Saturday Night's Main Event

Saturday Night's Main Event
Logo for 2024 revival
Genre	Professional wrestling
Created by	Vince McMahon
Starring	Raw 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; December 14, 2024-present) "Boom" by P.O.D. (March 18, 2006–August 2, 2008)
Ending theme	"Take Me Home" by Phil Collins (1985-1988)
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of episodes	36
Production
Executive producers	Dick Ebersol Paul Levesque Lee Fitting
Producer	Paul Levesque
Running time	60 minutes (original run and first revived run) 120 minutes (second revived run)
Production companies	Titan Sports Inc. (1985–1992) Once a Month Productions, Inc. (1985–1991) WWE (2006–2008, 2024–present)
Original release
Network	NBC
Release	May 11, 1985 (1985-05-11) – April 27, 1991 (1991-04-27)
Network	Fox
Release	February 8 (1992-02-08) – November 14, 1992 (1992-11-14)
Network	NBC
Release	March 18, 2006 (2006-03-18) – August 2, 2008 (2008-08-02)
Network	NBC Peacock
Release	December 14, 2024 (2024-12-14) – present (present)
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, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

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.

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.

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.

The series was discontinued after July 2008;^[4] in lieu of Saturday Night's Main Event, WWE began to instead produce hour-long WrestleMania highlights specials for NBC, beginning with The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania: The World Television Premiere in August 2009.^[5][6]

In 2024, after having moved from USA to Fox in 2019, WWE SmackDown returned 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 it would be producing a second revival of Saturday Night's Main Event, with the first episode airing on December 14 from Nassau Coliseum—the site of the first edition of the series.^[7]

The new revival features homages to the original run of Saturday Night's Main Event and WWE in the 1980s, including a lack of TitanTron, red, white, and blue ring ropes, referees in formal outfits, some branding elements using the WWE "throwback" logo, and the reinstatement of "Obsession" by Animotion as its theme music (albeit this time not as an instrumental). Cody Rhodes also wore the classic "Winged Eagle" belt introduced in 1988 to represent his Undisputed WWE Championship.^{[8][9][10][11]}

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	[12]
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	[12]
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	[12]
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	[12]
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	[13]
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	[13]
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	[13]
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	[13]
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	[13]
Saturday Night's Main Event X	February 21, 1987 Aired March 14, 1987	Detroit, Michigan	Joe Louis Arena	20-Man Battle Royal	[14]
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)	[14]
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	[14]
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	[14]
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	[14]
Saturday Night's Main Event XV	March 7, 1988 Aired March 12, 1988	Nashville, Tennessee	Nashville Municipal Auditorium	Hulk Hogan vs. Harley Race	[15]
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	[15]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVII	October 25, 1988 Aired October 29, 1988	Baltimore, Maryland	Baltimore Arena	Hulk Hogan vs. King Haku	[15]
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	[15]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIX	December 7, 1988 Aired January 7, 1989	Tampa, Florida	USF Sun Dome	Hulk Hogan vs. Akeem	[15]
Saturday Night's Main Event XX	February 16, 1989 Aired March 11, 1989	Hershey, Pennsylvania	Hersheypark Arena	Hulk Hogan vs. Bad News Brown	[16]
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	[16]
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	[16]
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	[16]
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	[16]
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	[17]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI	April 23, 1990 Aired April 28, 1990	Austin, Texas	Frank Erwin Center	Hulk Hogan vs. Mr. Perfect The Ultimate Warrior vs. Haku for the WWF Championship	[17]
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	[17]
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)	[17]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX	April 15, 1991 Aired April 27, 1991	Omaha, Nebraska	Omaha Civic Auditorium	20-Man Battle Royal	[18]
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	[19]
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	[19]
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	[20]
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	[20]
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	[21]
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	[21]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI	July 28, 2008 Aired August 2, 2008	Washington, D.C.	Verizon Center	Edge vs. Jeff Hardy	[22]
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	[23]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII	January 25, 2025	San Antonio, Texas	Frost Bank Center		[24]
(c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

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.

