Saturday Night's Main Event

Saturday Night's Main Event is a professional wrestling television program that was produced by the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE). Premiering in 1985, it originally aired on NBC as 29 occasional replacements for Saturday Night Live until 1991, then twice on Fox in 1992. It was revived in 2006 for five NBC episodes before ending in 2008.

Saturday Night's Main Event
Logo, c. 2006
GenreProfessional wrestling
Created byVince McMahon
Opening theme
  • "Obsession" by Animotion (May 11, 1985–January 2, 1988)
  • "Saturday Night's Main Event" by Douglas Grama (March 12, 1988–April 27, 1991)
  • "Boom" by P.O.D. (March 18, 2006–August 2, 2008)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes36
Production
Executive producerDick Ebersol
ProducerVince McMahon
Running time90 minutes
Production companiesTitan Sports Inc. (1985–1992)
Once a Month Productions, Inc. (1985–1991)
WWE (2006–2008)
Release
Original network
Picture format480i (SDTV)
Original releaseMay 11, 1985 (1985-05-11) 
August 2, 2008 (2008-08-02)
Chronology
Related showsThe Main Event
External links
Website

At the time of the original airing, it was a rare example of professional wrestling being broadcast on an over-the-air commercial television network after the 1950s. It coincided with and contributed to the apogee of the "second golden age" of professional wrestling in the United States. In a time when weekly programming consisted primarily of established stars dominating enhancement talent, Saturday Night's Main Event was made up almost entirely of star vs. star bouts, including title matches and specialty matches such as steel cage matches, handicap matches, etc.

All episodes of Saturday Night's Main Event are available for streaming on the WWE Network, some slightly altered. May 1985–January 1988 episodes do not have the original opening and closing theme songs. Sponsored segments that aired as part of the original broadcasts such as the "Mountain Dew Slam of the Night" have been removed as well.

Contents: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI XXII XXIII XXIV XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII XXIX XXX XXXI XXXII XXXIII XXXIV XXXV XXXVI

History

Original run (1985–1992)

The NBC era logo, 1985–1991

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.[1] 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."

The Fox era logo, 1992

Saturday Night's Main Event was a tremendous ratings 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 that network; 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. 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.

Revived run (2006–2008)

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. Since 2009, Saturday Night's Main Event was replaced instead with WrestleMania: The World Television Premiere.

