WWE returned to prime time on May 24 with the latest episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event, held at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The event featured exciting matches that contributed to ongoing storylines, including the highly anticipated main event and some surprising returns.
The main event saw Jey Uso defend his title against Logan Paul, which played into the larger narrative involving John Cena. Earlier in the evening, Cena faced off against R-Truth, winning decisively after a low blow. Cena later expressed his disdain for celebrities like Paul entering the wrestling world, emphasizing a desire to preserve the integrity of the sport.
The title match itself was solid, and despite critics questioning Uso’s wrestling abilities, the live crowd reacted positively to both competitors. Logan Paul showcased his skills in the ring, culminating in a dramatic moment when Cena attempted to interfere by pulling the referee from the ring. However, Cody Rhodes made a triumphant return, thwarting Cena’s plans and allowing Uso to secure the victory. This set the stage for a tag team match at Money in the Bank, featuring Cena and Paul against Rhodes and Uso, promising an intriguing dynamic.
The event also featured a high-profile tag match with Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker facing CM Punk and Sami Zayn. The match was memorable not just for its intensity but also for the surprise return of Bronson Reed, who assisted Rollins and Breakker, highlighting the ongoing storyline and adding depth to their alliance.
In another significant clash, Damian Priest triumphed over Drew McIntyre in a cage match using a brutal con-chair-to, implying a decisive end to their feud. Although Priest didn’t secure a pinfall victory, his win signified a turning point, potentially positioning him for a title shot in the future. Meanwhile, McIntyre’s refusal of a stretcher raised questions about his future direction in the storyline.
Zelina Vega successfully defended her United States Championship against Chelsea Green, although the match highlighted some character development issues for Vega. While Vega retains the title, Green’s vibrant persona stands out, raising the question of how Vega can evolve her character to maintain audience engagement.
This episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event felt more substantial compared to previous shows, blurring the line between a standard Raw episode and a B-level pay-per-view. The retro vibe of the show was well-received, and it seemed to capture the essence of classic wrestling events. With significant storyline developments and returns, WWE is effectively building excitement for future events.
Overall, the night was filled with engaging matches and clever storytelling, leaving fans eager for what’s next. The show received a grade of B+, reflecting its success in delivering entertaining content with high stakes and some surprising moments.