Saturday Night's Main Event I
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	May 10, 1985 (aired May 11, 1985)
City	Uniondale, New York
Venue	Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance	8,300[12]
Television special chronology
← Previous The War to Settle the Score Next → Saturday Night's Main Event II
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.^[25][26] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.8 rating.^[27]

No.	Results[28]	Stipulations	Times[12]
1	The 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 match	06:30
2	Hulk Hogan (c) (with Mr. T) defeated Bob Orton (with Roddy Piper) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	06:54
3	Wendi Richter (c) (with Cyndi Lauper) defeated The Fabulous Moolah	Singles match for the WWF Women's Championship	04:00
4	Junkyard Dog (with Bertha Ritter) defeated Pete Doherty	Singles match	03:15
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event II
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	October 3, 1985 (aired October 5, 1985)
City	East Rutherford, New Jersey
Venue	Brendan Byrne Arena
Attendance	8,000[12]
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.^[26][29] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.3 rating.^[30]

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

No.	Results[31]	Stipulations	Times[12]
1	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie)	Flag match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	05:17
2	Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim and Cousin Junior) defeated Jerry Valiant	Singles match	00:12
3	Paul Orndorff vs. Roddy Piper ended in a double countout	Singles match	04:01
4	André the Giant and Tony Atlas (with Lou Albano) defeated King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Tag team match	04:26
5	The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) (c) (with Johnny Valiant) defeated Lanny Poffo and Tony Garea	Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship	03:30
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event III
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	October 31, 1985 (aired November 2, 1985)
City	Hershey, Pennsylvania
Venue	Hersheypark Arena
Attendance	8,000[12]
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.^[26][32] The event aired on NBC and drew a 6.3 rating.^[12]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[12]
1	Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Junkyard Dog	Singles match	05:16
2	Hulk Hogan and André the Giant (with Lou Albano) defeated King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Tag team match	08:00
3	Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Tito Santana (c) ended in a double countout	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	04:08
4	Ricky Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji (with The Magnificent Muraco)	Kung Fu Challenge	03:16
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event IV
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	December 19, 1985 (aired January 4, 1986)
City	Tampa, Florida
Venue	USF 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.^[26][33] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.4 rating.^[34]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[12]
1	Jesse Ventura, Roddy Piper, and Bob Orton defeated Hillbilly Jim, Uncle Elmer, and Cousin Luke	Six-man tag team match	08:00
2	Hulk Hogan (c) (with Junkyard Dog) defeated Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	08:30
3	Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George Steele (with Lou Albano)	Singles match	04:06
4	Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie and The Iron Sheik) defeated Corporal Kirchner	Peace Match	04:32
5	Junkyard Dog and Ricky Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji and The Magnificent Muraco	Tag team match	05:19
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event V
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	February 15, 1986 (aired March 1, 1986)
City	Phoenix, Arizona
Venue	Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance	12,000[13]
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.^[26][35] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.^[36]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[13]
1	Mr. T defeated Bob Orton (with Roddy Piper)	Boxing match	5:02
2	King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Steve Gatorwolf	Singles match	00:41
3	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated The Magnificent Muraco (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	06:53
4	The 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 Championship	12:00
5	Junkyard Dog defeated Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match	08:45
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VI
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	May 1, 1986 (aired May 3, 1986)
City	Providence, Rhode Island
Venue	Providence 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.^[26][37] The show aired on NBC and drew a 9.3 rating.^[38]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[13]
1	Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog (with The Haiti Kid) defeated Terry Funk and Hoss Funk (with Jimmy Hart)	Tag team match	13:30
2	King Kong Bundy defeated Uncle Elmer	Singles match	02:35
3	Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualification	Singles match	12:00
4	The 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 Championship	09:10
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	September 13, 1986 (aired October 4, 1986)
City	Richfield, Ohio
Venue	Coliseum at Richfield
Attendance	21,000[13]
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.^[26][39] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.4 rating.^[40]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[13]
1	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	10:00
2	Ricky Steamboat defeated Jake Roberts	Singles match	06:19
3	Roddy Piper defeated The Iron Sheik (with Slick)	Singles match	00:43
4	The 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 Championship	13:09
5	Kamala (with The Wizard and Kim Chee) defeated Lanny Poffo	Singles match	01:44
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VIII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	November 15, 1986 (aired November 29, 1986)
City	Los Angeles, California
Venue	Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance	16,000[13]
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.^[26][41] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.7 rating.^[42]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[13]
