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Saturday Night's Main Event

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Saturday Night's Main Event
Logo for 2024 revival
GenreProfessional wrestling
Created byVince McMahon
Presented by
StarringRaw roster
SmackDown roster
Opening theme
  • "Obsession" by Animotion (May 11, 1985–January 2, 1988; December 14, 2024–present)
  • "Saturday Night's Main Event" by Douglas Grama (March 12, 1988–April 27, 1991-February 8, 1992)
  • "Boom" by P.O.D. (March 18, 2006–August 2, 2008)
Ending theme
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes36
Production
Executive producersDick Ebersol
Paul Levesque
Lee Fitting
ProducerVince McMahon
Running time60 minutes (original run and first revived run)
120 minutes (second revived run)
Production companiesTitan Sports Inc. (1985–1992)
Once a Month Productions, Inc. (1985–1991)
WWE (2006–2008, 2024–present)
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseMay 11, 1985 (1985-05-11) –
April 27, 1991 (1991-04-27)
NetworkFox
ReleaseFebruary 8 (1992-02-08) –
November 14, 1992 (1992-11-14)
NetworkNBC
ReleaseMarch 18, 2006 (2006-03-18) –
August 2, 2008 (2008-08-02)
NetworkNBC
Peacock
Related
WWE Raw
WWE NXT
WWE SmackDown
The Main Event

Saturday Night's Main Event is a series of American professional wrestling television specials produced by WWE (originally the World Wrestling Federation or WWF). It was originally broadcast by NBC from 1985 to 1992, replacing Saturday Night Live in its late night timeslot on an occasional basis throughout the year.

At a time when weekly wrestling programs typically consisted primarily of squash matches featuring established stars dominating enhancement talent, Saturday Night's Main Event consisted almost entirely of star vs. star matches rarely seen on television, including title defenses and specialty matches. It coincided with and contributed to the apogee of the "second golden age" of professional wrestling in the United States; bolstered by regular in-ring appearances by WWF stars such as Hulk Hogan, Saturday Night's Main Event drew large audiences for much of its run, while a spin-off simply titled The Main Event aired annually on a Friday night in February beginning in 1988. Ratings began to fall in the 1990s, leading to NBC dropping the specials in 1991. In 1992, the WWF moved Saturday Night's Main Event to Fox, which aired two editions of the special on the network before being discontinued.

In 2006, Saturday Night's Main Event was briefly revived as a series of prime time specials on NBC, as part of WWE's agreement with NBC Universal to air its weekly program Raw on USA Network. Five episodes aired as part of the revived run before it was discontinued in 2008. In April 2022, WWE repurposed the Saturday Night's Main Event title for house shows held on Saturday nights.[1] In September 2024, as part of an agreement moving WWE SmackDown from Fox to USA, WWE announced that it would revive Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC once again.

History

[edit]

Original run (1985–1992)

[edit]
The NBC era logo, 1985–1991

Saturday Night's Main Event debuted on May 11, 1985, in the late-night time slot normally assigned to reruns of the NBC sketch comedy Saturday Night Live. Then-SNL executive producer Dick Ebersol had made a deal with WWF owner Vince McMahon to produce the show, after Ebersol had seen the high ratings that two WWF specials drew on MTV in 1984–85: The Brawl to End It All and The War to Settle the Score.[2] Although the show aired infrequently, it did, starting in 1986, settle into a predictable pattern of airdates: New Year's weekend, an episode in late February/early March, an episode in late April/early May, an episode in late September/early October, and Thanksgiving weekend. 1989 and 1990 both offered episodes in July promoted as "Summertime Bonus Editions", some of the Superstars would come on The Arsenio Hall Show interviewed by Arsenio Hall himself to build up/hype of the event.

The Fox era logo, 1992

Saturday Night's Main Event was a tremendous rating success for NBC during its heyday, most notably on the March 14, 1987, show, which drew an 11.6 rating, which to this day remains the highest rating any show has ever done in that time slot. That show was headlined by a battle royal involving Hulk Hogan and André the Giant, who were slated to face each other at WrestleMania III. As Hogan rarely wrestled on the WWF syndicated and cable television shows, Saturday Night's Main Event was the program on free television where most viewers were able to see him in action. The success of Saturday Night's Main Event led to several Friday night prime time specials, known as The Main Event. The first of these, on February 5, 1988, included a WrestleMania III rematch between Hogan and André and drew 33 million viewers and a 15.2 rating, which is still the highest-rated television show in American professional wrestling history. While ratings remained strong through 1990, they began to fall shortly thereafter. NBC, who had just acquired the rights to broadcast NBA games nationwide, now started to lose interest in wrestling, and Saturday Night's Main Event was dropped. Its final NBC airing occurred on April 27, 1991. Fox picked up the show in 1992, but it was only shown twice on Fox; on February 8, 1992, and the final Saturday Night's Main Event of the original run was broadcast on November 14, 1992.

For much of its history, Saturday Night's Main Event was hosted by McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura with the occasional use of Bobby Heenan in 1986 and 1987. In 1990, Roddy Piper replaced Ventura as McMahon's broadcast partner when Ventura left the WWF. On the two episodes that aired on Fox, Heenan served as McMahon's partner. From 1985 to 1988, the opening theme song for the NBC version was "Obsession" by Animotion with the closing theme being "Take Me Home" by Phil Collins, and also the beginning of "Take On Me" by a-ha was used for show bumpers. Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" was also used as a closing theme. Starting on the October 4, 1986 edition, each show featured a cold open of short wrestler promos set to a loop of the beginning of Lee Ritenour's "Traveling Music" from the American Flyers soundtrack.[3] In February 1988, the songs were replaced with an original WWF-created instrumental theme. The new instrumental theme was originally used as the theme of the 1987 WWF Slammy Awards. A different opening theme song was used for the February 1992 episode.

Selected episodes were also shown in the UK on ITV in its weekly Saturday lunchtime World Of Sport slot, mainly thanks to the popularity of The British Bulldogs.

First revived run (2006–2008)

[edit]
Logo, c. 2006–2008

When WWE's flagship show, Raw, returned to the USA Network in 2005, Saturday Night's Main Event was revived in 2006 as a "special series" to air on occasion on NBC as part of a deal between WWE and NBC Universal. The Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brand rosters appeared on the show.

Saturday Night's Main Event returned to NBC on March 18, 2006, in a prime-time slot. The first episode aired on a 1-hour time delay, the second episode aired live, with the three remaining episodes airing at a later date. Since 2009, Saturday Night's Main Event was replaced instead with WrestleMania: The World Television Premiere.

