WWE's Saturday Night Main Event: 5 Crucial Occurrences That Need to Unfold
WWE is bringing back the iconic show "Saturday Night's Main Event", a fan favorite from the late 80s and early 90s, with a bang! The first episode since 2008 will be aired simultaneously on NBC and Peacock as a two-hour primetime special, marking the start of many more to come. The second SNME special is scheduled for next month, making it the sole major event between now and the Royal Rumble in February.
WWE has a packed card for the return of "Saturday Night's Main Event", which will function as a mini pay-per-view. The headlining attraction is Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, a highly anticipated match that will likely conclude the intense rivalry between the two. In addition, Liv Morgan will defend her Women's World title against Iyo Sky, and WWE will crown its first-ever Women's United States Champion. Gunther will face Finn Balor and Damian Priest in a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship. WWE is off to a strong start with this event, setting the stage for the Royal Rumble in 2025.
Here are five smart booking decisions WWE should make at "Saturday Night's Main Event" 2024:
Liv Morgan Uses Underhand Tactics to Retain Her Title
Iyo Sky has gained popularity following her recent babyface turn, but she is just a temporary rival for Liv Morgan. Morgan's true adversary remains Rhea Ripley, who pinned Morgan at Survivor Series WarGames to potentially set up a rematch for the Women's World Championship, which Ripley will likely hold leading up to WrestleMania season. Morgan needs to retain her title at "Saturday Night's Main Event", but Santiago's increasing popularity makes it the wrong time for a clean loss. Morgan only needs to retain the title to set up the inevitable rematch against Ripley.
Gunther Retains His Title Against Finn Balor and Damian Priest
WWE has hinted at a potential babyface turn for Gunther, indicated by his recent interactions with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Judgment Day. However, Balor's reported push should not come at the expense of Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship reign. Gunther has already defeated Priest twice, making it essential for him to stay undefeated at "Saturday Night's Main Event".
Drew McIntyre Triumphs Over Sami Zayn
McIntyre's shocking return to WWE reignited his long-standing feud with Sami Zayn. With McIntyre targeting anyone associated with Roman Reigns, this storyline has the potential to lead to a confrontation with The Bloodline. Given McIntyre's history with Reigns, this could mean McIntyre eliminating members of The OG Bloodline, culminating in a potential rematch with Reigns. Following his loss at Bad Blood, McIntyre needs a victory at "Saturday Night's Main Event" and Zayn, with his massive popularity, provides the perfect opponent.
Chelsea Green Wins the Inaugural WWE Women's United States Championship
Green has transformed into one of WWE's most entertaining stars in recent years and would make an excellent first-ever midcard champion. After upsetting Bayley in the semifinals, Green seems primed for a title win, which could further elevate her standing within the company. While Michin has been impressing audiences, Green is the more audience-favorite and could breathe fresh air into the division as a champion.
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WWE plans to revive "Saturday Night's Main Event", a beloved show from the 80s and 90s, with a flair. The first episode to air since 2008 will broadcast simultaneously on NBC and Peacock as a primetime special, marking the kickoff of more broadcasts in the future. The second instance of "SNME" is set for next month and will represent the single significant event before February's Royal Rumble.
WWE has designed an enticing lineup for the return of "Saturday Night's Main Event" that will function as a mini pay-per-view. The marquee event features Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, a thrilling showdown that will likely conclude their rivalry. Liv Morgan will also put her Women's World title at stake against Iyo Sky, and WWE will crown its initial Women's United States Champion. Gunther will engage in a triple threat match with Finn Balor and Damian Priest to defend the World Heavyweight Championship. WWE appears to be starting on a strong note, setting the foundation for the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Here are five cunning decisions WWE should implement at "Saturday Night's Main Event" 2024:
Liv Morgan Utilizes Dishonest Strategies to Retain Her Title
Iyo Sky has gained popularity following her transformation into a babyface, but she is merely a stepping stone for Liv Morgan. Morgan's true enemy is still Rhea Ripley, who defeated Morgan at Survivor Series WarGames, potentially setting the stage for a Women's World Championship rematch. Morgan must retain her title at "Saturday Night's Main Event", but given Sky's growing popularity, a clean loss is not necessary at this time. Morgan simply requires a victory to catalyze a rematch against Ripley.
Gunther Retains His Title Against Finn Balor and Damian Priest
WWE has dropped hints indicating that Gunther may undergo a face turn, illustrated by his recent friendly interactions with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Judgment Day. Nonetheless, Balor's presumed push ought not marginalize Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship reign. Gunther has already bested Priest twice, necessitating a victory at "Saturday Night's Main Event".
Drew McIntyre Emerges Victorious Against Sami Zayn
McIntyre's return to WWE reignited his contentious relationship with Sami Zayn. With McIntyre targeting anyone connected to Roman Reigns, this storyline holds promising potential for a confrontation with The Bloodline. Given McIntyre's history with Reigns, this could culminate in McIntyre eliminating some members of The OG Bloodline, possibly leading to a rematch with Reigns. Following his defeat at Bad Blood, McIntyre requires a win at "Saturday Night's Main Event" and Zayn, with his tremendous popularity, provides an ideal opponent.
Chelsea Green Secures the Inaugural WWE Women's United States Championship
Green has developed into one of WWE's most entertaining stars during the past couple of years and would make an excellent first-ever midcard champion. After upsetting Bayley in the semifinals, Green appears primed for a title triumph, which could propel her to further prominence within the company. While Michin has been delivering impressive performances, Green is the more audience-favorite and could invigorate the division as a champion.
Green ought to claim the title and utilize her tenure as champion to evolve into a somewhat more serious and less comedic persona.
Cody Rhodes Gets Dethroned by Kevin Owens at WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes himself proclaimed that his WrestleMania 41 strategies are set to "shock" spectators, thereby suggesting that he must maintain the WWE Championship until then. However, this premise is quite misleading.
In reality, there isn't any substantial reason that prevents Rhodes from surrendering the WWE title to Kevin Owens. Owens, undoubtedly WWE's most sizzling character and a star destined to be the company's foremost champion, merits the position. Moreover, Rhodes has demonstrated throughout his recent adventures in WWE that he appears more captivating when pursuing championships, rather than when holding one.
As Owens escalates to a mega villain, the one missing ingredient in his arsenal is a world title. Moreover, Owens—the epitome of a detestable villain—could terminate Rhodes' reign as champion by employing chicanery, presumably shielding Rhodes in the process.
Take note, Rhodes concluded his "journey" at WrestleMania 40. If WWE wishes to continue spinning enthralling tales around the wildly popular star, the most effective method would be to have him lose the WWE title to Owens.
The business aspect of WWE sees potential in leveraging the return of the iconic show "Saturday Night's Main Event" to generate more sports-entertainment money. With Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, the business opportunities will be substantial, as fans are eager to witness their long-awaited match.
Additionally, the upcoming tournament to crown the first-ever Women's United States Champion offers a unique opportunity for WWE to tap into the ever-growing market of female sports fans, thereby expanding its revenue streams.