Dates and venues

Event Date City Venue Last Match Ref
Saturday Night's Main Event I May 10, 1985
Aired May 11, 1985
Uniondale, New York Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Junkyard Dog vs. Pete Doherty in a singles match [2]
Saturday Night's Main Event II October 3, 1985
Aired October 5, 1985
East Rutherford, New Jersey Brendan Byrne Arena The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) (c) vs. Lanny Poffo and Tony Garea in a tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship [2]
Saturday Night's Main Event III October 31, 1985
Aired November 2, 1985
Hershey, Pennsylvania Hersheypark Arena Ricky Steamboat vs Mr. Fuji in a Kung Fu Challenge [2]
Saturday Night's Main Event IV December 19, 1985
Aired January 4, 1986
Tampa, Florida USF Sun Dome Junkyard Dog and Ricky Steamboat vs. Mr. Fuji and The Magnificent Muraco in a tag team match [2]
Saturday Night's Main Event V February 15, 1986
Aired March 1, 1986
Phoenix, Arizona Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum Junkyard Dog vs. Adrian Adonis in a singles match [3]
Saturday Night's Main Event VI May 1, 1986
Aired May 3, 1986
Providence, Rhode Island Providence Civic Center The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) (c) vs. Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik in a Two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship [3]
Saturday Night's Main Event VII September 13, 1986
Aired October 4, 1986
Richfield, Ohio Coliseum at Richfield Kamala vs. defeated Lanny Poffo in a singles match [3]
Saturday Night's Main Event VIII November 15, 1986
Aired November 29, 1986
Los Angeles, California Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena The Magnificent Muraco vs. Dick Slater in a singles match [3]
Saturday Night's Main Event IX December 14, 1986
Aired January 3, 1987
Hartford, Connecticut Hartford Civic Center Blackjack Mulligan defeated Jimmy Jack Funk in a singles match [3]
Saturday Night's Main Event X February 21, 1987
Aired March 14, 1987
Detroit, Michigan Joe Louis Arena Ricky Steamboat vs. The Iron Sheik in a singles match [4]
Saturday Night's Main Event XI April 28, 1987
Aired May 2, 1987
Notre Dame, Indiana Edmund P. Joyce Center The Can-Am Connection (Rick Martel and Tom Zenk) vs. Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik in a tag team match [4]
Saturday Night's Main Event XII September 23, 1987
Aired October 3, 1987
Hershey, Pennsylvania Hersheypark Arena The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (c) vs. The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers) in a tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship [4]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIII November 11, 1987
Aired November 28, 1987
Seattle, Washington Seattle Center Coliseum Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Hercules in a singles match [4]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIV December 7, 1987
Aired January 2, 1988
Landover, Maryland Capital Centre Greg Valentine vs. Koko B. Ware in a singles match [4]
Saturday Night's Main Event XV March 7, 1988
Aired March 12, 1988
Nashville, Tennessee Nashville Municipal Auditorium One Man Gang vs. Ken Patera in a singles match [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVI April 22, 1988
Aired April 30, 1988
Springfield, Massachusetts Springfield Civic Center Rick Rude vs. Koko B. Ware in a singles match [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVII October 25, 1988
Aired October 29, 1988
Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore Arena Big Boss Man vs. Jim Powers in a singles match [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII November 16, 1988
Aired November 26, 1988
Sacramento, California ARCO Arena The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau) vs. The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers) in a tag team match [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event XIX December 7, 1988
Aired January 7, 1989
Tampa, Florida USF Sun Dome Mr. Perfect defeated Koko B. Ware in a singles match [5]
Saturday Night's Main Event XX February 16, 1989
Aired March 11, 1989
Hershey, Pennsylvania Hersheypark Arena The Red Rooster vs. The Brooklyn Brawler in a singles match [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXI April 25, 1989
Aired May 27, 1989
Des Moines, Iowa Veterans Memorial Auditorium Jimmy Snuka defeated Boris Zuhkov in a singles match [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXII July 18, 1989
Aired July 29, 1989
Worcester, Massachusetts Worcester Centrum The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) vs. Demolition (Ax and Smash) (c) in a two-out-of-three-falls match for the WWF Tag Team Championship [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII September 21, 1989
Aired October 14, 1989
Cincinnati, Ohio Riverfront Coliseum The Bushwhackers (Bushwhacker Luke and Bushwhacker Butch) vs. The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau) in a tag team match [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV October 31, 1989
Aired November 25, 1989
Topeka, Kansas Sunflower State Expocentre The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) vs. The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) in a two-out-of-three-falls match [6]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXV January 3, 1990
Aired January 27, 1990
Chattanooga, Tennessee UTC Arena Dino Bravo vs. Ron Garvin in a singles match [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI April 23, 1990
Aired April 28, 1990
Austin, Texas Frank Erwin Center Big Boss Man vs. Akeem in a singles match [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII July 16, 1990
Aired July 28, 1990
Omaha, Nebraska Omaha Civic Auditorium The Texas Tornado vs. Buddy Rose in a singles match [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII September 18, 1990
Aired October 13, 1990
Toledo, Ohio Toledo Sports Arena The Texas Tornado (c) vs. Haku in a singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship [7]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX April 15, 1991
Aired April 27, 1991
Omaha, Nebraska Omaha Civic Auditorium The Mountie vs. Tito Santana in a singles match [8]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXX January 27, 1992
Aired February 8, 1992
Lubbock, Texas Lubbock Municipal Coliseum Randy Savage vs. Jake Roberts in a singles match [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI October 27, 1992
Aired November 14, 1992
Terre Haute, Indiana Hulman Center Bret Hart (c) vs. Papa Shango in a singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship [9]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII March 18, 2006 Detroit, Michigan Cobo Arena Shane McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels in a Street Fight [10]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII July 15, 2006 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center John Cena vs. Edge (c) in a singles match for the WWE Championship [10]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV May 28, 2007
Aired June 2, 2007
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Air Canada Centre Kane, Doink the Clown, and Eugene vs. Kevin Thorn, Viscera, and Umaga in a six-man tag team match [11]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV August 13, 2007
Aired August 18, 2007
New York City Madison Square Garden CM Punk and The Boogeyman vs. John Morrison and Big Daddy V in a tag team match [11]
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI July 28, 2008
Aired August 2, 2008
Washington, D.C. Verizon Center Edge vs. Jeff Hardy [12]

Results

Saturday Night's Main Event I

Saturday Night's Main Event I
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateMay 10, 1985
(aired May 11, 1985)
CityUniondale, New York
VenueNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance8,300[2]
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.[13][14] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.8 rating.[15]

No. Results[16] Stipulations Times[2]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event II

