutter, but Owens rolled to the outside. A superkick from Owens was followed by the challenger clearing the announce table., Rhodes paid homage to Randy Orton iwth an RKO outta nowhere on Owens right on the table. Inside the ring, Rhodes had Owens in his sights for the Cody Cutter. One, two, no!

Rhodes placed Owens up top and had him set up for a high-risk superplex attempt. Owens fought out of it and landed an avalanche fisherman’s buster on Rhodes, but the champion kicked out at two. Stunner attempt by Rhodes is met with a Cross Rhodes, but Owens countered and pushed him right into the referee!

Stunner by Owens, but the referee was still down. A second referee ran in to make the count, but Rhodes kicked out at two. Pop-up Powerbomb was blocked by Rhodes, and the second referee found himself knocked out by an errant dive from Rhodes. Owens rolled to the outside and looked to grab a streel chair. He took a swing with the chair, but Rhodes dodged it and hit a Cody Cutter. Cross Rhodes onto the chair by the Undisputed WWE Champion as Rhodes hid the evidence. The cover, and that’s it, over. Cody Rhodes retains in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

A very fun way to cap off what has been a great evening of action on Saturday Night’s Main Event. The finish with the referee bumps and the chair should naturally lead to a third match down the line with Owens perhaps having a claim due to the murky way the match wrapped.

All in all, a solid night of wrestling for WWE’s return to NBC on Saturday Nights. While the results for four out of the five matches were never in doubt, the in-ring action was excellent and there was never a dull moment throughout. How things shape up for the next SNME in San Antonio next month should be quite interesting, but for now, I had a good time with this inaugural edition of the SNME revival.