15 Best Matches In WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event History
15- Hulk Hogan & Junkyard Dog vs. Terry Funk & Hoss Funk (SNME VI - May 3, 1986)
A classic 80s tag team brawl that saw the power of Hulkamania team with the JYD. The Funks, managed by Jimmy Hart, brought their hardcore style to NBC. Hogan and Dog secured the victory in the main event after Hogan pinned Hoss Funk, leading to an iconic post-match segment involving Junkyard Dog and the Funks' brand.
14- Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy (SNME XIII - Nov. 28, 1987)
Following their WrestleMania 2 Steel Cage match, Hogan defended the WWF Championship against Bundy yet again. Hogan defeated the massive 500-pounder by pinfall after hitting the running leg drop. The match was a key part of the buildup to Hogan's second clash with Andre the Giant, serving as Hogan's final major defense before the title was vacated.
13- Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Nikolai Volkoff (Flag Match) - October 5, 1985
A patriotic and symbolic match typical of the 1980s wrestling landscape. Hogan defended the WWF World Heavyweight Championship against the Russian sympathizer Volkoff in a Flag Match. The match capitalized on Cold War-era heat, with the crowd passionately behind Hogan as he defended American honor.
12- John Cena vs. Edge (WWE Championship) – July 15, 2006
This intense, championship main event intensified the legendary rivalry between the "Rated-R Superstar" and the "Cenation Leader." With the WWE Championship on the line, the action spilled outside, culminating in Edge retaining his title via disqualification after Lita interfered and slapped the referee. The chaotic finish saw a vengeful Cena delivering an FU to Edge through the announcer's table, keeping the heated summer feud alive.
11- Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Harley Race - March 12, 1988
This match saw two iconic World Champions from different territories clash for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a hard-fought battle, blending Hogan’s power offense with Race’s rugged, classic wrestling style. The highlight was Race's dramatic entrance and the intense final moments before Hogan secured the pinfall victory.
10- D-Generation X vs. The Spirit Squad (5-on-2 Handicap Elimination Match) – July 15, 2006
The reunited DX (Shawn Michaels and Triple H) took on Mr. McMahon’s heel cheerleader squad in a comedic yet dominant performance. The numbers game momentarily worked against Michaels, leading to a brutal isolation. However, the legends overcame the odds, taking out all five members with a flurry of Sweet Chin Musics and Pedigrees. This match cemented DX’s return and the Spirit Squad’s demise.
9- Randy Savage (c) vs. George Steele (SNME XI - May 2, 1987)
A wild Lumberjack Match for the Intercontinental Championship, capping the bizarre feud over Miss Elizabeth. Steele, the loveable brute, finally got his title shot against the Macho Man. Savage used his cunning instincts and Miss Elizabeth's distractions to overcome the chaotic ring surrounded by other wrestlers and pinned Steele after an elbow drop to retain his title.
8- Shawn Michaels vs. Shane McMahon (Street Fight) – March 18, 2006
The intense rivalry between Michaels and the McMahon family led to this brutal, non-title Street Fight. Shane used every dirty tactic and weapon available to try and defeat his father’s rival. The match famously ended with a recreation of the Montreal Screwjob, with Vince McMahon ordering the bell to be rung while Shane had Michaels in the Sharpshooter, providing a controversial finish.
7- Randy Savage (c) vs. The Honky Tonk Man (The Main Event - Feb. 5, 1988)
The Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Man defended his title against Savage, who was a fan-favorite at the time. The match ended in a count-out victory for Savage, meaning the title did not change hands. This finish further escalated the Honky Tonk Man's reign of terror and was a key moment in the slow-burn formation of The Mega Powers with Hulk Hogan.
6- Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens (Undisputed WWE Championship) – December 14, 2024
This main event saw Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defend his title against the vengeful Kevin Owens. The match was defined by controversy and a chaotic finish involving two referee bumps. Rhodes controversially won after delivering a Cross Rhodes onto a steel chair that Owens had introduced. Post-match, a furious Owens brutalized Rhodes with a Piledriver on the chair, stealing the "Winged Eagle" title belt.
5- Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Bob Orton (SNME I - May 11, 1985)
The debut Saturday Night's Main Event in May 1985 saw WWF Champion Hulk Hogan, with Mr. T in his corner, defend his title against "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr., accompanied by Roddy Piper. Orton dominated portions, utilizing his infamous cast. Hogan ultimately "Hulked Up" and delivered the Leg Drop, but Piper immediately interfered, causing Orton's disqualification. This kept the title on Hogan and escalated the ongoing feud between the two legendary factions.
4- Randy Savage vs. Bret Hart (SNME XIII - Nov. 28, 1987)
An early showcase for a young "Hitman" Bret Hart in a high-profile singles match against "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Savage won by pinfall after a well-executed elbow drop. While not the main event, this contest is highly praised for its quality and gave the future 5-time WWE champion a chance to demonstrate his technical prowess against a top-tier star on a massive stage.
3- Shawn Michaels (c) vs. The British Bulldog - November 14, 1992
This was the final title change in the original SNME run, with Michaels defending the Intercontinental Championship. A surprisingly great match that showcased HBK’s ascent as a singles competitor and Bulldog's power. Michaels ultimately scored a controversial victory by illegally using the ropes for leverage, further establishing his arrogant heel persona.
2- Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Paul Orndorff (SNME IX - Jan. 3, 1987)
This intense Steel Cage Match concluded their legendary rivalry. Both men simultaneously climbed out and touched the floor, resulting in one of the most famous, controversial finishes: a tie. The confusion necessitated a restart where Hogan ultimately pinned Orndorff to retain the WWF Championship, officially ending Orndorff's run as Hogan's greatest late-80s rival.
1- Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Andre the Giant (The Main Event - Feb. 5, 1988)
The highest-rated match in wrestling history, this WWF Championship bout drew an incredible 15.2 Neilsen rating and 33 million viewers. Andre the Giant controversially defeated Hogan after referee Earl Hebner, a double-ganger hired by Ted DiBiase, made a fast count. Andre then immediately surrendered the title to DiBiase. The resulting vacancy led to the WrestleMania IV tournament, igniting the further main event drama.