Second revived run (2024–present)

[edit]

In 2024, after originally moving to Fox in 2019, WWE SmackDown moved to USA Network as part of a five-year agreement with NBCUniversal. As part of the agreement, it was stated that WWE would produce four prime time specials for NBC per-year for the length of the agreement. On September 17, 2024, WWE announced that that it would premiere a second revival of Saturday Night's Main Event, with the first episode to air on December 14 from Nassau Coliseum.[4]

Events

[edit]

The following table lists the dates and locations of televised events; they do not include the 2022 house shows.

Event Date City Venue Main Event Ref
Saturday Night's Main Event I May 10, 1985
Aired May 11, 1985
Uniondale, New York Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Bob Orton for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event II October 3, 1985
Aired October 5, 1985
East Rutherford, New Jersey Brendan Byrne Arena Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Nikolai Volkoff in a Flag match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event III October 31, 1985
Aired November 2, 1985
Hershey, Pennsylvania Hersheypark Arena Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant vs. King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event IV December 19, 1985
Aired January 4, 1986
Tampa, Florida USF Sun Dome Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Terry Funk for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event V February 15, 1986
Aired March 1, 1986
Phoenix, Arizona Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum Hulk Hogan (c) vs. The Magnificent Muraco for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event VI May 1, 1986
Aired May 3, 1986
Providence, Rhode Island Providence Civic Center Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog vs. Terry Funk and Hoss Funk [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event VII September 13, 1986
Aired October 4, 1986
Richfield, Ohio Coliseum at Richfield Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Paul Orndorff for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event VIII November 15, 1986
Aired November 29, 1986
Los Angeles, California Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Hercules Hernandez for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event IX December 14, 1986
Aired January 3, 1987
Hartford, Connecticut Hartford Civic Center Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Paul Orndorff in a Steel cage match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event X February 21, 1987
Aired March 14, 1987
Detroit, Michigan Joe Louis Arena 20-Man Battle Royal [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XI April 28, 1987
Aired May 2, 1987
Notre Dame, Indiana Edmund P. Joyce Center Kamala vs. Jake Roberts
Hulk Hogan & Ken Patera vs. The Heenan Family (Andre The Giant & Hercules)
[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XII September 23, 1987
Aired October 3, 1987
Hershey, Pennsylvania Hersheypark Arena Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Sika for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIII November 11, 1987
Aired November 28, 1987
Seattle, Washington Seattle Center Coliseum Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIV December 7, 1987
Aired January 2, 1988
Landover, Maryland Capital Centre Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XV March 7, 1988
Aired March 12, 1988
Nashville, Tennessee Nashville Municipal Auditorium Hulk Hogan vs. Harley Race [8]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVI April 22, 1988
Aired April 30, 1988
Springfield, Massachusetts Springfield Civic Center Randy Savage (c) vs. One Man Gang for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [8]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVII October 25, 1988
Aired October 29, 1988
Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore Arena Hulk Hogan vs. King Haku [8]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII November 16, 1988
Aired November 26, 1988
Sacramento, California ARCO Arena Randy Savage (c) vs. Andre the Giant for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [8]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIX December 7, 1988
Aired January 7, 1989
Tampa, Florida USF Sun Dome Hulk Hogan vs. Akeem [8]
Saturday Night's Main Event XX February 16, 1989
Aired March 11, 1989
Hershey, Pennsylvania Hersheypark Arena Hulk Hogan vs. Bad News Brown [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXI April 25, 1989
Aired May 27, 1989
Des Moines, Iowa Veterans Memorial Auditorium Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Big Boss Man for the WWF Championship [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXII July 18, 1989
Aired July 29, 1989
Worcester, Massachusetts Worcester Centrum Hulk Hogan (c) vs. The Honky Tonk Man for the WWF Championship [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII September 21, 1989
Aired October 14, 1989
Cincinnati, Ohio Riverfront Coliseum Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Ted DiBiase for the WWF Championship [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV October 31, 1989
Aired November 25, 1989
Topeka, Kansas Sunflower State Expocentre Hulk Hogan (c) vs. The Genius for the WWF Championship [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXV January 3, 1990
Aired January 27, 1990
Chattanooga, Tennessee UTC Arena Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior vs. Mr. Perfect and The Genius [10]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI April 23, 1990
Aired April 28, 1990
Austin, Texas Frank Erwin Center The Ultimate Warrior vs. Haku for the WWF Championship [10]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII July 16, 1990
Aired July 28, 1990
Omaha, Nebraska Omaha Civic Auditorium The Ultimate Warrior (c) vs. Rick Rude for the WWF Championship [10]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII September 18, 1990
Aired October 13, 1990
Toledo, Ohio Toledo Sports Arena Hulk Hogan and Tugboat vs. Rhythm and Blues (The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine) [10]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX April 15, 1991
Aired April 27, 1991
Omaha, Nebraska Omaha Civic Auditorium 20-Man Battle Royal [11]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXX January 27, 1992
Aired February 8, 1992
Lubbock, Texas Lubbock Municipal Coliseum Hulk Hogan and Sid Justice vs. Ric Flair and The Undertaker [12]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI October 27, 1992
Aired November 14, 1992
Terre Haute, Indiana Hulman Center Bret Hart (c) vs. Papa Shango for the WWF Championship [12]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII March 18, 2006 Detroit, Michigan Cobo Arena John Cena and Triple H vs. Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton in a Handicap match [13]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII July 15, 2006 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) vs. The Spirit Squad (Kenny, Mitch, Nicky, Johnny, and Mikey in a Handicap Elimination match [13]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV May 28, 2007
Aired June 2, 2007
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Air Canada Centre Batista and Chris Benoit vs. Edge and Montel Vontavious Porter [14]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV August 13, 2007
Aired August 18, 2007
New York City, New York Madison Square Garden Batista and Kane vs. Finlay and The Great Khali [14]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI July 28, 2008
Aired August 2, 2008
Washington, D.C. Verizon Center Edge vs. Jeff Hardy [15]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII December 14, 2024 Uniondale, New York Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship [16]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII January 25, 2025 San Antonio, Texas Frost Bank Center [17]
(c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Results

[edit]

The following lists the match results for Saturday Night's Main Event's televised shows, and do not include results for any of the 2022 house shows.

