Saturday Night's Main Event: A History Of WWE's Iconic Show

Introduction

Saturday Night's Main Event (SNME) was a professional wrestling television program that aired intermittently on NBC in the United States from 1985 to 2008. It featured matches from WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation, WWF) and was a prime-time showcase for the company's top stars and storylines. SNME was a major cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, helping to propel professional wrestling into the mainstream. It is the predecessor to WWE pay per views such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumble.

Origins and Early Years (1985-1991)

The concept for Saturday Night's Main Event originated from Vince McMahon's desire to bring professional wrestling to a wider audience. At the time, wrestling was primarily shown on syndicated television or at live events. McMahon saw an opportunity to reach a larger audience by airing a wrestling program on network television in prime time.

The first episode of Saturday Night's Main Event aired on May 11, 1985, on NBC. It was a huge success, drawing high ratings and positive reviews. The show featured matches between some of the WWF's biggest stars, including Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Roddy Piper.

SNME quickly became a regular fixture on NBC's schedule, airing several times a year. The show helped to make household names of many WWF wrestlers and played a significant role in the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection," which combined wrestling with popular music and celebrities. Cyndi Lauper was a major pop star who openly backed the upstart WWF by wearing their merchandise and appearing on their shows. Celebrities such as Mr. T, and Liberace also made appearances for the WWF. — Tybee Island Weather: Forecast & Updates

Some of the most memorable moments in SNME history occurred during this era. For example, Hulk Hogan's battles with King Kong Bundy, Andre the Giant and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. Also, Randy "Macho Man" Savage's rise to the top of the WWF. The high-profile nature of SNME also allowed for major storyline developments and title changes to occur.

The Monday Night Wars and Hiatus (1996-2006)

In the mid-1990s, the professional wrestling landscape changed dramatically with the emergence of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as a major competitor to the WWF. WCW Nitro went head-to-head with WWF Raw on Monday nights, beginning what became known as the "Monday Night Wars." With WWE's focus shifting to Monday Night Raw, Saturday Night's Main Event was placed on hiatus in 1992.

SNME made a brief return in 1996, but it was short-lived. The WWF's focus was primarily on Monday Night Raw and their pay-per-view events. The brand was shelved until 2006, a period during which the wrestling industry evolved significantly with the rise of edgier content and more complex storylines. — Aaron Rodgers' Wife: Who Is The Lucky Woman?

Return and Subsequent Years (2006-2008)

In 2006, WWE revived Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC. The return was part of a larger effort by WWE to expand its programming and reach a broader audience. The show's revival was met with excitement from fans who remembered the original SNME fondly.

The revived SNME featured a mix of current WWE stars and returning legends. The show maintained the tradition of showcasing high-profile matches and major storyline developments. It served as a bridge between WWE's weekly programming and its pay-per-view events. — Love Island Reunion: When To Watch?

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the revived SNME did not achieve the same level of popularity as the original. Television viewership patterns had changed, and the wrestling industry had become more fragmented. WWE continued to focus on its flagship shows, Raw and SmackDown, and Saturday Night's Main Event was eventually discontinued again in 2008.

Legacy and Impact

Saturday Night's Main Event left a lasting legacy on the professional wrestling industry. It helped to popularize wrestling with a mainstream audience and played a crucial role in the WWF's rise to prominence. The show's prime-time platform allowed wrestling to reach viewers who might not have otherwise tuned in.

SNME also set a precedent for how wrestling events were presented on television. The show's production values, its focus on storytelling, and its use of celebrity appearances all influenced subsequent wrestling programming. Many of the innovations introduced on SNME became standard practice in the industry.

Many current wrestlers and wrestling fans grew up watching Saturday Night's Main Event. The show holds a special place in their memories as a symbol of wrestling's golden age. The name is still used occasionally for special TV events or episodes of Raw and SmackDown, highlighting its enduring appeal.

The End of the Saturday Night's Main Event

In 2008, Saturday Night’s Main Event was canceled. WWE.com cited the primetime television slot issues with NBC, due to sports and other events being aired. The last show aired on August 2, 2008, with a match that saw Triple H defeat Edge and Mr. Kennedy.

Conclusion

Saturday Night's Main Event was more than just a wrestling show; it was a cultural phenomenon. It helped to bring professional wrestling to a wider audience, made stars out of many wrestlers, and influenced the way wrestling was presented on television. While the show is no longer a regular fixture on television, its legacy lives on in the memories of fans and the history of the wrestling industry.

FAQ Section

What was Saturday Night's Main Event?

Saturday Night's Main Event was a prime-time professional wrestling television program that aired on NBC. It featured matches from WWE (then WWF) and was a major platform for the company's top stars and storylines.

When did Saturday Night's Main Event air?

The show aired intermittently from 1985 to 2008, with a hiatus in the mid-1990s.

Why was Saturday Night's Main Event important?

It helped popularize wrestling with a mainstream audience, played a crucial role in the WWF's rise to prominence, and set a precedent for how wrestling events were presented on television.

What were some memorable moments from Saturday Night's Main Event?

Some memorable moments include Hulk Hogan's matches with King Kong Bundy and Andre the Giant, Randy Savage's rise to the top, and numerous title changes and storyline developments.

Why was the show revived in 2006?

WWE revived the show as part of an effort to expand its programming and reach a broader audience. It aimed to bridge the gap between weekly shows and pay-per-view events.

Why was Saturday Night's Main Event canceled?

WWE.com cited primetime television slot issues with NBC, due to sports and other events being aired.

What is the legacy of Saturday Night's Main Event?

The show left a lasting impact on the wrestling industry, influencing production values, storytelling, and the use of celebrity appearances. It remains a nostalgic symbol of wrestling's golden age for many fans.