WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event results (1/24): Powell’s live review of Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn for a shot at the WWE Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, simulcast live on Peacock (and Netflix internationally) from Montreal, Quebec’s Bell Centre on January 24, 2026, delivered a night of intense action and surprising turns, setting the stage for the upcoming Royal Rumble.
A Chaotic Start to the Road to the Royal Rumble
The evening began with a logistical challenge as Stephanie McMahon announced that her broadcast partner, Joe Tessitore, was delayed due to weather in Detroit. Despite the -7 degree temperature in Montreal, the show proceeded, kicking off the build to the Royal Rumble. The opening moments quickly devolved into a physical confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. Fatu attacked Rhodes before the bell, leading to a brawl that spilled from the ring, into the crowd, and even up into the concourse of the Bell Centre.
The chaos escalated with the unexpected intervention of WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, who powerbombed both Cody Rhodes and Fatu through tables. This interference, following a low-blow to Rhodes, suggests a potential Triple Threat match looming on the horizon.
Tag Team Title Defense and a Veteran Clash
Following the opening brawl, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles were defended as Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky retained their titles against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez in a 13-minute match. The match featured interference from Raquel Rodriguez and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, culminating in a referee bump and Ripley ultimately securing the victory.
A Final Chapter?
The night also featured a highly anticipated match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura. Styles, wearing a mask reminiscent of a 2016 encounter with Nakamura, emerged victorious after a 21-minute contest. This win comes as Styles faces a potential retirement match against Gunther, adding weight to the outcome. The match concluded with a show of respect between the two competitors, raising questions about the future of their rivalry.
A Four-Way Fight for Royal Rumble Opportunity
The main event saw Randy Orton, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, and Sami Zayn compete in a four-way match for a shot at the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. The match was characterized by its physicality and unpredictability, with all four competitors exchanging blows and utilizing the environment to their advantage. Orton ultimately emerged victorious, earning the opportunity to challenge for the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the attendance at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?
The attendance was listed as 12,891 by Michael Cole on commentary.
Who interfered in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match?
Raquel Rodriguez and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer both interfered in the match, leading to a referee bump.
What is at stake for AJ Styles?
AJ Styles has a match against Gunther where his career is on the line if he loses.
With Orton now set to challenge for the WWE Championship, and McIntyre’s actions casting a shadow over the contenders, the road to the Royal Rumble promises to be filled with further conflict and uncertainty.