After 16 years away, the iconic WWE event, “Saturday Night’s Main Event,” returns on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The event last aired on July 28, 2008. The event debuted in May 1985 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Hulk Hogan beat Bob Orton for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in the Main Event of that show.
With the historic event returning, there was only one place to host it. Yes, the first Saturday Night’s Main Event in this new era of WWE will return to the Nassau Coliseum, the venue of the first event. This is the 37th Saturday Night’s Main Event in history.
The reigning and defending Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be headlining this event against former friend turned enemy Kevin Owens. Since finishing his story and capturing the first championship of his career, “The American Nightmare” has labeled himself as the QB of WWE. And he has been just that throughout his first title reign. He has successfully defended his title six times on television. He has been a top-three merchandise seller for the WWE throughout the past year.
As I previously mentioned, Hogan headlined this event at the inaugural showcase. At that point, Hogan was the face of the company and a fan favorite. Fast-forward 39 years, and Rhodes is the face of the WWE. Four Championship matches are featured on this card, along with a rivalry matchup between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntire.
How to Watch
This event starts at 8 p.m. ET and will air live on NBC and Peacock. This event has a two-hour run time.
Full Card and Predictions
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
(C) Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens
After the October Bad Blood premium live event, Owens attacked Rhodes in the parking lot. The relationship between the former friends has been fractured after Rhodes teamed up with former Roman Reigns at Bad Blood. Owens has felt betrayed by Rhodes since Owens has been battling the Bloodlines for over four years.
I think Owens has the best chance to dethrone Rhodes compared to any of his previous challengers, but eight months is too short for his first title reign. Rhodes is the face of the company, and it doesn’t seem his championship reign is ending on Saturday.
Prediction: Rhodes wins but is confronted by The Rock at the end of the match.
World Heavyweight Championship match
(C) Gunther vs. Damien Priest vs. Finn Balor
At Survivor Series, I had Priest beating Gunther for the title, but The Ring General found a way to get the job done. Priest’s former friend Finn Balor wanted a title opportunity and was given one after he attacked the champion. Balor and his friends in Judgment Day once again gained the upper hand on Priest and Gunther on Raw as they left them hurt while standing tall.
As with any match featuring a member of the Judgment Day, interference is expected. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, and Carlito will likely get involved and distract Priest. I think this leads to another Gunther victory. Besides, when Gunther faced Rhodes at Crown Jewel, he has been a dominant champion. Although Balor and Priest have had big moments lately, it doesn’t seem like now is their time.
Prediction: Gunther pins Balor to retain his title.
Women’s World Championship match
(C) Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky
Morgan has had an incredible championship reign so far. She is a bonified superstar and has continued to improve on the microphone and in the ring. They are still building to one final match between Morgan and former champion Rhea Ripley, possibly at Wrestlemania. Although Sky is a talented wrestler, Morgan is hitting her peak, and this isn’t where her title reign ends.
Prediction: Liv Morgan pins Sky to retain her title with help from Raquel Rodriguez
Singles Match
Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre
Last week, McIntyre returned after a month away and immediately attacked Zayn. Jey Uso was also taken out backstage by an unknown attacker, but it was most likely McIntyre. After losing to CM Punk inside Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood, McIntyre desperately needs a big win.
Although Zayn has re-joined the Bloodline, he is still in a weird position. Since the Survivor Series War Games, the full OG Bloodline hasn’t been together since Jimmy and Jey Uso were injured. Without his friends by his side, taking on a fully healthy and hungry McIntyre will be too large of a task for Zayn to overcome.
Prediction: Drew McIntyre wins after the New Bloodline attacks Zayn
Women’s United States Championship Match
Bayley or Chelsea Green vs. Tiffany Stratton or Michin
On Friday night, the semi-finals of the Women’s United States Championship tournament will take place. I predict Green will upset Bayley since she has gained a ton of fan reaction in recent weeks. I believe Stratton will also defeat Michin on Smackdown, leading to a match at SNME between Green and Stratton.
Two talented in-ring wrestlers with big personalities will make for a great match. Even though Stratton already has the Money in the Bank briefcase, it is time to push her in a big way. Winning her first title will allow her to become a bigger star before becoming a world champion.
Prediction: Tiffany Stratton pins Chelsea Green to become the first Women’s United States Champion
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