1	Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Jake Roberts ended in a double disqualification	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	09:30
2	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Hercules Hernandez (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	06:30
3	Roddy Piper defeated Bob Orton (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match	03:48
4	The Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair) defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart)	Tag team match	09:00
5	Koko B. Ware defeated Nikolai Volkoff (with Slick)	Singles match	02:30
6	The Magnificent Muraco (with Mr. Fuji) defeated Dick Slater	Singles match	02:05
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event IX
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	December 14, 1986 (aired January 3, 1987)
City	Hartford, Connecticut
Venue	Hartford Civic Center
Attendance	10,000[13]
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.^[26][43] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.6 rating.^[44]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[13]
1	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Bobby Heenan) by escaping the cage	Steel cage match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	10:42
2	Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George Steele (with Ricky Steamboat)	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	08:30
3	Junkyard Dog defeated Harley Race (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match	06:00
4	Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Roddy Piper by countout	Singles match	03:35
5	Blackjack Mulligan defeated Jimmy Jack Funk	Singles match	02:31
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event X
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	February 21, 1987 (aired March 14, 1987)
City	Detroit, Michigan
Venue	Joe Louis Arena
Attendance	21,000[14]
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.^[26][45] The event aired on NBC and drew an 11.6 rating.^[46]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[14]
1	Randy 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 Elizabeth	04:30
2	Hercules won by last eliminating Billy Jack Haynes[note 1]	Battle Royal	11:16
3	King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Jake Roberts by disqualification	Singles match	06:14
4	The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (c) (with Jimmy Hart and Danny Davis) defeated Tito Santana and Dan Spivey	Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship	05:31
5	Ricky Steamboat defeated The Iron Sheik (with Slick)	Singles match	03:29
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XI
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	April 28, 1987 (aired May 2, 1987)
City	Notre Dame, Indiana
Venue	Edmund P. Joyce Center
Attendance	9,345[14]
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.^[26][47] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.5 rating.^[48]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[14]
1	Kamala (with The Honky Tonk Man and Mr. Fuji) defeated Jake Roberts	Singles match	04:18
2	Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George Steele	Lumberjack match	06:44
3	The 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 disqualification	Two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship	09:48
4	Ricky Steamboat (c) defeated Hercules (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	06:42
5	The Can-Am Connection (Rick Martel and Tom Zenk) (with Jim Duggan) defeated Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (with Slick)	Tag team match	04:45
6D	Hulk Hogan and Ken Patera defeated The Heenan Family (André the Giant and Hercules)	Tag Team match	10:17
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match D  – this was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	September 23, 1987 (aired October 3, 1987)
City	Hershey, Pennsylvania
Venue	Hersheypark Arena
Attendance	9,000[14]
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.^[26][49] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.7 rating.^[50]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[14]
1	Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated The Honky Tonk Man (c) (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	13:00
2	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Sika (with Mr. Fuji and Kim Chee)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	07:59
3	King Kong Bundy (with André the Giant) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Oliver Humperdink)	Singles match	08:00
4	The 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 Championship	04:35
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	November 11, 1987 (aired November 28, 1987)
City	Seattle, Washington
Venue	Seattle Center Coliseum
Attendance	16,000[14]
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^[26][51] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[14]
1	George Steele defeated Danny Davis by disqualification	Singles match	03:49
2	Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Bret Hart (with Jimmy Hart and Jim Neidhart)	Singles match	12:03
3	King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Hulk Hogan (c) by countout	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	13:45
4	Bam Bam Bigelow (with Oliver Humperdink) defeated Hercules	Singles match	07:00
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIV
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	December 7, 1987 (aired January 2, 1988)
City	Landover, Maryland
Venue	Capital Centre
Attendance	11,000[14]
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^[26][52] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[14]
1	Strike 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 Championship	07:55
2	Jake Roberts defeated Sika (with Mr. Fuji)	Singles match	03:35
3	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated King Kong Bundy (with André the Giant)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	12:09
4	Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Koko B. Ware by submission	Singles match	07:30
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XV
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	March 7, 1988 (aired March 12, 1988)
City	Nashville, Tennessee
Venue	Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Attendance	10,000
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.^[53] Although there were 10,000 in attendance, it was reportedly a heavily papered event.^[15] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.^[54]