World Wrestling Federation

[edit]

Saturday Night's Main Event I

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event I
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateMay 10, 1985
(aired May 11, 1985)
CityUniondale, New York
VenueNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance8,300[5]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
First
Next →
II

Saturday Night's Main Event I took place May 10, 1985, from Uniondale, New York, in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and aired May 11, 1985.[18][19] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.8 rating.[20]

No.Results[21]StipulationsTimes[5]
1The U.S. Express (Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham) and Ricky Steamboat (with Lou Albano) defeated Nikolai Volkoff, The Iron Sheik, and George Steele (with Freddie Blassie)Six-man tag team match06:30
2Hulk Hogan (c) (with Mr. T) defeated Bob Orton (with Roddy Piper) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship06:54
3Wendi Richter (c) (with Cyndi Lauper) defeated The Fabulous MoolahSingles match for the WWF Women's Championship04:00
4Junkyard Dog (with Bertha Ritter) defeated Pete DohertySingles match03:15
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event II

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event II
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 3, 1985
(aired October 5, 1985)
CityEast Rutherford, New Jersey
VenueBrendan Byrne Arena
Attendance8,000[5]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
I
Next →
III

Saturday Night's Main Event II took place on October 3, 1985, from East Rutherford, New Jersey, at the Brendan Byrne Arena, and aired on October 5, 1985.[19][22] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.3 rating.[23]

During the broadcast, Uncle Elmer was legitimately married to Joyce Stazko.

No.Results[24]StipulationsTimes[5]
1Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie)Flag match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship05:17
2Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim and Cousin Junior) defeated Jerry ValiantSingles match00:12
3Paul Orndorff vs. Roddy Piper ended in a double countoutSingles match04:01
4André the Giant and Tony Atlas (with Lou Albano) defeated King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationTag team match04:26
5The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) (c) (with Johnny Valiant) defeated Lanny Poffo and Tony GareaTag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship03:30
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event III

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event III
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 31, 1985
(aired November 2, 1985)
CityHershey, Pennsylvania
VenueHersheypark Arena
Attendance8,000[5]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
II
Next →
IV

Saturday Night's Main Event III took place on October 31, 1985, from Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the Hersheypark Arena, and aired on November 2, 1985.[19][25] The event aired on NBC and drew a 6.3 rating.[5]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[5]
1Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Junkyard DogSingles match05:16
2Hulk Hogan and André the Giant (with Lou Albano) defeated King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationTag team match08:00
3Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Tito Santana (c) ended in a double countoutSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship04:08
4Ricky Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji (with The Magnificent Muraco)Kung Fu Challenge03:16
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event IV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event IV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 19, 1985
(aired January 4, 1986)
CityTampa, Florida
VenueUSF Sun Dome
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
III
Next →
V

Saturday Night's Main Event IV took place on December 19, 1985, from Tampa, Florida, at the USF Sun Dome, and aired on January 4, 1986.[19][26] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.4 rating.[27]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[5]
1Jesse Ventura, Roddy Piper, and Bob Orton defeated Hillbilly Jim, Uncle Elmer, and Cousin LukeSix-man tag team match08:00
2Hulk Hogan (c) (with Junkyard Dog) defeated Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship08:30
3Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George Steele (with Lou Albano)Singles match04:06
4Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie and The Iron Sheik) defeated Corporal KirchnerPeace Match04:32
5Junkyard Dog and Ricky Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji and The Magnificent MuracoTag team match05:19
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event V

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event V
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateFebruary 15, 1986
(aired March 1, 1986)
CityPhoenix, Arizona
VenueArizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance12,000[6]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
IV
Next →
VI

Saturday Night's Main Event V took place on February 15, 1986, from Phoenix, Arizona, at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and aired on March 1, 1986.[19][28] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.[29]

Events during three of the matches – The Dream Team vs. The British Bulldogs for the WWF Tag Team Championship; Hulk Hogan vs. The Magnificent Muraco for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship; and Mr. T vs. "Battling" Bob Orton in a boxing match – helped set up three of the four major matches at WrestleMania 2.

The premiere airing of the video for "Real American," Hulk Hogan's entrance theme, took place.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[6]
1Mr. T defeated Bob Orton (with Roddy Piper)Boxing match5:02
2King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Steve GatorwolfSingles match00:41
3Hulk Hogan (c) defeated The Magnificent Muraco (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship06:53
4The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) (c) (with Johnny Valiant) defeated The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) (with Lou Albano)Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship12:00
5Junkyard Dog defeated Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match08:45
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event VI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateMay 1, 1986
(aired May 3, 1986)
CityProvidence, Rhode Island
VenueProvidence Civic Center
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
V
Next →
VII

Saturday Night's Main Event VI took place on May 1, 1986, from Providence, Rhode Island, at the Providence Civic Center, and aired on May 3, 1986.[19][30] The show aired on NBC and drew a 9.3 rating.[31]

Jake Roberts sneak-attacked Ricky Steamboat and took him out with his finisher, the DDT, on the arena's concrete floor prior to the match starting, helping set up a feud that continued through the summer and early fall of 1986.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[6]
1Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog (with The Haiti Kid) defeated Terry Funk and Hoss Funk (with Jimmy Hart)Tag team match13:30
2King Kong Bundy defeated Uncle ElmerSingles match02:35
3Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualificationSingles match12:00
4The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) (c) (with Lou Albano) defeated Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (with Freddie Blassie)Two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship09:10
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event VII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 13, 1986
(aired October 4, 1986)
CityRichfield, Ohio
VenueColiseum at Richfield
Attendance21,000[6]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
VI
Next →
VIII

Saturday Night's Main Event VII took place on September 13, 1986, from Richfield, Ohio, at the Coliseum at Richfield, and aired on October 4, 1986.[19][32] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.4 rating.[33]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[6]
1Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship10:00
2Ricky Steamboat defeated Jake RobertsSingles match06:19
3Roddy Piper defeated The Iron Sheik (with Slick)Singles match00:43
4The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) (c) (with Lou Albano) defeated The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) (with Johnny Valiant)Two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship13:09
5Kamala (with The Wizard and Kim Chee) defeated Lanny PoffoSingles match01:44
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event VIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateNovember 15, 1986
(aired November 29, 1986)
CityLos Angeles, California
VenueLos Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance16,000[6]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
VII
Next →
IX

Saturday Night's Main Event VIII took place on November 15, 1986, from Los Angeles, California, at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, and aired on November 29, 1986.[19][34] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.7 rating.[35]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[6]
1Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Jake Roberts ended in a double disqualificationSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship09:30
2Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Hercules Hernandez (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship06:30
3Roddy Piper defeated Bob Orton (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match03:48
4The Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair) defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart)Tag team match09:00
5Koko B. Ware defeated Nikolai Volkoff (with Slick)Singles match02:30
6The Magnificent Muraco (with Mr. Fuji) defeated Dick SlaterSingles match02:05
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event IX

