WWE fans are gearing up for one of the most anticipated returns in professional wrestling history as Saturday Night's Main Event makes its comeback on primetime television on December 14, 2024. For the first time since 2008, the iconic series, which originally aired starting in 1985, is set to relive its glory days at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York.
The event, part of WWE's new five-year media rights partnership with NBCUniversal, marks the launch of four annual specials under the banner. With wrestling enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the action, the night will kick off at 8 p.m. ET, airing live on NBC and Peacock.
Headlining the event is the highly charged Undisputed WWE Championship match featuring Cody Rhodes defending his title against Kevin Owens. The pair's rivalry has escalated over recent months, particularly following tensions stemming from their uneasy alliance with Roman Reigns. It all came to a boil when Owens brutally attacked Rhodes after their match at Bad Blood, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an explosive showdown.
"The cracks started forming between Rhodes and Owens leading up to their title match at Bash in Berlin," noted commentators, adding, "Owens felt betrayed by Rhodes after his temporary alliance with Reigns." Fans can expect intense drama as Rhodes aims to avenge his mentor Randy Orton, who Owens sidelined with injury following a brutal piledriver.
But Rhodes vs. Owens isn't the only major match on the card. The night will also feature three other championship bouts. Gunther, the World Heavyweight Champion, will face off against Finn Balor and Damian Priest in a triple threat match. This matchup reflects months of animosity, with Balor having previously cost Priest the title at Survivor Series, culminating in what should be another thrilling encounter.
Meanwhile, Women's World Champion Liv Morgan will defend her title against Iyo Sky, amid mounting momentum for Sky following her victory over Morgan’s WarGames team. Tensions are running high, with fans eager to see who will emerge victorious.
A new addition to this special will be the crowning of the inaugural Women's United States Champion. The competition began weeks ago, and the finale will see competitors like Michin, Bayley, Chelsea Green, and Tiffany Stratton vying for the coveted title.
Besides the wrestling action, fans can anticipate nostalgic appearances from various WWE legends, heightening the excitement around this special event. Although Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase had to withdraw due to health reasons, other names such as Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Jimmy Hart, and Tito Santana will add to the nostalgia of the rebooted series.
Originated as part of WWE's early success, Saturday Night's Main Event first premiered on NBC to massive ratings, featuring iconic stars like Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior. By the early 90s, interest waned, leading to its discontinuation, but it made sporadic returns between 2006 and 2008. WWE has now positioned the relaunch strategically to capitalize on the current wrestling climate and fan excitement.
WWE's strategy shows their commitment to deliver electrifying grassroots events, as evidenced by Executive Vice President Chris Legentil stating, "We decided to do four yearly specials on big NBC. That is going to be a huge audience for us." The alignment with the NFL calendar suggests WWE has crafted its return with careful consideration, aiming to capture viewers' attention during quieter periods.
Beyond the matches, Saturday Night's Main Event will hold sentimental value for longtime fans as they reconnect with the sport's rich history. The venue, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, has roots deeply embedded within WWE lore, being the site of the inaugural event back on May 10, 1985. This added layer of nostalgia is particularly significant for wrestling devotees who tune in not just for the matches but the memories associated with the brand.
Looking forward, the event is not just about wrestling but also about delivering the overall experience fans expect from WWE. WWE's new broadcast strategy through NBC and Peacock promises not only traditional viewing but also options for streaming, marking another evolution for sports entertainment.
Tickets for the event remain available, with prices ranging between $80 and $425 through Ticketmaster. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots and witness history as this beloved series returns to the screen.
All eyes will be on the action come December 14, promising the sort of thrilling matches, celebrity appearances, and drama fans have come to love from WWE. With the wrestling world buzzing, it’s clear the brand aims to recapture hearts and ignite excitement with this iconic return.
