5 Best WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Moments

A few weeks ago now, news broke that WWE filed a new trademark on "Saturday Night's Main Event," and it's got some folks in a bit of a frenzy. In all likelihood, the filing is just to make sure that no other individual or company usurps their IP. Nonetheless, it's still fun to think about the possibilities, isn't it? Even if that last 2006-08 run *was* something of a dud.

In the years before Monday Night Raw (and Nitro) set the modern template for wrestling television shows, Saturday Night's Main Event was the trendsetter. Airing between four and six times a year between 1985 and 1990 (before limping into oblivion after that), SNME was sort of a half-Raw/half-pay-per-view, in that big matches, big angles, and memorable moments played out on big time NBC, during the WWF's true Golden Age. With Hulk Hogan as the star of Main Event, the WWF never saw larger TV audiences.

So while the filing is probably just a simple protective move and little else, let's have some fun and recall a few gems from SNME's glory years.

(Note: moments from the Friday night show The Main Event, including the Hulk-Andre title change, and the Mega Powers' dissolution, are not considered for this list. Different show, technically)

A few weeks ago now, news broke that WWE filed a new trademark on "Saturday Night's Main Event," and it's got some folks in a bit of a frenzy. In all likelihood, the filing is just to make sure that no other individual or company usurps their IP. Nonetheless, it's still fun to think about the possibilities, isn't it? Even if that last 2006-08 run *was* something of a dud.

In the years before Monday Night Raw (and Nitro) set the modern template for wrestling television shows, Saturday Night's Main Event was the trendsetter. Airing between four and six times a year between 1985 and 1990 (before limping into oblivion after that), SNME was sort of a half-Raw/half-pay-per-view, in that big matches, big angles, and memorable moments played out on big time NBC, during the WWF's true Golden Age. With Hulk Hogan as the star of Main Event, the WWF never saw larger TV audiences.

So while the filing is probably just a simple protective move and little else, let's have some fun and recall a few gems from SNME's glory years.

(Note: moments from the Friday night show The Main Event, including the Hulk-Andre title change, and the Mega Powers' dissolution, are not considered for this list. Different show, technically)

5. The Steel Cage Double-Finish (1987)

Hulk Hogan's three-year World title reign just about ended on a controversial non-finish, during a steel cage match with arch-nemesis Paul Orndorff. Both men began climbing out of the cage on opposite sides, and it was a footrace to the arena floor.

After each man landed, one referee declared Hogan winner, while the other said "Mr. Wonderful" was the new WWF champion. Unable to reach consensus, both heavyweights were sent back into the cage to brawl it out, and this time, Hogan beat Orndorff to the outside.

4. Michaels Strikes Gold (1992)

It was only a matter of time before Shawn Michaels began a legitimate title reign in the WWF, and his day finally came in the autumn of 1992. A match with Davey Boy Smith for the Intercontinental title awaited, and it would be the only singles title change in SNME history.

Michaels worked the British Bulldog's back during the match, using an exposed turnbuckle to further wreak havoc. When Smith went for a Superplex, Michaels shifted his weight onto the Bulldog, wrecking the champ's back, and the pinfall was academic.

3. Mr. Perfect Destroys The WWF Title (1989)

With an unblemished record to his name, Mr. Perfect had his sights set on WWF champion Hulk Hogan. And he was going to make damn sure he got Hulk's attention, first by physically aiding manager The Genius in defeating the invincible champion via countout.

If that weren't enough, Perfect stole a dazed Hogan's title belt, and made a show of smashing the golden plates with a hammer backstage. He vowed to destroy any and all replacement belts too until Hogan gave him what he asked for: a shot at the gold.

2. A Massive Superplex (1989)

In the neighbourhood of 350 pounds at the time, The Big Boss Man was still insanely agile, and easily ranks among the most underrated hosses that have ever graced the ring. And grace the ring he did one night in the spring of 1989, after falling from a great height.

Boss Man tried to escape WWF champion Hulk Hogan and a steel cage, and nearly got away, but Hulk grabbed him near the apex. Then in a truly astonishing visual, Hogan muscled Boss Man over the top bar, Superplexing him back into the ring. That's 650 combined pounds taking a spill.

1. The Mega Powers Form (1987)

Randy Savage, after a recent babyface turn, nearly unseated The Honky Tonk Man to win back his old IC title, when The Hart Foundation interfered. A three-on-one attack ensued, in which Honky callously shoved down Miss Elizabeth. Then she ran for her help.

When she returned, she had with her an old Savage rival in WWF champion Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster helped Savage clean house, before the two shared a tense moment. Uncharacteristically grateful, Savage extended his hand, and Hogan eventually accepted, signalling a powerful union.