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.^[55]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[15]
1	Brutus Beefcake defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match	09:02
2	Hulk Hogan defeated Harley Race (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match	06:37
3	Ted DiBiase (with Virgil and André the Giant) defeated Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) by countout	Singles match	11:39
4	The Islanders (Haku and Tama) (with Bobby Heenan) defeated The Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair)	Two-out-of-three-falls match	03:38
5	One Man Gang (with Slick) defeated Ken Patera	Singles match	03:47

Saturday Night's Main Event XVI
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	April 22, 1988 (aired April 30, 1988)
City	Springfield, Massachusetts
Venue	Springfield Civic Center
Attendance	9,000[15]
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^[26][56] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[15]
1	Jim Duggan defeated Hercules (with Bobby Heenan and André the Giant) by disqualification	Singles match	08:47
2	Brutus Beefcake defeated Danny Davis (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match	03:10
3	Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated One Man Gang (with Slick)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	06:03
4	Demolition (Ax and Smash) (with Mr. Fuji) defeated The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) by disqualification	Tag team match	05:05
5	Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) defeated Don Muraco (with Billy Graham)	Singles match	04:12
6	Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Koko B. Ware	Singles match	03:44
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XVII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	October 25, 1988 (aired October 29, 1988)
City	Baltimore, Maryland
Venue	Baltimore 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.^[26][57] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.7 rating.^[15]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[15]
1	Jake Roberts (with Cheryl Roberts) defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match	07:22
2	Demolition (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 Championship	05:58
3	Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated King Haku (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match	06:16
4	Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin) defeated Ken Patera	Singles match	03:03
5	Big Boss Man (with Slick) defeated Jim Powers	Singles match	02:34
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	November 16, 1988 (aired November 26, 1988)
City	Sacramento, California
Venue	ARCO Arena
Attendance	15,900[15]
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.^[26][58] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.4 rating.^[15]

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

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[15]
1	The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Super Ninja (with Mr. Fuji)	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	02:11
2	Hercules defeated Virgil (with Ted DiBiase)	Singles match	03:20
3	Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) ended in a double disqualification	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	08:51
4	Jim Duggan defeated Boris Zuhkov	Flag match	02:27
5	The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau) (with Jimmy Hart) defeated The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers)	Tag team match	03:05
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIX
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	December 7, 1988 (aired January 7, 1989)
City	Tampa, Florida
Venue	USF Sun Dome
Attendance	9,176[15]
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^[26][59] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[15]
1	Brutus Beefcake defeated Ron Bass	Hair vs. Hair match	07:40
2	Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Akeem (with Big Boss Man and Slick) by disqualification	Singles match	08:06
3	The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	05:07
4	Tito Santana defeated The Red Rooster (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match	07:27
5	Mr. Perfect defeated Koko B. Ware	Singles match	03:10
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XX
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	February 16, 1989 (aired March 11, 1989)
City	Hershey, Pennsylvania
Venue	Hersheypark Arena
Attendance	9,000[16]
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.^[60] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.^[16]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[16]
1	Brutus Beefcake defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match	05:45
2	Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Bad News Brown	Singles match	09:44
3	Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) defeated The Blue Blazer	Singles match	03:57
4	The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan) vs. The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) ended in a double countout	Tag team match	09:19
5	The Red Rooster defeated The Brooklyn Brawler (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match	01:05

Saturday Night's Main Event XXI
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	April 25, 1989 (aired May 27, 1989)
City	Des Moines, Iowa
Venue	Veterans 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^[26][61] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[16]
1	King Duggan defeated Rick Rude (c) (with Bobby Heenan) by countout	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	07:15
2	Randy Savage (with Sensational Sherri) defeated Jim Neidhart	Singles match	05:54
3	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Big Boss Man (with Slick) by escaping the cage	Steel cage match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	10:01
4	The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan) defeated Demolition (Ax and Smash) (c) by disqualification	Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship	09:15
5	Jimmy Snuka defeated Boris Zhukov (with Slick)	Singles match	01:11
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	July 18, 1989 (aired July 29, 1989)
City	Worcester, Massachusetts
Venue	Worcester 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^[26][62] 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. The show also featured the only title change in the programs history to date.

