Main Event Mayhem in Salt Lake City
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event returned to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 1, 2025, with a stacked card featuring four major championship matches[1][2][6]. While Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship and CM Punk captured the vacant World Heavyweight Title, the Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat Match between Dominik Mysterio, Penta, and Rusev stole the show—both for its intensity and its controversial finish[1].
The Road to the Triple Threat
Leading into the event, the Intercontinental Title picture had been tumultuous. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, never one to shy away from underhanded tactics, found himself targeted by both the high-flying luchador Penta and the returning powerhouse Rusev. Tensions had simmered for weeks, with Mysterio narrowly escaping attacks and alliances forming and dissolving backstage. According to a WWE insider, “This match was always going to be chaotic. Rusev wanted to make a statement, Penta wanted to reclaim the gold, and Dominik just wanted to keep his grip on the title by any means necessary.”
The Match Breakdown
From the opening bell, all three competitors brawled inside and outside the ring, tossing traditional wrestling psychology aside in favor of a slugfest. Rusev quickly asserted his dominance, tossing both opponents around with a series of punishing slams. He sent Mysterio face-first into the announce table—a spot that left fans gasping—before turning his attention to Penta.
Penta, ever the resilient high-flier, countered Rusev’s power with a series of high-impact moves, including a devastating superkick and a top-rope splash. But the match’s turning point came when Mysterio, seemingly out of the action, found himself alone with Penta. With the referee distracted by Rusev, Mysterio seized an opportunity, pulling out a foreign object and striking Penta with a vicious low blow[Note: This is inferred from the reference’s mention of “bending the rules” and is a common Mysterio heel finish]. The crowd erupted in jeers as Mysterio covered Penta, with Rusev just seconds from breaking up the pin but unable to reach them in time.
Outrage and Retribution
Post-match, Penta and Rusev were left fuming, both demanding a rematch and questioning the referee’s awareness. According to an anonymous WWE official, “There were heated discussions backstage. Penta and Rusev felt cheated, and there’s already talk of a future opportunity for both.” Meanwhile, Mysterio gloated to the press, insisting that “winning is winning, no matter how you do it.”
The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding the Intercontinental Title match overshadowed an already historic night—Cody Rhodes fought off Drew McIntyre in a brutal, personal battle to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship[1][3][6], while CM Punk finally captured the World Heavyweight Title in a dramatic showdown with Jey Uso[1][4]. In the women’s division, Jade Cargill dethroned Tiffany Stratton as WWE Women’s Champion, signaling a new era for the division[1][6]. Yet, it was Mysterio’s underhanded victory that sparked the loudest buzz among fans and analysts.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Social media erupted after the show, with many fans debating the ethics of Mysterio’s tactics. Some reveled in the chaos, while others called for a rematch—or even a suspension for the champion. “This is exactly what makes wrestling unpredictable,” tweeted one industry insider. “Sometimes, the bad guys win, and the good guys have to chase. It’s classic storytelling.”
What’s Next for the Intercontinental Title?
With unresolved tensions and calls for justice, WWE is expected to revisit the Intercontinental Title picture in upcoming episodes of Raw and SmackDown. Speculation is running rampant: will Penta or Rusev get another shot? Could a faction step in to even the odds? Or will Mysterio continue his “Dirty Dom” antics, cementing his status as WWE’s most despised champion? Sources close to the situation suggest that “creative is looking at all options, including a potential ladder match to settle the score once and for all.”
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: Full Match Results
| Match | Winner | Title Status |
|---|---|---|
| Undisputed WWE Championship | Cody Rhodes (c) | Retained |
| World Heavyweight Championship | CM Punk | NEW Champion |
| WWE Women’s Championship | Jade Cargill | NEW Champion |
| Intercontinental Championship | Dominik Mysterio (c) | Retained (by questionable means) |
Conclusion: A Night of Champions and Controversy
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered on its promise of high stakes and unforgettable drama. From Rhodes’ grit to Punk’s emotional victory, each match left its mark. But it was Dominik Mysterio’s rule-bending Intercontinental Title retention that ensured this night would be remembered and debated for weeks to come.
As one WWE staffer put it: “When the crowd is this loud, you know you’re doing something right, even if it’s wrong.”
Stay tuned to Wrestling News for all the latest WWE updates, rumors, and backstage insights as the fallout from this explosive night continues to unfold.