WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event results, grades, analysis: Sami Zayn earns title shot as Drew McIntyre runs amok
Saturday night’s wrestling event at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, delivered a compelling preview of the road to WrestleMania, kicking off early with a chaotic and action-packed show. From a brawl that spilled into the crowd to championship contests and a potential final match for a wrestling veteran, the event set the stage for next week’s Royal Rumble and beyond.
A Chaotic Start and a Champion’s Statement
The evening began with immediate disruption as a scheduled match between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu never materialized. Instead, Fatu attacked Rhodes during his ring entrance, igniting a full-scale brawl. The chaos culminated with Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre’s intervention, as he took out both Rhodes and Fatu with powerbombs through tables, establishing a dominant presence.
Championship Defense and Future Contenders
The sole championship match of the night saw Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky retain their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez in a 13-minute contest. The match was praised for its pacing, storytelling, and chemistry between the four competitors. Following their victory, Ripley and Sky will face Giulia and Kiana James, who earned a number one contender’s match on Friday’s “SmackDown.”
A Potential Farewell and a Show of Respect
In a late addition to the card, AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a 21-minute match that may have been the last time the two rivals face each other, as Styles plans to retire from WWE sometime in 2026. Despite the lack of stakes, the match was hard-hitting and concluded with a show of respect between the two competitors.
Zayn Earns a Championship Opportunity
The main event of the evening was a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the number one contender for Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship. Sami Zayn, a Montreal native, emerged victorious, defeating Damian Priest, Randy Orton, and Trick Williams. This win secured Zayn a championship match against McIntyre at next week’s Royal Rumble.
Looking Ahead
With Zayn now set to challenge McIntyre, a clash between the two seems inevitable at the Royal Rumble. Randy Orton and Damian Priest, despite their loss, remain prominent figures in the championship picture and could pursue a rematch. The Judgment Day’s internal dynamics may also shift, potentially leading to challenges for Stephanie Vaquer after Raquel Rodriguez’s interference in the tag team match. Styles and Nakamura’s match, while potentially their last, leaves open the possibility of future appearances or roles within WWE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the match between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu?
The match between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu never officially began. Fatu attacked Rhodes during his entrance, leading to a brawl that was interrupted by Drew McIntyre.
Who retained the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky retained the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez.
Who will Sami Zayn face at the Royal Rumble?
Sami Zayn will face Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
How might the outcome of Saturday Night’s Main Event influence the storylines and rivalries leading up to WrestleMania?