The July 18, 2026 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event featured a stacked lineup with a variety of matches, showcasing the talents of WWE’s top stars. In this review, we’ll highlight three things that didn’t quite live up to expectations and three things that stole the show.
3 Things We Hated
1. Underwhelming Cruiserweight Title Defense
The Cruiserweight division has been one of the highlights of the WWE’s recent efforts, but the title defense between champion Humberto Carrillo and challenger Ari Sterling felt like a step back. Carrillo has been on a roll lately, but his match against Sterling lacked intensity and was marred by a series of missteps. The crowd seemed to be checking out, and the match ultimately felt like a minor speed bump in the champion’s otherwise impressive title reign. This match highlighted the ongoing issue of Cruiserweight matches consistently failing to deliver the same level of excitement as the main event.
2. Lackluster Tag Team Match
The tag team division has been another area where WWE has shown promise, but the match between The New Day and The Usos felt like a lazy effort. The Usos, in particular, have been on a hot streak, and their chemistry with The New Day is always electric. However, this match felt like a rehashing of previous encounters, with the same moves and sequences being trotted out without much creativity or originality. The crowd was lukewarm at best, and the match ultimately felt like a filler to get to the main event.
3. Disappointing Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
The Women’s Tag Team Championship match between champions Sasha Banks and Naomi and challengers Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax was a major letdown. The match had all the ingredients for a great encounter, but it failed to deliver. The action was slow and plodding, with the crowd seemingly checked out by the mid-point. The finish, which saw the champions retain their titles, felt like a foregone conclusion, and the entire match felt like a waste of the talents of all four competitors.
3 Things We Loved
1. Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
The main event of the evening was a barnburner, with Roman Reigns facing off against Drew McIntyre in a thrilling match. The two superstars have a long history, and their chemistry in the ring is undeniable. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both competitors giving it their all. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Reigns and McIntyre battled back and forth, with the Big Dog ultimately emerging victorious. This match was a highlight of the evening and showcased the best of what WWE has to offer.
2. Kevin Owens vs. Karrion Kross
The match between Kevin Owens and Karrion Kross was a masterclass in storytelling. Kross, who has been on a roll lately, looked every bit the part of a menacing powerhouse, while Owens brought his trademark intensity to the table. The match was a slow burn, with both competitors taking their time to build up to the finish. The crowd was completely invested in the outcome, and the finish, which saw Owens emerge victorious, felt like a fitting conclusion to a compelling encounter.
3. Randy Orton’s Promos
Randy Orton has been on a mission to prove himself as one of the top stars in the WWE, and his promos on Saturday Night’s Main Event were some of the best of the evening. Orton’s character has been a highlight of the show, and his promos continue to be some of the best in the business. His ability to cut a compelling promo is unparalleled, and his character continues to be one of the most intriguing in the WWE.
Backstage Reaction
While WWE officials were unavailable for comment, it’s clear that they were pleased with the turnout for Saturday Night’s Main Event. Sources close to the company have confirmed that the show was a major success, with many of the matches receiving rave reviews from fans and critics alike. The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the WWE’s roster, writers, and production team.
Fan Reaction Analysis
Fans took to social media to react to the show, with many praising the main event match between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre. The match was widely considered one of the best of the evening, and fans were thrilled to see the Big Dog emerge victorious. The Women’s Tag Team Championship match, on the other hand, was met with widespread disappointment, with many fans feeling that the match was a waste of talent.
Future WWE Implications
The success of Saturday Night’s Main Event has major implications for the WWE’s upcoming schedule. With the show being a major success, it’s likely that WWE officials will look to build on this momentum in the coming weeks. Expect to see more matches featuring top stars like Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Saturday Night’s Main Event was a mixed bag, with some matches delivering and others falling flat. However, the show was saved by a trio of outstanding matches and promos from some of the WWE’s top stars. As the WWE looks to build on this momentum in the coming weeks, fans can expect to see more of the same, with top stars taking center stage. With the WWE’s upcoming schedule looking increasingly stacked, it’s clear that fans are in for a treat.
FAQ Section
- Q: What was the highlight of the evening?
A: The main event match between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre was the highlight of the evening, with both competitors giving it their all in a thrilling encounter. - Q: Who emerged victorious in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match?
A: The champions, Sasha Banks and Naomi, retained their titles against challengers Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. - Q: What was the biggest disappointment of the evening?
A: The Cruiserweight title defense between Humberto Carrillo and Ari Sterling was the biggest disappointment of the evening, with the match feeling underwhelming and lacking intensity.