WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event holds a special place in professional wrestling history. This iconic show, which first aired in 1985, has been a staple of WWE programming for decades, showcasing some of the most memorable moments and matches in the company’s history.
Read More – Saturday Night’s Main Event (Dec 2024) Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more
Origins and Early Years
Saturday Night’s Main Event debuted on NBC in 1985, the same year as the first WrestleMania. It was conceived as a way to bring WWE’s biggest stars and most exciting matches to a primetime television audience.
The show aired intermittently, replacing “Saturday Night Live” in its timeslot on occasion, and quickly became a fan favorite during the Golden Era.
Golden Era Highlights
During its initial run from 1985 to 1992, Saturday Night’s Main Event featured some of the most iconic wrestlers of the era. Superstars like Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, André the Giant, and The Ultimate Warrior regularly headlined the show.
One of the most memorable moments came in 1988 when André the Giant controversially defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship, only to surrender it to “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase moments later.
Revival and Modern Era
After a 14-year hiatus, WWE brought back Saturday Night’s Main Event in 2006. The revival lasted until 2008, bringing the excitement of WWE’s biggest stars back to network television.
Now, in 2024, WWE is set to relaunch the show as part of a new five-year deal with NBCUniversal, promising four annual specials that will air on NBC and Peacock.
Impact on WWE Programming
Saturday Night’s Main Event has always been more than just another wrestling show. It served as a platform for WWE to showcase its top talent and storylines to a broader audience.
The show’s success helped solidify WWE’s position as the leading professional wrestling company and contributed to the mainstream popularity of wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage.
