WWE Saturday Night Main Event 2024 Review: Cody Rhodes BURIED Kevin Owens
By Mark Justice
Gunther (c) vs. Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest [World Heavyweight Title]
Result: Gunther (via pinfall)
Gunther started off the match with a plethora of Knife Edge Cops. Priest got the upper hand after and delivered Tope Con Hilo to both men outside the ring. Priest went to the top rope like Undertaker and delivered an Old School to Gunther. Priest then delivered Flatliner to Balor and picked Balor up for the Rzaor's Edge, but Gunther stopped Priest from attempting the Powerbomb. Priest countered that to go for Razor's Edge on Gunther, but Balor stopped it with a SlingBlade to Priest and SlingBlade to Gunther. Balor attempted the Dropkick but Gunther countered with a Sleeper Hold.
Priest broke up the submission and tossed Balor outside the ring. Gunther locked in the Sleeper on Priest. Priest got out of it and delivered the South of Heaven Chokeslam to Gunther for the near-fall. Balor raced back in the ring to deliver an Inverted DDT and Shotgun Dropkick to Damian Priest. Balor scaled the top rope for the Coup De Grace, but Gunther stopped him and joined him on the top rope for a Superplex. Priest stopped Gunther and grabbed him for the Razor's Edge. Balor capitalized with the Coup De Grace from the top rope on Gunther for the near-fall as Priest broke it up.
Priest delivered the South of Heavens Chokeslam to Balor. Gunther broke it up with a Sleeper Hold on Priest. Gunther rolled with Priest outside the ring with the Sleeper Hold still intact. Gunther transitioned the hold into delivering the Powerbomb to Priest onto the steel steps, taking him out for the rest of the match. Gunther got back in the ring to take matters into his own hands. He delivered the Shotgun Dropkick to Balor and the Powerbomb to Balor for the 3-count and the victory. By allowing bitter rivals in Balor and Priest to cancel each other out, Gunther prevailed to retain the title.
Final Analysis/Takeaway: 3.5 Stars (B-), This was a really solid match between amongst these three superstars and the right superstar won. Damian Priest already failed twice against Gunther on big PPVs. As for Finn, although he is a former world champ and thereby a credible threat for Gunther, he is already Tag Champion and neither has a storyline basis to win the title here nor has the momentum to warrant his title opportunity. This title match was clearly just a means to add more heat to the feud between Balor and Priest whilst continuing the dominance of Gunther's title reign.
Chelsea Green vs. Michin [U.S. Title]
Result: Chelsea Green (via pinfall)
Piper Niven delivered a Side Slam to Michin outside the ring to help Chelsea Green. Michin fought back with a Torando DDT to Chelsea for the near-fall. Michin attempted the Eat Defeat, but Chelsea countered with the Rough Ryder for the near-fall. Michin rolled outside the ring and Chelsea delivered the Suicide Dive to Piper Niven by accident. Michin capitalized with a Senton Bomb to both Chelsea and Piper. Michin tosses Chelsea back into the ring and delivered the Eat Defeat to Piper Niven.
Michin charged at Chelsea to finish this match but Chelsea countered with a Big Boot and I'm Prettier Attempt. However, Michin countered with an Eat Defeat for the near fall as Chelsea put her foot on the rope at the last second. Piper Niven jumped on the apron to distract Michin again, but Michin delivered a dropkick to Piper Niven. Chelsea Green capitalized off the distraction by delivering the Avalanche I'm Prettier from the top rope for the three-count and the victory. Chelsea is the champ.
Final Analysis/Takeaway: 3.5 Stars (B-), This was a really solid match between these two stars and the right superstar won. Since Green is more popular than Michin right now, WWE correctly struck while the iron was hot with her. Green's character work has been commendable to date and was rightfully rewarded with a title. Booking her as merely a hand to make the roster look better would not have been advisable in the long run, as this could be an entertaining title reign. This was the best moment of the night, as it has been a long time coming for the best playmaker in this business.