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event IX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 14, 1986
(aired January 3, 1987)
CityHartford, Connecticut
VenueHartford Civic Center
Attendance10,000[6]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
VIII
Next →
X

Saturday Night's Main Event IX took place on December 14, 1986, from Hartford, Connecticut, at the Hartford Civic Center, and aired on January 3, 1987.[19][36] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.6 rating.[37]

The steel cage match between Hulk Hogan and Paul Orndorff was initially declared a draw when both wrestlers escaped the cage at approximately the same time and two referees – Joey Marella and Danny Davis, the latter playing up his crooked referee gimmick – disputing the finish. When footage from the escape spot was deemed "inconclusive," the match was re-started and continued with Hogan gaining a decisive win over Orndorff.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[6]
1Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Bobby Heenan) by escaping the cageSteel cage match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship10:42
2Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George Steele (with Ricky Steamboat)Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship08:30
3Junkyard Dog defeated Harley Race (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match06:00
4Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Roddy Piper by countoutSingles match03:35
5Blackjack Mulligan defeated Jimmy Jack FunkSingles match02:31
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event X

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event X
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateFebruary 21, 1987
(aired March 14, 1987)
CityDetroit, Michigan
VenueJoe Louis Arena
Attendance21,000[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
IX
Next →
XI

Saturday Night's Main Event X took place on February 21, 1987, from Detroit, Michigan, at the Joe Louis Arena, and aired on March 14, 1987.[19][38] The event aired on NBC and drew an 11.6 rating.[39]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[7]
1Randy Savage (c) defeated George Steele by countout with Miss Elizabeth in a neutral corner.Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and the managerial services of Miss Elizabeth04:30
2Hercules won by last eliminating Billy Jack Haynes[note 1]Battle Royal11:16
3King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Jake Roberts by disqualificationSingles match06:14
4The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (c) (with Jimmy Hart and Danny Davis) defeated Tito Santana and Dan SpiveyTag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship05:31
5Ricky Steamboat defeated The Iron Sheik (with Slick)Singles match03:29
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
  1. ^ Order of elimination from first eliminated: Honky Tonk Man eliminated by Hogan; Sika eliminated by Andre; Haku eliminated by Andre; Lanny Poffo eliminated by Andre; Ron Bass eliminated by Hogan; Blackjack Mulligan eliminated by Andre; Nikolai Volkoff eliminated by Hogan; B. Brian Blair eliminated by Andre; Paul Orndorff eliminated by Hogan; Hulk Hogan eliminated by Andre; Jumping Jim Brunzell eliminated by Andre; Andre the Giant eliminated by Hillbilly Jim, Demolition, Billy Jack Haynes, Butch Reed, Tama and Koko B. Ware; Tama eliminated by Hercules; Ax eliminated by Hillbilly Jim; Hillbilly Jim eliminated by Smash; Butch Reed eliminated by Koko B. Ware; Koko B. Ware eliminated by Hercules; Smash eliminated by Billy Jack Haynes; Billy Jack Haynes eliminated by Hercules (when Haynes was distracted by Bobby Heenan).

Saturday Night's Main Event XI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 28, 1987
(aired May 2, 1987)
CityNotre Dame, Indiana
VenueEdmund P. Joyce Center
Attendance9,345[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
X
Next →
XII

Saturday Night's Main Event XI took place on April 28, 1987, from Notre Dame, Indiana, at the Edmund P. Joyce Center, and aired May 2, 1987.[19][40] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.5 rating.[41]

While a match featuring Hulk Hogan was not included in the show, a pre-taped interview with comments regarding WrestleMania III and a possible future rematch was included. A separate interview with Andre the Giant and Bobby Heenan, also reflecting on WrestleMania III, also aired.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[7]
1Kamala (with The Honky Tonk Man and Mr. Fuji) defeated Jake RobertsSingles match04:18
2Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George SteeleLumberjack match06:44
3The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) (with Tito Santana) defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (c) (with Jimmy Hart and Danny Davis) by disqualificationTwo-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship09:48
4Ricky Steamboat (c) defeated Hercules (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship06:42
5The Can-Am Connection (Rick Martel and Tom Zenk) (with Jim Duggan) defeated Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (with Slick)Tag team match04:45
6DHulk Hogan and Ken Patera defeated The Heenan Family (André the Giant and Hercules)Tag Team match10:17
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
D – this was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 23, 1987
(aired October 3, 1987)
CityHershey, Pennsylvania
VenueHersheypark Arena
Attendance9,000[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XI
Next →
XIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XII took place on September 23, 1987, from Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the Hersheypark Arena, and aired October 3, 1987.[19][42] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.7 rating.[43]

As the result of events during the Randy Savage vs. The Honky Tonk Man match – a beatdown of Savage by Honky and The Hart Foundation, and Hulk Hogan running in to save Savage – The Mega Powers alliance of Hogan, Savage and Miss Elizabeth was formed. The music video for "Piledriver" (as performed by Koko B. Ware), the title track of the WWF's second album of entrance music and performances by the wrestlers, debuted.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[7]
1Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated The Honky Tonk Man (c) (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship13:00
2Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Sika (with Mr. Fuji and Kim Chee)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship07:59
3King Kong Bundy (with André the Giant) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Oliver Humperdink)Singles match08:00
4The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (c) defeated The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers)Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship04:35
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateNovember 11, 1987
(aired November 28, 1987)
CitySeattle, Washington
VenueSeattle Center Coliseum
Attendance16,000[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XII
Next →
XIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XIII took place on November 11, 1987, from Seattle, Washington, at the Seattle Center Coliseum, and aired November 28, 1987[19][44] on NBC.

Andre the Giant accompanied King Kong Bundy and Bobby Heenan to the ring for Bundy's match vs. Hulk Hogan. Midway through the match, Andre was ejected from ringside for attempting to interfere in the match; as he returned to the locker room, he shoved a WWF cameraman to the floor.

Brian Bosworth, linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, was shown in the audience.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[7]
1George Steele defeated Danny Davis by disqualificationSingles match03:49
2Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Bret Hart (with Jimmy Hart and Jim Neidhart)Singles match12:03
3King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Hulk Hogan (c) by countoutSingles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship13:45
4Bam Bam Bigelow (with Oliver Humperdink) defeated HerculesSingles match07:00
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 7, 1987
(aired January 2, 1988)
CityLandover, Maryland
VenueCapital Centre
Attendance11,000[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XIII
Next →
XV

Saturday Night's Main Event XIV took place on December 7, 1987, from Landover, Maryland, at the Capital Centre, and aired on January 2, 1988[19][45] on NBC.

