WWE Saturday Night's Main Event: A Night of Champions and Controversies
The electrifying return of WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event after a 16-year hiatus, held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, the same venue as the very first SNME, delivered a night of high-octane action, championship clashes, and unexpected twists. The show, a nostalgic trip back to the glory days of WWE for longtime fans, was packed with four title matches, a thrilling grudge match, and a surprise guest commentator that had viewers buzzing.
The Grudge Match: McIntyre vs. Zayn
The night kicked off with a fierce showdown between Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn. The crowd, roaring its approval, was firmly behind Zayn. McIntyre, showcasing his powerhouse dominance, controlled much of the match, his ruthless aggression punctuated by powerful maneuvers. Zayn, however, showed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit, delivering a Blue Thunder Bomb that rocked the arena. A smart strategic retreat by McIntyre allowed him to regroup and ultimately secure victory with a decisive Claymore Kick. This opening bout perfectly set the tone for the night, highlighting two skilled performers and the importance of storyline, delivering a match that was a solid, crowd-pleasing start to the evening. The match received a B+ grade.
Women's World Championship: Morgan vs. Sky
Next up was the Women's World Championship match, a fierce battle between champion Liv Morgan and challenger Iyo Sky. Sky's initial dominance was undeniable. Morgan's fighting spirit, however, shone through when she countered Sky's Bullet Train attack and used her signature move, Oblivion to secure the win. The victory was short-lived, as Rhea Ripley's appearance after the match served as a stark reminder of the impending title showdown between her and Morgan. While the match was good, a few messy spots and what seemed to be time constraints kept it from reaching its full potential, earning a C+ grade.
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther vs. Bálor vs. Priest
A breathtaking Triple Threat match ensued for the World Heavyweight Championship, with Gunther defending against Finn Bálor and Damian Priest. The action was fast-paced and relentless, with seamless transitions and constant tension. The match featured multiple moments where Priest and Bálor's actions hampered each other. This struggle between Bálor and Priest inadvertently allowed Gunther to execute a powerbomb to Priest on the ring steps, setting up the decisive pinfall victory for the champion. A match that was praised for its dynamic energy and the right winner, scoring a B+ rating. This was surely an excellent showcase of the champion's strength and skill.
Women's United States Championship: Green vs. Michin
History was made as Chelsea Green and Michin clashed in the finals of the Women's United States Championship tournament. Green's win was a strategic victory over Michin. The match, while entertaining, was affected by time constraints like other matches earlier in the show. The crowd was clearly behind Green, and her successful Unprettier finisher, perfectly executed after a distraction by Piper Niven, secured her victory and crowned her the inaugural champion. Although somewhat rushed, the match demonstrated great chemistry between the two wrestlers, earning a C+ grade.
The Main Event: Rhodes vs. Owens
The highly anticipated main event saw Cody Rhodes defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens. A truly grueling match, it showcased the exceptional talent and skill of both superstars. The match was noteworthy for its intensity and physicality. This would have been a different outcome had the referee not been incapacitated. Owens almost won after delivering a stunner; however, the match took an unexpected and controversial turn. Rhodes, seemingly resorting to underhanded tactics, used a steel chair to secure the win. The questionable finish, while adding to the storyline, caused some debate about whether Rhodes was portrayed as the villain. The match was generally praised as excellent, receiving an A grade, though the controversial finish sparked discussions about its narrative implications. The match highlighted Rhodes' ruthless side, and Owens will undoubtedly demand a rematch, potentially setting the stage for a future title clash at the Royal Rumble.
The Return of SNME: A Mixed Bag
The revival of Saturday Night's Main Event was a mixed bag of success and missed opportunities. The production was top-notch, managing to blend nostalgia with modern elements. However, the show lacked a truly groundbreaking moment to draw viewers to the subsequent Raw and SmackDown episodes. While enjoyable for longtime fans, its lack of a major angle means that it felt more like a premium episode of Raw or SmackDown. Overall, it was a successful event and a fantastic spectacle that was more than just a little bit nostalgic for many fans, but perhaps with some room for improvement going forward.
Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s presence as a guest commentator added a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the evening.
The show ended with a B+ grade overall.
