In 2006, WWE made a significant step by reviving one of its classics from the 1980s, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME). The plan originated as part of WWE’s agreement with USA Network, following the return of RAW to its home channel in late 2005. WWE wasted no time broadcasting the show.
Shortly after RAW returned to USA Network, NBC aired Saturday Night’s Main Event months later. WWE made a strategic approach by airing this once special show on the Road to WrestleMania 22. The first Saturday Night’s Main Event in the 2000’s was a success as it drew a 3.1 rating on television.
John Cena & Triple H vs. Randy Orton & Kurt Angle & Rey Mysterio
The show kicked off with RAW’s WrestleMania Main Event against SmackDown’s WrestleMania Main Event. Then WWE Champion John Cena teamed up with Triple H to take on the team of Randy Orton, then World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle, and Rey Mysterio. There was so much friction within both teams as none of the respective teammates were able to get along with one another.
On RAW, Cena waited for Triple H to finally get physical with him, but Triple H kept playing mind games. On the SmackDown side, Orton cleverly got himself in the title picture, being a thorn on both Angle and Mysterio’s side.
During the match, Triple H nailed Cena with a “Pedigree”, leading Orton to go for the cover. When it seemed that the SmackDown was getting the win, Mysterio broke the pin as he did not want gandouts to get the win.
This led to a frustrated Triple H also giving Mysterio a “Pedigree” before Angle knocked him out of the ring. Orton delivered an RKO to Angle afterwards. Orton would then measure Cena for an RKO as well, but Cena reversed it with a rollup to gain the victory.
