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The 10 Most Shocking & Iconic Saturday Night's Main Event Matches You Need To See (Including The 2025 Revival)

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The revival of *Saturday Night's Main Event* (SNME) in 2024 has brought a wave of nostalgia and new, high-stakes contests back to network television, proving that the magic of prime-time wrestling is far from over. Originally a groundbreaking series that replaced *Saturday Night Live* on occasion, SNME was the precursor to modern pay-per-views, delivering major championship matches and storyline developments that captivated millions of fans in the 1980s and early 1990s. The latest iteration, which returned as part of a significant broadcast agreement, is once again creating must-see moments, including one of the most anticipated matches of the current era.

As of this current date, December 19, 2025, the buzz surrounding the recent and upcoming SNME events is immense. From classic Steel Cage matches and shocking title changes to the highly publicized "final match" of a true legend, the show continues its legacy as a pivotal stage for the biggest matches in professional wrestling history. This article dives deep into the most iconic bouts from its original run and highlights the fresh, must-watch action from the ongoing revival.

A Historical Look at Saturday Night's Main Event: The Blueprint for Prime-Time Wrestling

The original *Saturday Night's Main Event* (SNME) debuted in 1985 and was a revolutionary concept for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE. Instead of relying solely on syndicated programming, SNME brought the company's biggest stars—like Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage—to a major, prime-time network, NBC. This exposure was instrumental in fueling the "Golden Era" of professional wrestling.

The show's format was simple yet effective: fewer matches, longer segments, and major storyline progression. It was here that many crucial angles were launched, setting the stage for events like WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble. The show's retro presentation, initially adopted for the 2024 revival with blue barricades and referees in bow ties, was a nod to this classic era, though reports suggest this retro look is being updated for a more modern feel.

The Top 10 Most Iconic Saturday Night's Main Event Matches of All Time

While every episode had its moments, certain matches stand out as pivotal moments in WWE history, either for their star power, their in-ring quality, or the lasting impact they had on the company’s narrative. Here are the 10 most iconic SNME matches from both the classic and modern eras:

  1. Hulk Hogan & André The Giant vs. King Kong Bundy & Big John Studd (October 31, 1985): This was arguably the biggest tag team match in the history of the show at the time, featuring the four biggest names in the company. It established SNME as a place for monumental main events and set the stage for future rivalries.
  2. Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant (February 5, 1988): Though not the main event of WrestleMania III, this was a massive rematch for the WWE Championship. It was the moment André defeated Hogan for the title, immediately handing it over to Ted DiBiase in a shocking twist that remains one of the most controversial title changes ever.
  3. Hulk Hogan vs. Big Boss Man (Steel Cage Match, May 27, 1989): A brutal and highly-rated contest for the WWE Championship. The match is famous for the involvement of Zeus, who attacked Hogan before the match, adding significant drama and leading to a major summer storyline.
  4. Shawn Michaels vs. The British Bulldog (November 14, 1992): This match holds a unique place in history as the final title change of the original SNME run. Shawn Michaels defeated The British Bulldog to capture the Intercontinental Championship, a significant win that cemented Michaels’ rise as a singles star.
  5. Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage (January 2, 1987): A highly technical and fast-paced dream match between two of the best workers of their generation. While not a title match, it showcased the in-ring excellence that Bret Hart would become known for.
  6. Mr. Perfect vs. The Ultimate Warrior (July 28, 1990): A high-energy matchup that saw the undefeated Mr. Perfect challenge The Ultimate Warrior for the Intercontinental Championship. The match was a major step in Perfect’s career and a memorable title defense for Warrior.
  7. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and JBL (Beer Drinking Contest, March 18, 2006): While not a traditional match, this segment from the 2000s revival was a classic piece of sports entertainment. It featured the return of "Stone Cold" to a major network show, delivering a signature moment that played perfectly to his legendary persona.
  8. The Rockers vs. The Hart Foundation (April 28, 1990): A fantastic tag team contest that highlighted the incredible chemistry between these two teams. It was a preview of the fast-paced, high-flying action that would define the next generation of wrestling.
  9. Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff (January 3, 1987): The culmination of one of the biggest feuds of the mid-80s. Hogan successfully defended the WWE Championship against his former friend in a highly anticipated main event that drew massive ratings.
  10. Hulk Hogan & The Ultimate Warrior vs. Mr. Perfect & The Genius (January 27, 1990): A star-studded tag team main event that paired two of the biggest babyfaces against two of the most cunning heels. This match furthered the rivalry between Hogan and Perfect, leading to their eventual championship clash.

The 2024-2025 Saturday Night's Main Event Revival: A New Era on NBC

The return of *Saturday Night's Main Event* to NBC in 2024 was a major development in the world of WWE. The show was revived as part of the agreement that moved *WWE SmackDown* to the USA Network, giving WWE a crucial prime-time presence on a major network. This revival has been used to showcase top-tier talent and deliver high-profile matches that have significant implications for the *Raw* and *SmackDown* brands.

The initial concept leaned heavily into a retro presentation, utilizing elements like the classic blue ring ropes and specific camera angles to evoke the 1980s feel. However, as the show progresses, WWE is reportedly moving toward an updated production style to keep the presentation fresh and aligned with its modern weekly programming.

The Final Chapter? John Cena vs. Gunther (December 13, 2025)

The most talked-about match of the modern SNME era, and perhaps one of the most significant in the show’s entire history, is the highly anticipated clash between John Cena and Gunther scheduled for December 13, 2025. This match is being billed as John Cena's anticipated final match, a monumental occasion that will draw global attention.

The pairing of the 16-time World Champion, John Cena, against the dominant powerhouse, Gunther (The Ring General), is a classic generational showdown. It represents the passing of the torch and is a perfect example of how SNME is being utilized to deliver big-fight feel moments that rival modern WWE pay-per-views like WrestleMania and SummerSlam. The outcome is not just about a win or loss; it's about the final bow of one of wrestling's all-time greats on a stage that specializes in creating history.

The Legacy and Future of Saturday Night's Main Event

The core appeal of *Saturday Night's Main Event* has always been its ability to deliver major, consequential matches on a free, accessible platform. It was the original "special event," a concept that has been successfully translated to the 2024-2025 revival. The show is now a crucial part of the WWE landscape, serving as a bridge between weekly television and the major premium live events.

With its history of classic moments—from Hulk Hogan’s dominance to Shawn Michaels' first major title—and its future featuring legendary matchups like Cena vs. Gunther, SNME continues to be a destination for wrestling fans. It maintains topical authority by featuring the biggest stars and most important storylines, ensuring that every time the show airs, it lives up to its name: a truly main event experience on a Saturday night.

The show's ability to evolve while honoring its past is why it remains a beloved entity. Whether you’re a fan of the classic WWF era or the current WWE Network superstars, the tradition of high-stakes, network-quality wrestling is alive and well, proving that the biggest matches always find their way to the biggest stage.

The 10 Most Shocking & Iconic Saturday Night's Main Event Matches You Need To See (Including The 2025 Revival)
saturday night main event matches
saturday night main event matches

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