Cody Rhodes’ Triumph and the Explosive Aftermath:
Cody Rhodes etched his name further into WWE history by successfully defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against the formidable Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event in New York. However, the real drama unfolded after the final bell, transforming a night of celebration into a chaotic scene of uncertainty and potential retribution. The match itself was a hard-fought battle, culminating in Rhodes utilizing a chair, brought into the ring by Owens earlier, to secure the victory with his signature Cross Rhodes maneuver. Two referees had been incapacitated during the intense contest, leading to a moment of vulnerability for Rhodes that Owens nearly capitalized on. As Rhodes reveled in his victory, Owens, driven by a ferocious competitive spirit and perhaps a simmering resentment, launched a brutal post-match assault. The shocking climax of this attack was an illegal package piledriver delivered by Owens, leaving Rhodes incapacitated and requiring a stretcher to exit the arena. This dangerous maneuver, reminiscent of a previous incident where Owens injured Randy Orton with the same move, immediately escalated the tension and raised serious questions about the future consequences for both men.
The situation intensified further with the arrival of WWE Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque. Levesque, witnessing the brutal aftermath of Owens’ actions, confronted the attacker in a heated face-off. The raw emotion on display underscored the severity of the situation, as Levesque and Owens engaged in a tense exchange before security intervened, separating the two and preventing the situation from escalating into a physical altercation. Levesque then immediately turned his attention to the injured Rhodes, emphasizing the concern for the champion’s well-being. The incident has left the WWE Universe in suspense, wondering about the ramifications of Owens’ actions and the potential repercussions he faces. Moreover, the extent of Rhodes’ injuries and his ability to continue his championship reign remain uncertain. This explosive aftermath has undoubtedly set the stage for a compelling narrative in the upcoming weeks, promising a dramatic showdown between Owens and the WWE authority, as well as raising questions about the future of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Chelsea Green’s Historic Championship Win:
While the main event generated dramatic headlines, another significant moment unfolded with Chelsea Green’s historic victory over Michin. Green secured the win with an innovative and impressive maneuver, rolling over Michin’s back in the corner and executing a unique move that secured the pinfall. This victory marks a crowning achievement for Green, who became the inaugural United States Women’s Champion, a newly established title in WWE’s women’s division. The unveiling of this midcard championship a few weeks prior adds another layer of prestige and opportunity for the women’s roster, and Green’s victory solidifies her position as a rising star in the company. This win represents a long and arduous journey for Green, who has persevered through various challenges and setbacks in her wrestling career.
Green’s path to championship gold has been marked by resilience and determination. Her initial foray into WWE in 2014 and subsequent participation in "Tough Enough" in 2015 provided valuable experience, but her initial run with the company didn’t lead to sustained success. She then ventured into other wrestling promotions, including TNA Wrestling and Lucha Underground, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience before returning to WWE NXT. A surprising release in 2021 didn’t deter her, as she continued to compete and refine her craft, eventually returning to TNA and capturing tag team gold with Deonna Purrazzo in 2022. Upon her return to WWE in 2023, she quickly made an impact, achieving tag team championship success with Sonya Deville and later Piper Niven. This experience undoubtedly contributed to her confidence and in-ring acumen, setting the stage for her singles title pursuit.
Green’s journey through the U.S. title tournament showcased her tenacity and skill, as she overcame formidable opponents like Blair Davenport, Bianca Belair, and Bayley to earn her shot at the championship. Her victory on Saturday night is a testament to her unwavering dedication and marks a significant milestone in her career. This win is not just a personal triumph for Green, but also represents the growth and evolution of the women’s division in WWE. The establishment of the United States Women’s Championship provides another platform for female wrestlers to showcase their talent and compete for prestigious titles, further solidifying their importance and prominence within the company.
Other Notable Results and Future Implications:
The night also featured several other compelling matches that added to the excitement and drama. Drew McIntyre secured a victory over Sami Zayn, continuing his resurgence in the WWE ranks. Liv Morgan successfully defended her Women’s World Championship against Iyo Sky, maintaining her dominance in the women’s division. Gunther retained his World Heavyweight Championship in a triple-threat match against Finn Balor and Damian Priest, further solidifying his reign as a dominant force.
These results, combined with the fallout from the main event and Chelsea Green’s historic win, have set the stage for a captivating future in WWE. The lingering questions surrounding Cody Rhodes’ condition and Kevin Owens’ potential punishment will undoubtedly drive storylines in the weeks to come. Furthermore, the emergence of Chelsea Green as the inaugural United States Women’s Champion adds a new dynamic to the women’s division and promises exciting opportunities for her and other aspiring contenders. The landscape of WWE is constantly evolving, and Saturday Night’s Main Event provided a night of unforgettable moments that will shape the future of the company.
Jason Kelce’s WrestleMania Experience and Perspective:
Beyond the in-ring action, another notable aspect of the event was Jason Kelce’s presence and his commentary on the world of professional wrestling. Kelce, a prominent figure in the NFL, shared his experience attending WrestleMania 40 and offered his perspective on the nature of the sport. His comments, reflecting a common perception of professional wrestling as "fake," sparked discussion and highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity and athleticism of the industry. While acknowledging the predetermined nature of the outcomes, Kelce also recognized the physical demands and athleticism required of professional wrestlers. This perspective, coming from a respected athlete in another demanding sport, added an interesting dimension to the conversation about the nature and perception of professional wrestling.
Looking Ahead:
Saturday Night’s Main Event was a night filled with drama, historic achievements, and thought-provoking commentary. The combination of intense in-ring action, unexpected post-match developments, and the commentary from an outside perspective like Jason Kelce contributed to a memorable and impactful event. The future of WWE is ripe with possibilities, and the events of this night have laid the groundwork for compelling storylines and exciting matchups in the weeks and months to come.
