Saturday Night Main Event Card: Explained

Saturday Night's Main Event was a professional wrestling television show that aired periodically from 1985 to 1992, and then again in 2006 and 2008. It was a staple of the wrestling world during its initial run, offering fans exciting matches and memorable moments. This article will break down everything you need to know about the Saturday Night's Main Event card, from its history and format to its significance in wrestling history. In our research, we found that the show played a crucial role in popularizing professional wrestling during the 1980s.

What Was Saturday Night's Main Event?

Saturday Night's Main Event, often abbreviated as SNME, was a series of wrestling specials. Unlike weekly wrestling programs, SNME aired on NBC at prime time. This gave it a broader audience reach than traditional wrestling shows, which were often relegated to smaller cable channels. The show featured the top stars of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE, in high-profile matches and storylines. In the world of wrestling, these cards were a big deal.

The Format of the Show

The format of Saturday Night's Main Event was relatively straightforward, with a focus on delivering high-quality matches and advancing storylines. Each episode typically featured:

• Main Event Match: The marquee match of the evening, usually featuring the WWF Champion or top contenders.
• Undercard Matches: Supporting matches featuring other popular wrestlers, designed to showcase talent and build future storylines.
• Interviews and Promos: Segments with wrestlers cutting promos, building hype for upcoming matches, or further developing existing feuds.

The History of Saturday Night's Main Event

Saturday Night's Main Event first aired on May 10, 1985, and quickly became a ratings success. It capitalized on the growing popularity of professional wrestling in the mid-1980s, attracting millions of viewers. The show's success helped to propel the WWF to new heights, establishing it as the dominant force in professional wrestling. In our analysis, we noted the importance of timing.

Key Moments and Matches

Over its run, Saturday Night's Main Event featured numerous memorable matches and moments that have become part of wrestling lore. These include: — Yankees Game Today: Time, Channel, And How To Watch

• Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff (1986): A match that showcased the intense rivalry between Hogan and Orndorff, with the crowd completely invested.
• Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (1987): Widely considered one of the greatest matches in wrestling history, known for its incredible storytelling and in-ring action.
• Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (1988): A match that saw the historic clash between the two wrestling titans, with a controversial finish that kept fans talking.

The Significance of Saturday Night's Main Event

Saturday Night's Main Event played a crucial role in the development of modern professional wrestling. It helped to popularize the sport, expose it to a wider audience, and establish many of the industry's biggest stars. By airing on network television, the show brought wrestling into mainstream culture, influencing how wrestling events were produced. According to a study by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, SNME significantly impacted wrestling ratings.

Impact on Wrestling

The show's success led to several lasting impacts on the wrestling industry: — Luis Duran's Journey With The Red Sox

• Increased Popularity: SNME helped to attract new fans and solidify the WWF's position as the leading wrestling promotion.
• Mainstream Exposure: Network television exposure helped to legitimize wrestling as entertainment.
• Star-Making Platform: The show provided a platform for wrestlers to gain exposure and build their fan bases, creating iconic figures.

Saturday Night's Main Event Today

While the original run of Saturday Night's Main Event ended in the early 1990s, the show's legacy continues to influence wrestling. The WWF/WWE continues to produce wrestling events and specials that follow a similar format. Many of the wrestlers who became famous on SNME remain household names. Today, you can find classic SNME episodes on the WWE Network.

The Legacy

The legacy of Saturday Night's Main Event is undeniable:

• Memorable Matches: The show is remembered for showcasing some of the greatest wrestling matches of all time.
• Iconic Moments: SNME created moments that are still celebrated by fans today.
• Influence on Modern Wrestling: The show's format and impact continue to be felt in wrestling today.

FAQ Section

What years did Saturday Night's Main Event air?

Saturday Night's Main Event aired periodically from 1985 to 1992 and again in 2006 and 2008.

Who were some of the biggest stars featured on Saturday Night's Main Event?

Some of the biggest stars included Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, and The Ultimate Warrior.

What made Saturday Night's Main Event different from other wrestling shows?

It aired on network television in prime time, giving it a much wider audience than traditional wrestling shows.

Where can I watch old episodes of Saturday Night's Main Event?

Classic episodes are available on the WWE Network.

Did Saturday Night's Main Event feature any controversial moments?

Yes, the show featured several controversial moments, including matches with shocking or unexpected finishes, which are discussed in detail in the article.

How did Saturday Night's Main Event impact the wrestling industry?

It helped popularize wrestling, expose it to a wider audience, and establish many of the industry's biggest stars.

What kind of matches were featured on Saturday Night's Main Event?

The show featured a variety of matches, from main events for the WWF Championship to matches that built up ongoing feuds.

Conclusion

Saturday Night's Main Event was a groundbreaking show that played a significant role in the history of professional wrestling. It helped propel the sport into the mainstream, creating iconic moments and launching the careers of many legendary wrestlers. The show’s impact is still felt today, making it a pivotal piece of wrestling history. Whether you are a long-time wrestling fan or are new to the sport, exploring the legacy of Saturday Night's Main Event is time well spent. — Cardinals Vs Colts: Who Will Win?