5 most memorable moments in WWE Saturday Night's Main Event history
Wrestling fans are excited about the resurgence of WWE's cultural icon: Saturday Night's Main Event. The fan-favorite show will return in just a matter of days to Long Island, where the inaugural SNME took place in 1985.
Saturday Night's Main Event brought us some of the biggest moments in wrestling history. There have been a lot of such moments that made SNME legendary. Today, we look back at some of those moments that made it so great.
Here is our list of the five most memorable moments in WWE Saturday Night's Main Event history:
#5. 10/5/1985: Uncle Elmer gets married
Throughout the 1970s and early 80s, Stanley Frazier was a fan favorite in the Memphis area, as well as the southeast region of the country. Fraizer was known by many personas before signing with WWE (fka WWF), such as Cowboy Fraizer and The Giant Hillbilly. At 6'10" and tipping the scales at nearly 450 pounds, he was one of the more popular, larger-than-life characters of his time.
Fraizer signed with WWF in the mid-80s and started working as 'Uncle Elmer.' He joined Hillbilly Jim's stable 'The Hillbillies,' along with Cousin Luke and Cousin Junior. During an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event in October 1985, Uncle Elmer married Joyce Stazko in the ring.
Surrounded by stars like Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant, the couple were legitimately married on this night and remained together until Uncle Elmer passed away in 1992.
#4. 11/25/1989: Mr. Perfect destroys the WWE Championship
Curt Hennig was one of the most polarizing characters of his time. His 'Mr. Perfect' persona showcased his athleticism and unparalleled charisma. Televised events would often include one of Hennig's many magical moments and trick shots, including his "Perfect Pass" where he appeared to throw a football and catch his own pass.
At one point, Mr. Perfect became obsessed with wanting a shot at Hulk Hogan's WWE (WWF) Championship. During a match between The Genius Lanny Poffo and Hogan on SNME in late 1989, Hennig nailed the champ with his own belt, knocking The Hulkster out cold. The referee didn't spot the attack, thus costing Hogan the match by way of a count-out.
Following the match, Mr. Perfect was shown backstage destroying Hogans title with a hammer. He told Mean Gene, "This has never been a perfect belt and Hogan, you’ve never been a perfect champion."
#3. 7/18/1989: The Brain Busters become new WWE Tag Team Champions
There's no denying that The Four Horsemen were arguably the greatest faction in wrestling history. Led by Ric Flair, The Horsemen dominated the territories, and into WCW throughout the 1980s and 90s. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard are two of the other most notable members of the stable.
Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard took their talents to WWE (WWF) in late 1988. At the time, Demolition was the dominant team, and they were the tag champions. Arn and Tully set their sights on those titles, and their time finally came on July 18, 1989, on Saturday Night's Main Event.
The Brain Busters won the two-out-of-three falls contest, ending Demolition's near 500-day run as WWE (WWF) Tag Team Champions.
#2. 10/3/1989: The Mega Powers are formed
On the 12th episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, Macho Man Randy Savage challenged Honky Tonk Man for the Intercontinental Championship. The Hart Foundation interrupted the contest, giving Savage the win via DQ.
After Honky Tonk Man shoved Miss Elizabeth to the ground, she went backstage and came back with Hulk Hogan, who came in to settle the score. After clearing the ring, Savage and Hogan united with the iconic handshake, officially forming 'The Mega Powers.'
After Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage joined forces, The Mega Powers went on to make several appearances together in the ring. However, things eventually soured between the two alpha stars. This would lead to Hogan and Savage going back to the days of being bitter rivals, rather than partners.
#1. 1/3/1987: Hogan vs. Ordorff in the first non-PPV cage match
As the 1987 new year kicked off, wrestling fans were saying their prayers, taking their vitamins, and celebrating Hulkamania worldwide. Hogan was the reigning World Champion as he headed into the 9th edition of Saturday Night's Main Event.
Throughout the mid-to-late 1980s, one of Hogan's biggest feuds was with Paul 'Mr. Wonderful Orndorff. The two stars met inside a steel cage on January 3, 1987, for what was the first non-pay-per-view cage match in WWE history.
After a photo finish, the match was restarted. Hogan then gained control and exited the cage for the win, following the Immortal Legdrop.