During the Hulk Hogan-King Kong Bundy match, referee Jack Krueger was accidentally caught and knocked out by Bundy in an attempt to avalanche Hogan; the match was briefly interrupted as a new referee, Dave Hebner, took Krueger's place. Following the match, Andre the Giant sneak-attacked Hogan and choked him to the brink of unconsciousness, fighting off several wrestlers who came to aid Hogan; this served as one of the build-ups to the Hogan-Andre match on The Main Event, which aired February 5, 1988.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[7]
1Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel) (c) defeated The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zuhkov) (with Slick)Two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship07:55
2Jake Roberts defeated Sika (with Mr. Fuji)Singles match03:35
3Hulk Hogan (c) defeated King Kong Bundy (with André the Giant)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship12:09
4Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Koko B. Ware by submissionSingles match07:30
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateMarch 7, 1988
(aired March 12, 1988)
CityNashville, Tennessee
VenueNashville Municipal Auditorium
Attendance10,000
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XIV
Next →
XVI

Saturday Night's Main Event XV took place on March 7, 1988, from Nashville, Tennessee, at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, and aired on March 12, 1988.[46] Although there were 10,000 in attendance, it was reportedly a heavily papered event.[8] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.[47]

During the tapings, Don Muraco vs Butch Reed was taped but aired on Prime Time Wrestling on April 11, 1988.

The match between Hulk Hogan and Harley Race saw Race lay Hogan across a table outside the ring and attempted to hit a diving headbutt from the ring apron, but Hogan moved out of the way and Race crashed through the table, suffering a legitimate injury that would eventually force him into retirement in 1991.[48]

After the Ted DiBiase and André the Giant match, Hogan appeared at ringside to clear the ring of DiBiase and Virgil after they began a post-match beatdown of Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

The match between The Islanders (Haku and Tama) and The Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair) was a two-out-of-three-falls match, however only the first fall was televised.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[8]
1Brutus Beefcake defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match09:02
2Hulk Hogan defeated Harley Race (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match06:37
3Ted DiBiase (with Virgil and André the Giant) defeated Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) by countoutSingles match11:39
4The Islanders (Haku and Tama) (with Bobby Heenan) defeated The Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair)Two-out-of-three-falls match03:38
5One Man Gang (with Slick) defeated Ken PateraSingles match03:47

Saturday Night's Main Event XVI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 22, 1988
(aired April 30, 1988)
CitySpringfield, Massachusetts
VenueSpringfield Civic Center
Attendance9,000[8]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XV
Next →
XVII

Saturday Night's Main Event XVI took place on April 22, 1988, from Springfield, Massachusetts, at the Springfield Civic Center, and aired April 30, 1988[19][49] on NBC. This was the first Saturday Night's Main Event to not feature Hulk Hogan in any of the televised matches or interviews, as he had taken a leave of absence around this time to begin filming No Holds Barred.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[8]
1Jim Duggan defeated Hercules (with Bobby Heenan and André the Giant) by disqualificationSingles match08:47
2Brutus Beefcake defeated Danny Davis (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match03:10
3Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated One Man Gang (with Slick)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship06:03
4Demolition (Ax and Smash) (with Mr. Fuji) defeated The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) by disqualificationTag team match05:05
5Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) defeated Don Muraco (with Billy Graham)Singles match04:12
6Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Koko B. WareSingles match03:44
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XVII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 25, 1988
(aired October 29, 1988)
CityBaltimore, Maryland
VenueBaltimore Arena
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XVI
Next →
XVIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XVII took place on October 25, 1988, from Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Arena, and aired October 29, 1988.[19][50] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.7 rating.[8]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[8]
1Jake Roberts (with Cheryl Roberts) defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match07:22
2Demolition (Ax and Smash) (c) (with Mr. Fuji and Jimmy Hart) defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart)Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship05:58
3Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated King Haku (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match06:16
4Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin) defeated Ken PateraSingles match03:03
5Big Boss Man (with Slick) defeated Jim PowersSingles match02:34
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateNovember 16, 1988
(aired November 26, 1988)
CitySacramento, California
VenueARCO Arena
Attendance15,900[8]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XVII
Next →
XIX

Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII took place on November 16, 1988, from Sacramento, California, at the ARCO Arena, and aired November 26, 1988.[19][51] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.4 rating.[8]

During the show, Brother Love conducted a special interview with Hulk Hogan and Slick.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[8]
1The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Super Ninja (with Mr. Fuji)Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship02:11
2Hercules defeated Virgil (with Ted DiBiase)Singles match03:20
3Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) ended in a double disqualificationSingles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship08:51
4Jim Duggan defeated Boris ZuhkovFlag match02:27
5The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau) (with Jimmy Hart) defeated The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers)Tag team match03:05
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIX

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 7, 1988
(aired January 7, 1989)
CityTampa, Florida
VenueUSF Sun Dome
Attendance9,176[8]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XVIII
Next →
XX

Saturday Night's Main Event XIX took place on December 7, 1988, from Tampa, Florida, at the USF Sun Dome, and aired January 7, 1989[19][52] on NBC.

Events during and after the Hulk Hogan-Akeem match – Randy Savage declining to make the save and run off Akeem and Big Boss Man while they were beating down Hogan, but Savage immediately running to ringside when the heels were threatening to beat up Miss Elizabeth, and then Savage questioning Elizabeth as she tended to a beaten Hogan – helped foreshadow the later heel turn by Savage at The Main Event II in February.

George Steinbrenner was shown in the front row during this event, and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan at one point remarked about the guy he managed in the ring at the time to Steinbrenner "I've got a ring full of Winfields".

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[8]
1Brutus Beefcake defeated Ron BassHair vs. Hair match07:40
2Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Akeem (with Big Boss Man and Slick) by disqualificationSingles match08:06
3The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship05:07
4Tito Santana defeated The Red Rooster (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match07:27
5Mr. Perfect defeated Koko B. WareSingles match03:10
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XX

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateFebruary 16, 1989
(aired March 11, 1989)
CityHershey, Pennsylvania
VenueHersheypark Arena
Attendance9,000[9]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XIX
Next →
XXI

Saturday Night's Main Event XX took place on February 16, 1989, from Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the Hersheypark Arena, and aired March 11, 1989.[53] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.[9]

During the event, Mean Gene Okerlund conducted a special interview with Miss Elizabeth to publicly announce whose corner she will be in at WrestleMania V.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[9]
1Brutus Beefcake defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match05:45
2Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Bad News BrownSingles match09:44
3Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) defeated The Blue BlazerSingles match03:57
4The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan) vs. The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) ended in a double countoutTag team match09:19
5The Red Rooster defeated The Brooklyn Brawler (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match01:05

Saturday Night's Main Event XXI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 25, 1989
(aired May 27, 1989)
CityDes Moines, Iowa
VenueVeterans Memorial Auditorium
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XX
Next →
XXII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXI took place on April 25, 1989, from Des Moines, Iowa, at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and aired May 27, 1989[19][54] on NBC.