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[16]
1	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	06:14
2	Jimmy Snuka defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match	03:14
3	Brutus Beefcake defeated Randy Savage (with Sensational Sherri) by disqualification	Singles match	11:30
4	The 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 Championship	12:33
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	September 21, 1989 (aired October 14, 1989)
City	Cincinnati, Ohio
Venue	Riverfront Coliseum
Attendance	14,000
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.^[26][63] The show was attended by 14,000 people, of which 12,000 were paid.^[16] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.5 rating.^[16]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[16]
1	Randy Savage (with Queen Sherri) defeated Jimmy Snuka	Singles match	05:37
2	Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Ted DiBiase (with Zeus)	Singles match for the WWF Championship	09:28
3	Roddy Piper defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match	03:02
4	Tito 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 disqualification	Singles match	09:41
5	The Bushwhackers (Luke and Butch) defeated The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques and Raymond) (with Jimmy Hart)	Tag team match	03:15
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	October 31, 1989 (aired November 25, 1989)
City	Topeka, Kansas
Venue	Sunflower 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.^[26][64] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.7 rating.^[16]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[16]
1	The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	07:46
2	The Genius defeated Hulk Hogan (c) by countout	Singles match for the WWF Championship	07:34
3	Dusty Rhodes defeated Big Boss Man (with Slick)	Singles match	04:47
4	Mr. Perfect (with The Genius) defeated The Red Rooster	Singles match	04:13
5	The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) defeated The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) (with Bobby Heenan)	Two-out-of-three-falls match	07:32
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXV
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	January 3, 1990 (aired January 27, 1990)
City	Chattanooga, Tennessee
Venue	UTC 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.^[65][66] The event aired on NBC and drew an 11.1 rating.^[17]

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[17]
1	Randy Savage (with Queen Sherri) defeated Jim Duggan	Singles match	09:14
2	Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior defeated Mr. Perfect and The Genius	Tag team match	08:02
3	Jake Roberts defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualification	Singles match	05:16
4	Dusty Rhodes (with Sapphire) vs. Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) ended in a double countout	Singles match	09:04
5	Dino Bravo (with Jimmy Hart and Earthquake) defeated Ron Garvin	Singles match	03:19

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	April 23, 1990 (aired April 28, 1990)
City	Austin, Texas
Venue	Frank Erwin Center
Attendance	8,500[17]
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^[66][67] on NBC.

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[17]
1	Hulk Hogan defeated Mr. Perfect (with The Genius)	Singles match	08:03
2	Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Hillbilly Jim	Singles match	01:58
3	The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) vs. The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) ended in a double disqualification	Tag team match	09:30
4	The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship	04:49
5	Big Boss Man defeated Akeem (with Slick) by disqualification	Singles match	03:18
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	July 16, 1990 (aired July 28, 1990)
City	Omaha, Nebraska
Venue	Omaha Civic Auditorium
Attendance	10,303[17]
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.^[66][68] The event aired on NBC and drew a 7.2 rating.^[17]

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

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[17]
1	The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWF Championship	09:43
2	Demolition (Smash and Crush) (c) (with Ax) defeated The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty)	Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship	09:31
3	Mr. Perfect (with Bobby Heenan) (c) defeated Tito Santana	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	10:11
4	The Texas Tornado defeated Buddy Rose	Singles match	03:09
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	September 18, 1990 (aired October 13, 1990)
City	Toledo, Ohio
Venue	Toledo 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^[66][69] on NBC.

