The Greatest Saturday Night’s Main Event Matches: Ranking Top 5 Iconic Bouts From Hulk Hogan to Shawn Michaels

Saturday Night’s Main Event was not just another wrestling show; it was more of an exhibition that brought WWE’s biggest icons and most fierce rivalries to the prime-time stage. Airing on NBC during the 1980s and early 1990s, it became a foundation of pop culture. The revival of Saturday Night’s Main Event in 2024 on December 14 is said to take place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York, the same venue that hosted the launching event back in 1985. The 2024 edition features exhilarating matchups, including a championship showdown between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, whose rivalry has deepened with time. Additionally, special appearances by WWE icons are highly anticipated.

Narrowing down to the top 5 matches can depend on personal preference, but here are five highly iconic and memorable matches.

Top 5 Legendary Saturday Night’s Main Event Matches to Revisit

#5: The British Bulldogs vs. The Hart Foundation

Two of the significant tag teams of the era delivered an intriguing match on May 2, 1987. Both teams were well-recognized for their technical ability and high-spirited style. The two-out-of-three-falls precondition added elements of excitement, with The Hart Foundation barely securing victory in a hard-fought match.

#4: Bret Hart vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage

On November 11, 1987, Bret Hart fought against Randy Savage; this was a rare match fought between two practical legends. While Hart was still a part of The Hart Foundation and in the heel role, he executed a well-calculated attack on Savage, aiming at his injured knee. The crowd was on the edge throughout the back-and-forth match between the two wrestlers.


Despite the interference from The Hart Foundation, Savage managed to bag the victory.

#3: Shawn Michaels vs. Marty Janetty

On May 17, 1993, we witnessed a dramatic clash between former Rockers teammates. Shawn Michaels, with his heel facade, defended his InterContinental Championship title against Marty Janetty in a fast-paced and technically stunning session. The match was the climax of their long-standing storyline after Michaels double-crossed Janetty by tossing him through the famous barbershop window.



Despite Janetty’s durability, Michael secured victory through his tactics and assistance from his bodyguard, Diesel (Kevin Nash.)

#2: The Mega Powers vs. The Twin Towers

On February 3, 1989, the competent duo of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage encountered Big Boss Man and Akeem in a high-stakes tag team stretch. The major highlight of the night was not only the in-ring action but the steaming tension between Hogan and Savage. The match intensified when Akeem threw Savage onto Miss Elizabeth, resulting in her becoming unconscious, leading to Hogan carrying her backstage.


This action of Hogan’s angered Savage despite winning the match. This moment was crucial since this became the reason behind The Mega Power’s split at WrestleMania V.

#1: Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndoff (Steel Cage Match)

On January 3, 1987, the classic rivalry between Hulk Hogan and Mr. Wonderful peaked in a Steel Cage match for the WWE Championship title. The match featured a dramatic climax where both wrestlers climbed over the cage in a striking photo finish, constraining the referees to review the footage to declare the winner. Hogan stood victorious.

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The synchronized cage moment thrilled and captured the fans' attention, making this one of the most iconic WWE moments.

ALSO READ: Is Liv Morgan OVERHYPED? Fans Weigh In as She Hits 200 Days as ChampionThe magic of Saturday Night’s Main Event remains timeless, an example of the power of great storytelling and iconic personalities. Don't miss the return of the iconic Saturday Night’s Main Event, on Saturday, December 14, LIVE NATIONWIDE AT 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC. As per IST, the event goes live at 06:30 am on Sunday.