During the steel cage match between Hulk Hogan and Big Boss Man, Hogan superplexed Boss Man from over the top of the cage to the mat, briefly knocking both wrestlers out. Prior to the match, Tommy Lister Jr., in-character as his No Holds Barred movie role of Zeus (the movie's villain), came to ringside and stood in front of the cage entrance, beating down Hogan after daring him to "move me!"

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[9]
1King Duggan defeated Rick Rude (c) (with Bobby Heenan) by countoutSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship07:15
2Randy Savage (with Sensational Sherri) defeated Jim NeidhartSingles match05:54
3Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Big Boss Man (with Slick) by escaping the cageSteel cage match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship10:01
4The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Demolition (Ax and Smash) (c) by disqualificationTag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship09:15
5Jimmy Snuka defeated Boris Zhukov (with Slick)Singles match01:11
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJuly 18, 1989
(aired July 29, 1989)
CityWorcester, Massachusetts
VenueWorcester Centrum
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXI
Next →
XXIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXII took place on July 18, 1989, from Worcester, Massachusetts, at the Worcester Centrum, and aired July 29, 1989[19][55] on NBC.

During the Randy Savage-Brutus Beefcake match, Zeus appeared at ringside and interfered on Savage's behalf. Hulk Hogan came to aid Beefcake but was unable to hurt Zeus. The events of this match was one of the pieces to help set up the main event of SummerSlam.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[9]
1Hulk Hogan (c) defeated The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship06:14
2Jimmy Snuka defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match03:14
3Brutus Beefcake defeated Randy Savage (with Sensational Sherri) by disqualificationSingles match11:30
4The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Demolition (Ax and Smash) (c)Two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship12:33
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 21, 1989
(aired October 14, 1989)
CityCincinnati, Ohio
VenueRiverfront Coliseum
Attendance14,000
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXII
Next →
XXIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII took place September 21, 1989, from Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Riverfront Coliseum, and aired October 14, 1989.[19][56] The show was attended by 14,000 people, of which 12,000 were paid.[9] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.5 rating.[9]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[9]
1Randy Savage (with Queen Sherri) defeated Jimmy SnukaSingles match05:37
2Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Ted DiBiase (with Zeus)Singles match for the WWF Championship09:28
3Roddy Piper defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match03:02
4Tito Santana (with The Red Rooster, Brutus Beefcake, and Dusty Rhodes) vs. Rick Martel (with Jimmy Hart, The Honky Tonk Man, Slick, Akeem and Big Boss Man) ended in a double disqualificationSingles match09:41
5The Bushwhackers (Luke and Butch) defeated The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques and Raymond) (with Jimmy Hart)Tag team match03:15
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 31, 1989
(aired November 25, 1989)
CityTopeka, Kansas
VenueSunflower State Expocentre
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXIII
Next →
XXV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV took place October 31, 1989, from Topeka, Kansas, at the Sunflower State Expocentre, and aired November 25, 1989.[19][57] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.7 rating.[9]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[9]
1The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship07:46
2The Genius defeated Hulk Hogan (c) by countoutSingles match for the WWF Championship07:34
3Dusty Rhodes defeated Big Boss Man (with Slick)Singles match04:47
4Mr. Perfect (with The Genius) defeated The Red RoosterSingles match04:13
5The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) defeated The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan)Two-out-of-three-falls match07:32
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJanuary 3, 1990
(aired January 27, 1990)
CityChattanooga, Tennessee
VenueUTC Arena
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXIV
Next →
XXVI

Saturday Night's Main Event XXV took place January 3, 1990, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the UTC Arena, and aired January 27, 1990.[58][59] The event aired on NBC and drew an 11.1 rating.[10]

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[10]
1Randy Savage (with Queen Sherri) defeated Jim DugganSingles match09:14
2Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior defeated Mr. Perfect and The GeniusTag team match08:02
3Jake Roberts defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualificationSingles match05:16
4Dusty Rhodes (with Sapphire) vs. Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) ended in a double countoutSingles match09:04
5Dino Bravo (with Jimmy Hart and Earthquake) defeated Ron GarvinSingles match03:19

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 23, 1990
(aired April 28, 1990)
CityAustin, Texas
VenueFrank Erwin Center
Attendance8,500[10]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXV
Next →
XXVII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI took place on April 23, 1990, from Austin, Texas, at the Frank Erwin Center, and aired April 28, 1990[59][60] on NBC.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[10]
1Hulk Hogan defeated Mr. Perfect (with The Genius)Singles match08:03
2Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Hillbilly JimSingles match01:58
3The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) vs. The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) ended in a double disqualificationTag team match09:30
4The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship04:49
5Big Boss Man defeated Akeem (with Slick) by disqualificationSingles match03:18
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJuly 16, 1990
(aired July 28, 1990)
CityOmaha, Nebraska
VenueOmaha Civic Auditorium
Attendance10,303[10]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXVI
Next →
XXVIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII took place July 16, 1990, from Omaha, Nebraska, at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, and aired July 28, 1990.[59][61] The event aired on NBC and drew a 7.2 rating.[10]

This event saw the debut in WWF of The Texas Tornado.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[10]
1The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWF Championship09:43
2Demolition (Smash and Crush) (c) (with Ax) defeated The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty)Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship09:31
3Mr. Perfect (with Bobby Heenan) (c) defeated Tito SantanaSingles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship10:11
4The Texas Tornado defeated Buddy RoseSingles match03:09
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 18, 1990
(aired October 13, 1990)
CityToledo, Ohio
VenueToledo Sports Arena
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXVII
Next →
XXIX

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII took place September 18, 1990, from Toledo, Ohio, at the Toledo Sports Arena, and aired October 13, 1990[59][62] on NBC.