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

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[17]
1	The Ultimate Warrior and The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal) defeated Demolition (Ax, Smash, and Crush)	Six-man tag team match	04:59
2	Randy Savage (with Queen Sherri) defeated Dusty Rhodes by countout	Singles match	09:30
3	Hulk Hogan and Tugboat defeated Rhythm and Blues (The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine) (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualification	Tag team match	07:20
4	Sgt. Slaughter (with Gen. Adnan) defeated Koko B. Ware by submission	Singles match	05:18
5	The Texas Tornado (c) defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan)	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	03:10
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	April 15, 1991 (aired April 27, 1991)
City	Omaha, Nebraska
Venue	Omaha Civic Auditorium
Attendance	9,400
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.^[66][70] The event drew 9,400 people of which 7,000 were paid.^[18] The event aired on NBC and drew a 7.7 rating.^[18] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[18]
1	The Ultimate Warrior defeated Sgt. Slaughter (with General Adnan and Col. Mustafa) by disqualification	Singles match	08:00
2	The 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 Championship	06:48
3	Mr. Perfect won by last eliminating Greg Valentine[note 1]	Battle Royal	12:30
4	Ted DiBiase (with Sensational Sherri) vs. Bret Hart ended in a double countout	Singles match	09:56
5	The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Tito Santana	Singles match	04:29
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXX
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	January 27, 1992 (aired February 8, 1992)
City	Lubbock, Texas
Venue	Lubbock 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.^[66][71] 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.^[72]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[19]
1	Roddy Piper (c) defeated The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart)	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	03:30
2	Hulk Hogan and Sid Justice (with Brutus Beefcake) defeated Ric Flair and The Undertaker (with Mr. Perfect and Paul Bearer) by disqualification	Tag team match	11:42
3	Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan defeated The Beverly Brothers (Blake Beverly and Beau Beverly) (with The Genius)	Tag team match	02:39
4	Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Jake Roberts	Singles match	05:25
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI
Promotion	World Wrestling Federation
Date	October 27, 1992 (aired November 14, 1992)
City	Terre Haute, Indiana
Venue	Hulman Center
Attendance	4,300[19]
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.^[66][73] The event aired on Fox and drew a 6.1 rating and 10.6 million viewers.^[74] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[19]
1	The Ultimate Maniacs (The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage) defeated Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) (c) (with Jimmy Hart) by countout	Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship	06:11
2	Shawn Michaels defeated The British Bulldog (c)	Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship	10:28
3	Bret Hart (c) defeated Papa Shango by submission	Singles match for the WWF Championship	07:13
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII
Promotion	World Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown!
Date	March 18, 2006
City	Detroit, Michigan
Venue	Cobo Arena
Attendance	7,000[20]
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.^[75] 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.^[20] 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.^[76] 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.^[77][78] 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.^[79]

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

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[20]
1D	Big Show defeated Carlito	Singles match	—
2	John Cena and Triple H defeated Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton	Handicap match	11:40
3	Mickie James and Trish Stratus defeated Candice Michelle and Victoria	Tag team match	02:40
4	Shane McMahon defeated Shawn Michaels by submission	Street Fight	16:42
D  – this was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII
Promotion	World Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown! ECW
Date	July 15, 2006
City	Dallas, Texas
Venue	American Airlines Center
Attendance	17,343
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.^[80] The event drew 17,343 people, of which 14,500 were paid.^[20] The event aired live on NBC, and drew a 2.6 rating.^[81] 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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[20]
1	Batista, Rey Mysterio, and Bobby Lashley defeated Mark Henry, Finlay, and King Booker (with Queen Sharmell and William Regal)	Six-man tag team match	10:07
2	Carlito and Trish Stratus defeated Johnny Nitro and Melina	Mixed tag team match	02:36
3	D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) defeated The Spirit Squad (Kenny, Mitch, Nicky, Johnny, and Mikey)	Handicap Elimination match	08:52
4	Michelle McCool defeated Victoria	Diva Bull-Riding Contest	01:08
5	Sabu defeated Stevie Richards	Extreme Rules match	02:02
6	John Cena defeated Edge (c) (with Lita) by disqualification	Singles match for the WWE Championship	07:54
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV
Promotion	World Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown! ECW
Date	May 28, 2007 (aired June 2, 2007)
City	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venue	Air Canada Centre
Attendance	16,176
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.^[82] The event drew 16,176 of which 14,000 were paid.^[20] The event aired on NBC and drew a 2.2 rating.^[83]

