HIGHLIGHTS
Initially, I was skeptical about WWE’s potential to craft a noteworthy narrative for the championship showdown between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event returns with four championship matches streaming exclusively on Peacock for the first time in the show’s history
- Cody Rhodes defends the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre while CM Punk battles Jey Uso for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship
- November 1 event from Salt Lake City features major title implications with potential for game-changing outcomes across multiple divisions
Nonetheless, WWE’s creative team, along with the stellar performances from two of wrestling’s brightest stars, have successfully developed a gripping storyline for the main event. They’ve effectively planted the idea that McIntyre might just clinch the WWE Championship, adding a layer of unpredictability to the match.
This event signifies a pivotal change for Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking its debut as a Peacock-exclusive stream rather than being broadcast on NBC. This transition allows WWE greater flexibility in terms of the show’s duration and format, akin to their premium live events.
WWE Championship:
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
World Heavyweight Championship (Vacant):
CM Punk vs. Jey Uso
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Full Match Card
WWE Championship:
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
World Heavyweight Championship (Vacant):
CM Punk vs. Jey Uso
WWE Women’s Championship:
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
Intercontinental Championship (Triple Threat):
Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta vs. Rusev
The Main Event Picture
The Rhodes-McIntyre rivalry reached new heights on Friday Night SmackDown with both men delivering excellent promo work. McIntyre’s vicious Claymore Kick that sent Rhodes through the commentary table weeks ago set the tone, but it’s the psychological warfare that’s made this feel urgent.
Rhodes’ three-match losing streak—including his defeat to Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel—has introduced legitimate doubt about his championship security. McIntyre earned by escaping Jacob Fatu–who was written off because of injury–and the Scottish Warrior’s relentless pursuit has positioned him as a genuine threat rather than just another challenger.
The World Heavyweight Championship situation developed when Seth Rollins was stripped of the title following The Vision’s betrayal–and Rollins’ real-life injury. The injury created a vacancy that CM Punk and Jey Uso will now settle.
Punk, seeking redemption after his brief reign ended via Rollins’ cash-in at SummerSlam, faces an opponent whose trajectory seems predetermined—Punk winning to establish a proper World Heavyweight Champion run feels inevitable. Yet Uso’s lone wolf arc and Roman Reigns’ whispers in his ear have created speculation about a potential heel turn that could flip the script entirely.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Women’s Division Showdown
Tiffany Stratton’s 302-day championship reign faces Jade Cargill in a feud that’s been missing an ingredient. The story feels rushed, lacking the emotional buildup that typically defines memorable women’s championship programs.
Cargill’s heel turn on last week’s SmackDown—attacking Stratton after appearing to save her—was effective but sudden. Despite the accelerated timeline, both women represent WWE’s women’s division future, and Cargill declaring she’ll “take everything” signals her readiness for championship gold.
The Intercontinental Championship triple threat promises the kind of chaos that makes these matches memorable. Dominik Mysterio has cheated his way past both Penta and Rusev in singles competition, and the triple threat format—with no disqualification—opens the door for The Judgment Day, Los Americanos, AJ Styles, and Dragon Lee to wreak havoc.
Dom seemingly must retain, but the method matters more than the result in establishing how far “Dirty Dom” will go to keep his nearly 200-day reign alive.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Potential Wildcards
A full Jey Uso heel turn looms as Saturday’s biggest potential swerve, particularly with Roman Reigns’ influence growing. Austin Theory’s return has been speculated, though Royal Rumble might be the more strategic moment.
The same patience likely applies to Chris Jericho’s WWE return, if it happens at all. These special events historically produce moments that shift narratives for weeks to come.
WWE’s High Stakes in Salt Lake City
While there are only four matches on the card, this episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event could be epic. There are four titles on the line and despite the absences of Roman Reigns, John Cena, Rhea Ripley and Brock Lesnar, there is enough star power for this event to hit the right notes.