During the match between Randy Savage and Dusty Rhodes, Ted DiBiase attacked Dusty's son Dustin Rhodes.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[10]
1The Ultimate Warrior and The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal) defeated Demolition (Ax, Smash, and Crush)Six-man tag team match04:59
2Randy Savage (with Queen Sherri) defeated Dusty Rhodes by countoutSingles match09:30
3Hulk Hogan and Tugboat defeated Rhythm and Blues (The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine) (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualificationTag team match07:20
4Sgt. Slaughter (with Gen. Adnan) defeated Koko B. Ware by submissionSingles match05:18
5The Texas Tornado (c) defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan)Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship03:10
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 15, 1991
(aired April 27, 1991)
CityOmaha, Nebraska
VenueOmaha Civic Auditorium
Attendance9,400
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXVIII
Next →
XXX

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX took place April 15, 1991, from Omaha, Nebraska, at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, and aired April 27, 1991.[59][63] The event drew 9,400 people of which 7,000 were paid.[11] The event aired on NBC and drew a 7.7 rating.[11] Following this event, Saturday Night's Main Event aired two episodes on FOX in 1992, the series then ended until returning to NBC for 5 additional specials beginning in 2006 with Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[11]
1The Ultimate Warrior defeated Sgt. Slaughter (with General Adnan and Col. Mustafa) by disqualificationSingles match08:00
2The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) (c) (with Jimmy Hart) defeated The Bushwhackers (Bushwhacker Luke and Bushwhacker Butch)Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship06:48
3Mr. Perfect won by last eliminating Greg Valentine[note 1]Battle Royal12:30
4Ted DiBiase (with Sensational Sherri) vs. Bret Hart ended in a double countoutSingles match09:56
5The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Tito SantanaSingles match04:29
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
  1. ^ Order of elimination from first eliminated: Paul Roma eliminated by Marty Jannetty; Marty Jannetty eliminated by himself; The British Bulldog eliminated by The Warlord; Tanaka eliminated by Jimmy Snuka; Jimmy Snuka eliminated by Haku; Jake Roberts eliminated by Earthquake; The Warlord eliminated by Hogan; The Texas Tornado eliminated by The Barbarian; Jim Duggan eliminated by Earthquake; Earthquake eliminated by Hogan; Kato eliminated by Tugboat; Hulk Hogan eliminated by Tugboat; Tugboat eliminated by Shawn Michaels; Hercules eliminated by Boss Man; The Big Boss Man eliminated by The Barbarian; Haku eliminated by Shawn Michaels; Shawn Michaels eliminated by Perfect; The Barbarian eliminated by Greg Valentine; Greg Valentine eliminated by Perfect

Saturday Night's Main Event XXX

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJanuary 27, 1992
(aired February 8, 1992)
CityLubbock, Texas
VenueLubbock Municipal Coliseum
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXIX
Next →
XXXI

Saturday Night's Main Event XXX took place on January 27, 1992, from Lubbock, Texas, at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, and aired February 8, 1992.[59][64] The event was the first Saturday Night's Main Event to air on Fox and drew an 8.2 rating and 14.3 million viewers.[65]

Prematch stipulation of the Roddy Piper and The Mountie match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship, stated Bret Hart would face the winner at WrestleMania VIII.

The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal) were originally scheduled to take on The Beverly Brothers (Blake Beverly and Beau Beverly), however The Legion of Doom were replaced by Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan.

Following the match between Randy Savage and Jake Roberts, the telecast ended with Miss Elizabeth coming to the ring and celebrating with Savage. A week later during Superstars, it was revealed that Roberts prepared to hit Miss Elizabeth with a steel chair as soon as she stepped backstage, only for The Undertaker to prevent the attack and allow Savage to hit Roberts with a chair of his own.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[12]
1Roddy Piper (c) defeated The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart)Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship03:30
2Hulk Hogan and Sid Justice (with Brutus Beefcake) defeated Ric Flair and The Undertaker (with Mr. Perfect and Paul Bearer) by disqualificationTag team match11:42
3Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan defeated The Beverly Brothers (Blake Beverly and Beau Beverly) (with The Genius)Tag team match02:39
4Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Jake RobertsSingles match05:25
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 27, 1992
(aired November 14, 1992)
CityTerre Haute, Indiana
VenueHulman Center
Attendance4,300[12]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXX
Next →
XXXII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI took place October 27, 1992, from Terre Haute, Indiana, at the Hulman Center, and aired November 14, 1992.[59][66] The event aired on Fox and drew a 6.1 rating and 10.6 million viewers.[67] This event was the second and final Saturday Night's Main Event to air on FOX, and the final Saturday Night's Main Event for almost 14 years, until the series returned in 2006 with Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[12]
1The Ultimate Maniacs (The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage) defeated Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) (c) (with Jimmy Hart) by countoutTag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship06:11
2Shawn Michaels defeated The British Bulldog (c)Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship10:28
3Bret Hart (c) defeated Papa Shango by submissionSingles match for the WWF Championship07:13
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

[edit]

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown!
DateMarch 18, 2006
CityDetroit, Michigan
VenueCobo Arena
Attendance7,000[13]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXI
Next →
XXXIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII took place on March 18, 2006, from Detroit, Michigan, at the Cobo Arena.[68] The event aired on a 1-hour tape delay on NBC in the United States and Citytv in Canada with the former network drawing a 3.1 rating.[13] This marked the first Saturday Night's Main Event since 1992 when Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI aired on FOX, and the first on NBC since Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX in 1991 as well as the first Saturday Night's Main Event to feature wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown! brand divisions during the first brand extension.

Mickie James and Trish Stratus fought over the WWE Women's Championship at New Year's Revolution, with Stratus retaining.[69] In the months that followed, James' obsession with Stratus grew to the point that she confessed to Stratus that she was in love with her.[70][71] James made an attempt to kiss Stratus at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII, after the duo defeated Candice Michelle and Victoria. After she was rebuffed, James attacked Stratus and later vowed to destroy her.[72]

Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, and Tazz are the commentators.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[13]
1DBig Show defeated CarlitoSingles match
2John Cena and Triple H defeated Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Randy OrtonHandicap match11:40
3Mickie James and Trish Stratus defeated Candice Michelle and VictoriaTag team match02:40
4Shane McMahon defeated Shawn Michaels by submissionStreet Fight16:42
D – this was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown!
ECW
DateJuly 15, 2006
CityDallas, Texas
VenueAmerican Airlines Center
Attendance17,343
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXII
Next →
XXXIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII took place July 15, 2006, from Dallas, Texas, at the American Airlines Center.[73] The event drew 17,343 people, of which 14,500 were paid.[13] The event aired live on NBC, and drew a 2.6 rating.[74] This was the first series to feature the ECW brand, which was relaunched in June 2006.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are the commentators for Raw, Michael Cole and John Layfield are the commentators for SmackDown, and Joey Styles and Tazz are the commentators for ECW. Justin Roberts was the ring announcer.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[13]
1Batista, Rey Mysterio, and Bobby Lashley defeated Mark Henry, Finlay, and King Booker (with Queen Sharmell and William Regal)Six-man tag team match10:07
2Carlito and Trish Stratus defeated Johnny Nitro and MelinaMixed tag team match02:36
3D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) defeated The Spirit Squad (Kenny, Mitch, Nicky, Johnny, and Mikey)Handicap Elimination match08:52
4Michelle McCool defeated VictoriaDiva Bull-Riding Contest01:08
5Sabu defeated Stevie RichardsExtreme Rules match02:02
6John Cena defeated Edge (c) (with Lita) by disqualificationSingles match for the WWE Championship07:54
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown!
ECW
DateMay 28, 2007
(aired June 2, 2007)
CityToronto, Ontario, Canada
VenueAir Canada Centre
Attendance16,176
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXIII
Next →
XXXV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV took place on May 28, 2007, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Air Canada Centre, and aired June 2, 2007.[75] The event drew 16,176 of which 14,000 were paid.[13] The event aired on NBC and drew a 2.2 rating.[76]

