WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) returned with a bang on May 24, 2025, lighting up the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida, with a card packed with high-stakes matches and jaw-dropping moments. Broadcast live on NBC and streaming on Peacock, this primetime spectacle delivered the kind of star-studded action that has made SNME a beloved staple in wrestling history. From title defenses to personal vendettas, here’s a rundown of the electrifying night that had fans buzzing.
Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul: World Heavyweight Championship Showdown
The main event saw “Main Event” Jey Uso defending his World Heavyweight Championship against the ever-controversial Logan Paul. Fresh off his monumental victory over Gunther at WrestleMania 41, Uso was riding high, but Paul’s athleticism and knack for chaos made this a true toss-up. The match was a rollercoaster, with Uso delivering a massive Superkick and a near-fall-worthy Uso Splash. However, the night took a dramatic turn when Cody Rhodes made a shocking return, aiding Uso in fending off interference from Paul’s entourage, ensuring Jey retained his title. This victory solidified Uso’s reign, but with Gunther looming for a June 9 Raw showdown, the YEET movement faces more challenges ahead.
CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker: Tag Team Turmoil
In a classic tag team clash that echoed SNME’s old-school roots, CM Punk and Sami Zayn squared off against Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker, backed by the cunning Paul Heyman. The match was pure chaos from the opening bell, with all four superstars brawling before the referee could gain control. Breakker’s brute force and Rollins’ cunning kept them dominant, but Punk’s fiery comeback and Zayn’s Helluva Kick attempt shifted momentum. The tide turned when Bronson Reed made a monstrous return, obliterating Punk through a barricade, allowing Rollins and Breakker to secure the win. Post-match, Reed joined forces with Rollins, Breakker, and Heyman, hinting at a dangerous new faction forming on Raw.
Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre: Steel Cage Showdown
The brutal rivalry between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre reached new heights in a Steel Cage Match that left the Tampa crowd chanting “This is awesome!” Both men unleashed hell, with McIntyre tossing steel chairs into the ring and Priest countering with a devastating South of Heaven. The Scottish Warrior nearly escaped, but Priest’s relentless assault, including a throat-crushing chair shot and a Con-Chair-To, sealed McIntyre’s fate. Priest walked out victorious, while McIntyre refused a stretcher, limping away with his pride intact but his body battered. This match may have closed their chapter, but it’s clear both men are far from done making waves.
John Cena vs. R-Truth: A Heartfelt Non-Title Clash
In a deeply personal non-title bout, John Cena faced R-Truth, who was determined to “bring his childhood hero back from the dark side.” The storyline, rooted in Truth’s accidental assist at Backlash and Cena’s subsequent Attitude Adjustment through a table, added emotional weight to this matchup. Truth pulled out all the stops, even mimicking Cena’s moves like the AA and STF, but Cena’s ruthless edge shone through. A low blow behind the referee’s back led to an AA, giving Cena the win. While Truth didn’t snap Cena out of his current mindset, the match was a heartfelt nod to their history and a highlight of Cena’s farewell tour.
Zelina Vega vs. Chelsea Green: Women’s United States Championship
The Women’s United States Championship was on the line as Zelina Vega defended her title against former champion Chelsea Green. Green, backed by Piper Niven and Alba Fyre, dominated early with her technical prowess, but Vega’s resilience shone through. The champion weathered Green’s onslaught and retained her title in a hard-fought battle, proving why she’s a force in the women’s division. This match added a strong women’s presence to the card, despite no other women’s matches being featured.
Surprises and Nostalgia
The event wasn’t just about the in-ring action. WWE leaned into SNME’s retro charm with commentary from Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Pat McAfee, whose chemistry brought a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. The return of Bronson Reed and Cody Rhodes sent shockwaves through the arena, while whispers of a potential third member joining Rollins, Breakker, and Heyman’s faction (possibly Austin Theory or an NXT star) kept fans speculating about future storylines.
How to Watch and What’s Next
For those who missed it, SNME aired live on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET, with replays available for Peacock Premium subscribers. International viewers caught the action on platforms like Netflix (in the EU), YouTube (in select markets), Sony LIV (India), and Abema (Japan). The event’s success sets the stage for the next SNME on July 12, 2025, and with Money in the Bank looming on June 7, expect Rhodes’ return and the fallout from the tag team match to drive major storylines.
Final Thoughts
Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24, 2025, delivered everything fans love about WWE: intense rivalries, surprising returns, and a mix of old-school flair with modern storytelling. From Jey Uso’s title defense to the chaotic tag team bout and Priest’s cage match triumph, the night was a testament to why SNME remains a must-watch. As WWE continues its packed 2025 schedule, including Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41 fallout, the road ahead promises even more unforgettable moments.