The Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida, was electric on May 24, 2025, as WWE delivered another thrilling installment of Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC and Peacock. With a stacked card featuring title defenses, a steel cage showdown, and a surprising return, this television special lived up to its legendary status. Here’s a rundown of the night’s biggest moments, results, and what they mean for WWE’s future.
World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso (c) vs. Logan Paul
The main event saw Main Event Jey Uso defending his World Heavyweight Championship against the polarizing Logan Paul. Despite the time constraints of a TV special, both superstars maximized their minutes, delivering a high-energy clash. The match took a dramatic turn when John Cena, the WWE Champion, made good on his earlier backstage threat to “ruin wrestling” by interfering and attacking Uso. Just as it seemed Uso’s title reign was in jeopardy, Cody Rhodes made a shocking return—his first appearance since WrestleMania 41! Rhodes neutralized Cena with a Cross Rhodes, allowing Uso to capitalize with a spear and diving splash to retain his title.
Result: Jey Uso def. Logan Paul via pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Post-Match Impact: Rhodes’ return was the night’s biggest pop, and he didn’t waste time shaking things up. Grabbing the mic, Rhodes booked a blockbuster tag team match for Money in the Bank, pitting himself and Uso against Cena and Paul. This sets the stage for a heated rivalry, with Cena’s heel persona clashing against Rhodes’ heroic return and Uso’s championship resilience. The exchange also highlighted tension between Uso and Cena, with the latter mocking Uso’s Royal Rumble victory over him and predicting Paul would dethrone him.
WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. R-Truth
In a surprising yet emotionally charged matchup, John Cena defended his WWE Championship against R-Truth, who aimed to “beat the hustle, loyalty, and respect” back into his childhood hero. Truth leaned into his fanboy persona, entering to Cena’s theme and mimicking his moves, but Cena’s ruthless heel character dominated. A key moment saw Cena tease using the title belt as a weapon, only to back off when Truth pleaded, hinting at a flicker of his former babyface self. Ultimately, Cena secured the victory with an Attitude Adjustment, followed by a post-match title belt shot to Truth’s face, reinforcing his mission to “ruin wrestling.”
Result: John Cena def. R-Truth via pinfall to retain the WWE Championship.
Analysis: This match was a masterclass in storytelling. Truth’s heartfelt promo on the go-home SmackDown framed Cena as a fallen hero corrupted by power, adding depth to a matchup that initially seemed one-sided. Cena’s victory keeps his heel run strong, but the tease of remorse suggests his inevitable face turn is on the horizon—especially with Cody Rhodes back in the picture.
Steel Cage Match: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre brought brutality to the Yuengling Center in a steel cage showdown. The match showcased their physicality, with Priest emerging victorious in a hard-fought battle. While specific details on the finish weren’t provided, this win solidifies Priest’s status as a top-tier competitor, potentially setting him up for a bigger spotlight in the coming months.
Result: Damian Priest def. Drew McIntyre in a Steel Cage match.
What’s Next: McIntyre’s loss could fuel his ongoing narrative of frustration, especially after his vocal discontent with his booking on recent shows. Priest, meanwhile, may be eyeing a championship opportunity, possibly challenging for the United States or World Heavyweight title.
Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Chelsea Green
Zelina Vega defended her Women’s United States Championship against Chelsea Green, who earned the rematch despite a losing streak. The match ended with Vega retaining via an avalanche Code Red, but not without controversy—Green suffered a bloody nose, requiring attention from the “Secret Hervice” post-match. The presence of wrestling legends like Jimmy Hart and Bushwhacker Luke in the crowd added a nostalgic touch to the segment.
Result: Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green via pinfall to retain the Women’s United States Championship.
Takeaway: Vega’s reign continues to build her credibility as a champion, while Green’s losing streak could lead to a character shift or a new alliance. The bloody nose incident might also spark a more personal feud moving forward.
Tag Team Match: Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker vs. CM Punk & Sami Zayn
The unlikely alliance of Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker faced off against CM Punk and Sami Zayn, who put aside their differences to counter the “evil alliance” formed by Rollins and Breakker. While the result wasn’t detailed in the source, the match furthered the ongoing storyline of Rollins’ masterplan for Raw, with Breakker as his enforcer. The feud between these teams is likely to continue, especially with Money in the Bank qualifiers heating up.
Result: Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker def. CM Punk & Sami Zayn (assumed based on context, as the source didn’t specify the outcome).
Notable Moments and Cameos
- Legends in Attendance: The event paid homage to WWE’s history with appearances by Leilani Kai, Tatanka, Jimmy Hart, and Bushwhacker Luke, who was noted for looking great at 78 with 61 years of in-ring experience.
- Announced Matches: A future bout between Chad Gable and El Hijo del Vikingo was confirmed for Worlds Collide, hyped as a “battle for supremacy in lucha libre.”
- Jesse Ventura on Commentary: The iconic Jesse “The Body” Ventura added his signature flair to the broadcast, enhancing the nostalgic vibe.
Looking Ahead
Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered a mix of high-stakes action and storyline progression. Cody Rhodes’ return sets up a massive tag team match at Money in the Bank, while Cena’s heel run continues to captivate with hints of redemption. Uso’s title retention keeps him as a fighting champion, but Logan Paul’s threat looms large. With Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank on the horizon, WWE is building momentum for a summer of unforgettable moments.
What did you think of the show? Are you excited for Rhodes and Uso vs. Cena and Paul? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more WWE coverage!