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are the commentators. Ashley Massaro, Kristal Marshall, Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle and Michelle McCool are the various guest ring announcers.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[14]
1The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh) defeated John CenaSingles match06:20
2Batista and Chris Benoit defeated Edge and Montel Vontavious PorterTag team match10:37
3Finlay and Hornswoggle defeated The Boogeyman and Little BoogeymanMixed tag team match03:49
4Kane, Doink the Clown, and Eugene defeated Kevin Thorn, Viscera, and UmagaSix-man tag team match10:55

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown!
ECW
DateAugust 13, 2007
(aired August 18, 2007)
CityNew York City
VenueMadison Square Garden
Attendance16,827
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXIV
Next →
XXXVI

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV took place on August 13, 2007, from New York City at Madison Square Garden, and aired August 18, 2007.[77] The event drew 16,827 of which 13,500 were paid.[14] The event aired on NBC and drew a 2.5 rating.[78]

Michael Cole, Jim Ross, and John Layfield are the commentators. Tazz was the guest commentator for the main event.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[14]
1Batista and Kane defeated Finlay and The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh)Tag team match08:25
2John Cena defeated Carlito by submissionSingles match05:37
3Evander Holyfield vs. Matt Hardy ended in a no contestBoxing match00:44
4CM Punk and The Boogeyman defeated John Morrison and Big Daddy V (with Matt Striker)Tag team match06:40

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown!
ECW
DateJuly 28, 2008
(aired August 2, 2008)
CityWashington, D.C.
VenueVerizon Center
Attendance14,722
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXV
Next →
XXXVII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI took place on July 28, 2008, from Washington, D.C., at the Verizon Center, and aired August 2, 2008.[79] The event aired on NBC as a 1-hour special,[15] and drew a 1.4 rating.[80] The event drew 14,722 of which 12,000 were paid.[15]

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are the commentators. CM Punk was the guest commentator for the first televised match.

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[15]
1DPaul London defeated Charlie HaasSingles match06:00
2John "Bradshaw" Layfield, Kane, and The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase) defeated John Cena, Batista, and Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard and JTG)Eight-man tag team match11:00
3The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh) defeated Jimmy Wang YangSingles match01:30
4Edge defeated Jeff HardySingles match12:00
D – this was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII
Promotional poster featuring Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens
PromotionWWE
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown
DateDecember 14, 2024
CityUniondale, New York
VenueNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
WWE Network event chronology
← Previous
NXT Deadline
Next →
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXVI
Next →
XXXVIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII will take place on December 14, 2024, from Uniondale, New York, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the same location as the inaugural event 39 years earlier. The event will be simulcast, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock in the United States as a 2-hour special,[16] marking the first Saturday Night's Main Event special since 2008. This special will see the crowning of the inaugural WWE Women's United States Champion.[81]


No.Matches*Stipulations
1TBD vs. TBDTournament final for the inaugural WWE Women's United States Championship[82]
2Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo SkySingles match for the Women's World Championship[83]
3Gunther (c) vs. Finn BálorSingles match for the World Heavyweight Championship[84]
4Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin OwensSingles match for the Undisputed WWE Championship[85]
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
*Card subject to change
WWE Women's United States Championship Tourmament
[edit]

The tournament to crown the inaugural Women's United States Champion began on November 15, 2024, and is being held across episodes of SmackDown, concluding at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14, 2024.

Notes
  1. ^ Jade Cargill was originally to participate, but was attacked backstage by an unknown assailant during the November 22 episode of SmackDown and was pulled from the tournament.[87] She was replaced by NXT's Lash Legend.[88]

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII

[edit]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII
PromotionWWE
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown
DateJanuary 25, 2025
CitySan Antonio, Texas
VenueFrost Bank Center
WWE Network event chronology
← Previous
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII
Next →
Royal Rumble
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
← Previous
XXXVII
Next →

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII will take place on January 25, 2025, from San Antonio, Texas, at the Frost Bank Center. The event will be simulcast, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock in the United States as a 2-hour special.[90]

Home video

[edit]

VHS release

[edit]

During the original run, Coliseum Video released two cassettes of Saturday Night's Main Event: Saturday Night's Main Event's Greatest Hits[91] which contained six matches from 1985 to 1987 and More Saturday Night's Main Event containing nine matches from 1988 to 1989.[92]

In 1992, the WWF released through Columbia House, Best of Saturday Night's Main Event (Collector's Edition) comprising five matches from 1988 to 1990.[93]

DVD release

[edit]

On February 10, 2009, the WWE released a three-disc DVD set on the history of Saturday Night's Main Event. The set includes more than 30 full matches and several non-wrestling segments. Among these are highlights of Uncle Elmer's wedding, Hulk Hogan's "Real American" music video, and Mr. Perfect smashing Hogan's WWF World Heavyweight Championship belt. The first match in the program's history, a six-man tag team match pitting the U.S. Express (Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham) teaming with Ricky Steamboat defeating the team of WWF Tag Team Champions Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik and their partner George "The Animal" Steele, is included as an extra. Also, two other notable matches are included, both from the program's spinoff The Main Event. The first is a February 1988 rematch from WrestleMania III pitting Hogan against André the Giant, the second a Mega Powers' (Hogan and Randy Savage) bout against the Twin Towers (The Big Boss Man and Akeem) from February 1989. Both had direct implications on each year's WrestleMania: the Hogan-Andre match led to the WWF title being vacated until WrestleMania IV while the Mega Powers-Twin Towers match led to the breakup of the Mega Powers and Hogan eventually defeating Randy Savage to win the WWF title at WrestleMania V.[94]

In the WrestleMania 22 DVD, the XXXII edition was included in the 2nd disc in its entirety.

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[edit]