Saturday Night's Main Event II
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 3, 1985
(aired October 5, 1985)
CityEast Rutherford, New Jersey
VenueBrendan Byrne Arena
Attendance8,000[2]
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.[14][17] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.3 rating.[18]

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

No. Results[19] Stipulations Times[2]
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 fought Roddy Piper to a double count-out 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event III

Saturday Night's Main Event III
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 31, 1985
(aired November 2, 1985)
CityHershey, Pennsylvania
VenueHersheypark Arena
Attendance8,000[2]
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.[14][20] The event aired on NBC and drew a 6.3 rating.[2]

No. Results Stipulations Times[2]
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) fought Tito Santana (c) to 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event IV

Saturday Night's Main Event IV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 19, 1985
(aired January 4, 1986)
CityTampa, Florida
VenueUSF 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.[14][21] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.4 rating.[22]

No. Results Stipulations Times[2]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event V

Saturday Night's Main Event V
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateFebruary 15, 1986
(aired March 1, 1986)
CityPhoenix, Arizona
VenueArizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Attendance12,000[3]
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.[14][23] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.[24]

No. Results Stipulations Times[3]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VI

Saturday Night's Main Event VI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateMay 1, 1986
(aired May 3, 1986)
CityProvidence, Rhode Island
VenueProvidence 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.[14][25] The show aired on NBC and drew a 9.3 rating.[26]

No. Results Stipulations Times[3]
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 Jake Roberts wrestled Ricky Steamboat to a no-contest Singles match 00:00
5 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 16:36
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VII

Saturday Night's Main Event VII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 13, 1986
(aired October 4, 1986)
CityRichfield, Ohio
VenueColiseum at Richfield
Attendance21,000[3]
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.[14][27] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.4 rating.[28]

No. Results Stipulations Times[3]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event VIII

Saturday Night's Main Event VIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateNovember 15, 1986
(aired November 29, 1986)
CityLos Angeles, California
VenueLos Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance16,000[3]
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.[14][29] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.7 rating.[30]

No. Results Stipulations Times[3]
1 Randy Savage (c) (with Miss Elizabeth) fought Jake Roberts to 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event IX

Saturday Night's Main Event IX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 14, 1986
(aired January 3, 1987)
CityHartford, Connecticut
VenueHartford Civic Center
Attendance10,000[3]
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.[14][31] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.6 rating.[32]

No. Results Stipulations Times[3]
1 Hulk Hogan (c) defeated Paul Orndorff (with Bobby Heenan) 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event X

Saturday Night's Main Event X
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateFebruary 21, 1987
(aired March 14, 1987)
CityDetroit, Michigan
VenueJoe Louis Arena
Attendance21,000[4]
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.[14][33] The event aired on NBC and drew an 11.6 rating.[34]

No. Results Stipulations Times[4]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match
  1. Order of elimination from first eliminated: Honky Tonk Man eliminated by Hogan; Sika eliminated by Andre; Haku eliminated by Andre; Lanny Poffo eliminated by Andre; Ron Bass eliminated by Hogan; Blackjack Mulligan eliminated by Andre; Nikolai Volkoff eliminated by Hogan; B. Brian Blair eliminated by Andre; Paul Orndorff eliminated by Hogan; Hulk Hogan eliminated by Andre; Jumping Jim Brunzell eliminated by Andre; Andre the Giant eliminated by Hillbilly Jim, Demolition, Billy Jack Haynes, Butch Reed, Tama and Koko B. Ware; Tama eliminated by Hercules; Ax eliminated by Hillbilly Jim; Hillbilly Jim eliminated by Smash; Butch Reed eliminated by Koko B. Ware; Koko B. Ware eliminated by Hercules; Smash eliminated by Billy Jack Haynes; Billy Jack Haynes eliminated by Hercules and Bobby the Brain Heenan.

Saturday Night's Main Event XI

Saturday Night's Main Event XI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 28, 1987
(aired May 2, 1987)
CityNotre Dame, Indiana
VenueEdmund P. Joyce Center
Attendance9,345[4]
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.[14][35] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.5 rating.[36]

No. Results Stipulations Times[4]
1D Hulk Hogan and Ken Patera defeated Hercules and Andre the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) Tag team match -
2 Kamala the Ugandan Giant (with The Honky Tonk Man & Mr. Fuji) defeated Jake Roberts Singles match 04:18
3 Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated George Steele Lumberjack match 06:44
4 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
5 Ricky Steamboat (c) defeated Hercules (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship 06:42
6 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
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match
  • D – indicates the match was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XII