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.	Results	Stipulations	Times[21]
1	The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh) defeated John Cena	Singles match	06:20
2	Batista and Chris Benoit defeated Edge and Montel Porter	Tag team match	10:37
3	Finlay and Hornswoggle defeated The Boogeyman and Little Boogeyman	Mixed tag team match	03:49
4	Kane, Doink the Clown, and Eugene defeated Kevin Thorn, Viscera, and Umaga	Six-man tag team match	10:55

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV
Promotion	World Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown! ECW
Date	August 13, 2007 (aired August 18, 2007)
City	New York City
Venue	Madison Square Garden
Attendance	16,827
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.^[84] The event drew 16,827 of which 13,500 were paid.^[21] The event aired on NBC and drew a 2.5 rating.^[85]

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

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[21]
1	Batista and Kane defeated Finlay and The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh)	Tag team match	08:25
2	John Cena defeated Carlito by submission	Singles match	05:37
3	Evander Holyfield vs. Matt Hardy ended in a no contest	Boxing match	00:44
4	CM Punk and The Boogeyman defeated John Morrison and Big Daddy V (with Matt Striker)	Tag team match	06:40

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI
Promotion	World Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown! ECW
Date	July 28, 2008 (aired August 2, 2008)
City	Washington, D.C.
Venue	Verizon Center
Attendance	14,722
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.^[86] The event aired on NBC as a 1-hour special,^[22] and drew a 1.4 rating.^[87] The event drew 14,722 of which 12,000 were paid.^[22]

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

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[22]
1D	Paul London defeated Charlie Haas	Singles match	06:00
2	John "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 match	11:00
3	The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh) defeated Jimmy Wang Yang	Singles match	01:30
4	Edge defeated Jeff Hardy	Singles match	12:00
D  – this was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII
Promotional poster featuring Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens
Promotion	WWE
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown
Date	December 14, 2024
City	Uniondale, New York
Venue	Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance	14,186
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 took 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 was broadcast in the United States on NBC and streaming on Peacock as a two-hour special,^[23] marking the first Saturday Night's Main Event special since 2008. This special saw the crowning of the inaugural WWE Women's United States Champion.^[88]

On December 6, it was announced that WWE Hall of Famer Jesse "The Body" Ventura would provide commentary at the event.^[89] ESPN's college football analyst Pat McAfee also returned to provide commentary for all matches at the same event.

No.	Results	Stipulations	Times[91]
1D	Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) by pinfall	Tag team match	8:00
2	Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn by pinfall	Singles match[90]	10:05
3	Liv Morgan (c) defeated Iyo Sky by pinfall	Singles match for the Women's World Championship[90]	9:05
4	Gunther (c) defeated Finn Bálor and Damian Priest by pinfall	Triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship[90]	11:05
5	Chelsea Green (with Piper Niven) defeated Michin by pinfall	Tournament final for the inaugural WWE Women's United States Championship[90]	8:05
6	Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Kevin Owens by pinfall	Singles match for the Undisputed WWE Championship[90]	12:00
(c)  – the champion(s) heading into the match D  – this was a dark match

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

Notes

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII
Promotion	WWE
Brand(s)	Raw SmackDown
Date	January 25, 2025
City	San Antonio, Texas
Venue	Frost 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.^[99]

During the original run, Coliseum Video released two cassettes of Saturday Night's Main Event: Saturday Night's Main Event's Greatest Hits^[100] which contained six matches from 1985 to 1987 and More Saturday Night's Main Event containing nine matches from 1988 to 1989.^[101]

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.^[102]

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.^[103]

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

• Official website
• Saturday Night's Main Event at IMDb (1985 version)
• Saturday Night's Main Event at IMDb (2006 version)