7 Stars who returned to WWE at Saturday Night’s Main Event
Saturday Night's Main Event made a triumphant return to NBC yesterday as WWE put together a solid evening of in-ring action and good storytelling. The night was a fascinating throwback to the events in the past.
Highlights of the night included Cody Rhodes retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship, only for Kevin Owens to send him in an ambulance with a Package Piledriver. Chelsea Green became the inaugural Women's US Champion, and Gunther retained the World Heavyweight Title.
Given the show's retro and nostalgic theme, Triple H brought back several WWE stars at Saturday Night's Main Event.
#7. Jesse "The Body" Ventura returned at Saturday Night's Main Event
The show started on a high as Joe Tessitore introduced WWE Hall of Famer Jesse "The Body" Ventura. The Body, clad in feathered boas, wore a red bowtie, a tribute to the late "Mean" Gene Okerlund. Among all the legends who appeared, Ventura had the most important role.
The Hall of Famer was already announced for the event, but he was still a welcome addition and he elevated the show with his presence. Ventura broke down the action on the stage with Tessitore.
The Body joined the commentary team for the main event between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. Ventura had intriguing interactions with the commentators and lamented that he never wore the WWF Winged Eagle Championship.
#6. Pat McAfee joined the commentary team
After Joe Tessitore introduced Jesse Ventura, Pat McAfee's music played and the star came out to a nice reception to join his good friend, Michael Cole, on commentary. McAfee is perhaps a bit unlike other entries, as he wouldn't make many lists as a WWE legend.
The energetic commentator added a great deal of enthusiasm to the commentary table, and his interactions with Ventura during the main event were thoroughly enjoyable.
Pat McAfee and Michael Cole have always had great chemistry. However, it was a refreshing sight to see the two friends call action with Ventura.
#5,4,3. Tito Santana, Rich Hering, and Jimmy Hart returned at Saturday Night's Main Event
Jesse Ventura wasn't the only legend to return last night. WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana, Rich Hering, and Jimmy Hart were seen at ringside. Their appearance was brief, but a great throwback to the 1980s.
Santana infamously had a great match with Mr. Perfect for the Intercontinental Championship on Saturday Night's Main Event in 1990. "The Mouth of The South" Jimmy Hart was known for his trademark megaphone, which was also spotted in the veteran's hands at ringside.
Rich Hering is less known, but he appeared as the on-screen officiant of Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth's wedding at SummerSlam 1991. Hering is also a Warrior Award recipient.
#2,1. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and Koko B. Ware
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and Koko B. Ware were also spotted together ringside in a brief appearance at Saturday Night's Main Event. The Hammer is well-known among hardcore fans, with many fondly remembering his iconic feud with the late great "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.
Furthermore, The Hall of Famer also teamed with prominent names like Ric Flair, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, and The Honky Tonk Man. Meanwhile, Koko B. Ware had fewer achievements and memorable moments but managed to make the Hall of Fame.
Koko B. Ware did share a backstage moment with CM Punk in an exclusive interview shown on YouTube.
The night was a throwback to the heady days of the 80s, when WWE was beginning to break barriers and became a mainstream entertainment option to the masses.