Saturday Night's Main Event XII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 23, 1987
(aired October 3, 1987)
CityHershey, Pennsylvania
VenueHersheypark Arena
Attendance9,000[4]
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.[14][37] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.7 rating.[38]

No. Results Stipulations Times[4]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateNovember 11, 1987
(aired November 28, 1987)
CitySeattle, Washington
VenueSeattle Center Coliseum
Attendance16,000[4]
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[14][39] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[4]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XIV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 7, 1987
(aired January 2, 1988)
CityLandover, Maryland
VenueCapital Centre
Attendance11,000[4]
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[14][40] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[4]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XV

Saturday Night's Main Event XV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateMarch 7, 1988
(aired March 12, 1988)
CityNashville, Tennessee
VenueNashville Municipal Auditorium
Attendance10,000
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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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.[41] Although there were 10,000 in attendance, it was reportedly a heavily papered event.[5] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.[42]

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.[43]

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[5]
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 -
5 One Man Gang (with Slick) defeated Ken Patera Singles match 03:47

Saturday Night's Main Event XVI

Saturday Night's Main Event XVI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 22, 1988
(aired April 30, 1988)
CitySpringfield, Massachusetts
VenueSpringfield Civic Center
Attendance9,000[5]
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[14][44] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[5]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XVII

Saturday Night's Main Event XVII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 25, 1988
(aired October 29, 1988)
CityBaltimore, Maryland
VenueBaltimore Arena
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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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.[14][45] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.7 rating.[5]

No. Results Stipulations Times[5]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XVIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateNovember 16, 1988
(aired November 26, 1988)
CitySacramento, California
VenueARCO Arena
Attendance15,900[5]
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.[14][46] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.4 rating.[5]

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

No. Results Stipulations Times[5]
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) fought André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) to 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XIX

Saturday Night's Main Event XIX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateDecember 7, 1988
(aired January 7, 1989)
CityTampa, Florida
VenueUSF Sun Dome
Attendance9,176[5]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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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[14][47] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[5]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XX

Saturday Night's Main Event XX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateFebruary 16, 1989
(aired March 11, 1989)
CityHershey, Pennsylvania
VenueHersheypark Arena
Attendance9,000[6]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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XIX
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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.[48] The event aired on NBC and drew a 10.0 rating.[6]

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.

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 Winfield".

No. Results Stipulations Times[6]
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) fought The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) to 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

Saturday Night's Main Event XXI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 25, 1989
(aired May 27, 1989)
CityDes Moines, Iowa
VenueVeterans Memorial Auditorium
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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XX
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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[14][49] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[6]
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 Zuhkov (with Slick) Singles match 01:11
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJuly 18, 1989
(aired July 29, 1989)
CityWorcester, Massachusetts
VenueWorcester 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[14][50] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[6]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 21, 1989
(aired October 14, 1989)
CityCincinnati, Ohio
VenueRiverfront Coliseum
Attendance14,000
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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XXII
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XXIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII took place September 21, 1989 from Cincinnati, Ohio at the Riverfront Coliseum, and aired October 14, 1989.[14][51] The show was attended by 14,000 people, of which 12,000 were paid.[6] The event aired on NBC and drew a 9.5 rating.[6]

No. Results Stipulations Times[6]
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 World Heavyweight Championship 08:24
3 Roddy Piper defeated Haku (with Bobby Heenan) Singles match 03:02
4 Tito Santana (with The Red Rooster, Brutus Beefcake, and Dusty Rhodes) fought Rick Martel (with Jimmy Hart, The Honky Tonk Man, Slick, Akeem and Big Boss Man) to a double disqualification Singles match 09:41
5 The Bushwhackers (Bushwhacker Luke and Bushwhacker Butch) defeated The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau) (with Jimmy Hart) Tag team match 03:15
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 31, 1989
(aired November 25, 1989)
CityTopeka, Kansas
VenueSunflower State Expocentre
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
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XXIII
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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.[14][52] The event aired on NBC and drew an 8.7 rating.[6]

No. Results Stipulations Times[6]
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 World Heavyweight 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJanuary 3, 1990
(aired January 27, 1990)
CityChattanooga, Tennessee
VenueUTC 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.[53][54] The event aired on NBC and drew an 11.1 rating.[7]

No. Results Stipulations Times[7]
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) fought Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) to 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

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 23, 1990
(aired April 28, 1990)
CityAustin, Texas
VenueFrank Erwin Center
Attendance8,500[7]
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[54][55] on NBC.

No. Results Stipulations Times[7]
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) fought The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) to 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJuly 16, 1990
(aired July 28, 1990)
CityOmaha, Nebraska
VenueOmaha Civic Auditorium
Attendance10,303[7]
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
 Previous
XXVI
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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.[54][56] The event aired on NBC and drew a 7.2 rating.[7]

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

No. Results Stipulations Times[7]
1 The Ultimate Warrior (c) defeated Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by disqualification Singles match for the WWF World Heavyweight 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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateSeptember 18, 1990
(aired October 13, 1990)
CityToledo, Ohio
VenueToledo 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[54][57] on NBC.

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

No. Results Stipulations Times[7]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX

Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateApril 15, 1991
(aired April 27, 1991)
CityOmaha, Nebraska
VenueOmaha Civic Auditorium
Attendance9,400
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.[54][58] The event drew 9,400 people of which 7,000 were paid.[8] The event aired on NBC and drew a 7.7 rating.[8] 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[8]
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) fought Bret Hart to a double countout Singles match 09:56
5 The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Tito Santana Singles match 04:29
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXX

Saturday Night's Main Event XXX
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateJanuary 27, 1992
(aired February 8, 1992)
CityLubbock, Texas
VenueLubbock 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.[54][59] The event was the first Saturday Night's Main Event to air on FOX and drew an 8.2 rating.[9]

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[9]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Federation
DateOctober 27, 1992
(aired November 14, 1992)
CityTerre Haute, Indiana
VenueHulman Center
Attendance4,300[9]
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.[54][60] The event aired on FOX and drew a 6.2 rating.[9] 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[9]
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 09:54
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 World Heavyweight Championship 13:26
  • (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
DateMarch 18, 2006
CityDetroit, Michigan
VenueCobo Arena
Attendance7,000[10]
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.[61] 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.[10] 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.

Mickie James and Trish Stratus fought over the WWE Women's Championship at New Year's Revolution, with Stratus retaining.[62] 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.[63][64] 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.[65]

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

No. Results Stipulations Times[10]
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 Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield by disqualification Beer drinking contest -
4 Mickie James and Trish Stratus defeated Candice Michelle and Victoria Tag team match 02:40
5 Shane McMahon defeated Shawn Michaels by submission Street Fight 16:42
  • D – indicates the match was a dark match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
DateJuly 15, 2006
CityDallas, Texas
VenueAmerican Airlines Center
Attendance17,343
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
 Previous
XXXII
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XXXIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII took place July 15, 2006 from Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center.[66] The event drew 17,343 people, of which 14,500 were paid.[10] The event aired live on NBC, and drew a 2.6 rating.[67]

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[10]
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) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
DateMay 28, 2007
(aired June 2, 2007)
CityToronto, Ontario, Canada
VenueAir Canada Centre
Attendance16,176
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.[68] The event drew 16,176 of which 14,000 were paid.[10] The event aired on NBC and drew a 2.2 rating.[69]

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[11]
1 The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh) defeated John Cena Singles match 06:20
2 Bobby Lashley fought Mark Henry to a no-contest. Arm Wrestling contest -
3 Batista and Chris Benoit defeated Edge and Montel Vontavious Porter Tag team match 10:37
4 Finlay and Hornswoggle defeated The Boogeyman and Little Boogeyman Mixed tag team match 03:49
5 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

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
DateAugust 13, 2007
(aired August 18, 2007)
CityNew York City
VenueMadison Square Garden
Attendance16,827
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.[70] The event drew 16,827 of which 13,500 were paid.[11] The event aired on NBC and drew a 2.5 rating.[71]

Michael Cole and Jim Ross are the commentators. The guest commentators are John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Tazz.

No. Results Stipulations Times[11]
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 fought Matt Hardy to 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

Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVI
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
DateJuly 28, 2008
(aired August 2, 2008)
CityWashington, D.C.
VenueVerizon Center
Attendance14,722
Saturday Night's Main Event chronology
 Previous
XXXV
Next 
Final

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.[72] The event aired on NBC as a 1-hour special,[12] and drew a 1.4 rating.[73] The event drew 14,722 of which 12,000 were paid.[12]

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

No. Results Stipulations Times[12]
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 – indicates the match was a dark match

Home video

VHS release

During the original run, Coliseum Video released two cassettes of Saturday Night's Main Event: Saturday Night's Main Event's Greatest Hits[74] which contained six matches from 1985 to 1987 and More Saturday Night's Main Event containing nine matches from 1988 to 1989.[75]

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.[76]

DVD release

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.[77]

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

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