WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: July 12th

WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event XL marked a historic night with a blend of matches, promos, and evolving storylines. It was held on July 12, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. It was broadcast on NBC and Peacock in the U.S. and on YouTube internationally. The event featured the return of Cody Rhodes, Bronson Reed, and WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura on commentary. Plus, the retirement match of wrestling legend Bill Goldberg. Despite an apparent injury to Seth Rollins casting a shadow, the show delivered intense action and set the stage for future WWE narratives.

The opening bout saw Randy Orton accompanied by four-time Grammy-nominated artist Jelly Roll. He faced Drew McIntyre, seconded by Logan Paul. The match, lasting under 10 minutes, was a physical callback to their 2020 rivalry. McIntyre attempted a Claymore Kick, but Paul’s interference backfired when Jelly Roll shoved him to the floor. This distracted McIntyre. Orton capitalized with an RKO for the win. Post-match, Paul attacked Orton, but Jelly Roll intervened, only to be hit with a Claymore Kick from McIntyre.

This match was a solid, if unspectacular, opener that prioritized storyline advancement over in-ring complexity. Orton’s victory keeps him strong as a fan-favorite babyface. McIntyre’s loss, aided by Paul’s interference, maintains his heel momentum without damaging his credibility. The involvement of Jelly Roll and Logan Paul signals a celebrity-driven tag team match at SummerSlam. This angle taps into WWE’s strategy of leveraging mainstream appeal. The reliance on celebrity involvement risks overshadowing the in-ring talent. The post-match brawl effectively heightened anticipation for this feud’s next chapter.

In a historic moment, Jimmy Uso competed in his first-ever one-on-one championship match in WWE. He challenged Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship. Sikoa was backed by his faction (Talla Tonga, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa). Jimmy started strong with strikes and a high-flying corkscrew to the outside. However, Solo’s faction’s interference, particularly Talla Tonga’s distraction, allowed Sikoa to retain via a controversial victory. After the match, The Bloodline attacked Jimmy. Jacob Fatu returned and cleared the ring.

The match showcased the ongoing Bloodline saga. Jimmy Uso’s performance highlighted his potential as a singles competitor despite the loss. Sikoa’s reliance on The Bloodline reinforces his heel persona as a cunning leader who thrives on numbers advantage. Jacob Fatu’s return was the standout moment. The chemistry between the Uso brothers added emotional depth. Fatu’s dominance as “The Samoan Werewolf” suggests WWE sees him as a future main-event star. This segment effectively balanced in-ring action with storyline progression, keeping the Bloodline narrative compelling.

This highly anticipated clash saw LA Knight face Seth Rollins. He was accompanied by his faction (Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman). The match started with strong pace and character work. However, tragedy struck when Rollins attempted a springboard moonsault, landed awkwardly, and appeared to injure his knee. After a brief pause with the referee and ringside doctor checking on him, Rollins continued. Knight quickly hit Blunt Force Trauma (BFT) for the win. Rollins limped backstage with assistance. This raised concerns about his condition.

The match was poised to be a highlight but was derailed by Rollins’ apparent injury. It overshadowed Knight’s victory. It would elevate him, though the sudden finish prevented a proper climax to their heated rivalry. Rollins faces uncertainty, with reports suggesting a legitimate injury that could impact his Money in the Bank cash-in plans. This development opens intriguing possibilities, such as a potential briefcase handover to Bron Breakker. However, Rollins holds the Money in the Bank briefcase until next June. The injury angle, whether work or shoot, adds drama to Rollins’ storyline and could reshape Raw’s landscape.

The main event saw WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg in his final match. He challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Goldberg, flanked by former WCW figures and his son Gage, entered to a massive ovation in his adopted hometown of Atlanta. Despite visible knee and shoulder injuries, Goldberg delivered a strong performance. He hit shoulder blocks, a spinebuster, a Spear, and a Jackhammer. However, he accidentally speared referee Charles Robinson. Gunther capitalized, removing Goldberg’s knee brace and targeting his leg. Gunther taunted Gage, who jumped the barricade, creating a distraction. Goldberg hit another Spear and Jackhammer, but the effort exhausted him. This allowed Gunther to lock in a Sleeper for the submission victory. After the match, Cody Rhodes appeared to honor Goldberg. He started his retirement speech as NBC was going off the air. Fans didn’t get to hear 90% of it.

This match exceeded my expectations. It delivered a compelling storytelling rather than technical prowess. Gunther’s strategic focus on Goldberg’s knee and his heelish taunting of Gage reinforced his dominance as “The Ring General.” Goldberg, at 58, showed flashes of his WCW prime, making his farewell memorable despite the loss. The match’s structure smartly worked around Goldberg’s limitations. The emotional weight of his retirement added gravitas. Cody Rhodes’ post-match appearance tied the night to Atlanta’s wrestling history. The abrupt cutoff of his speech was a production misstep. This match served as a fitting capstone to Goldberg’s career and a momentum boost for Gunther heading toward SummerSlam.

During a ringside segment, Naomi attacked Jade Cargill in the crowd. It sparked a chaotic brawl. WWE personnel separated them, but Naomi escalated with a dive from the announce table. WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis intervened. He announced Bianca Belair as the special guest referee for their No Holds Barred Match at WWE Evolution 2025. Commentary questioned Belair’s impartiality given her history with both women.

This segment effectively hyped the Naomi-Cargill feud. It showcased their physicality and personal animosity. Naomi’s aggressive attack and Money in the Bank briefcase holder status position her as a breakout star of 2025. Cargill’s powerhouse presence keeps her credible. Belair’s return as referee adds intrigue. Her past as part of the “Big Three” with Naomi and Cargill could lead to biased officiating. This storyline elevates the women’s division and sets up a must-see match at the all-women’s PLE.

After the main event, Cody Rhodes, absent since WrestleMania 41, returned to pay tribute to Goldberg. The Atlanta native’s speech was cut short as the broadcast ended. Rhodes’ return was a feel-good moment that tied Saturday Night Main Event to Atlanta’s wrestling heritage. While brief, it reaffirmed Rhodes’ role as a locker room leader. The abrupt cutoff was unfortunate, but Rhodes’ presence ensured a positive send-off for Goldberg.

Jacob Fatu’s post-match return during the Sikoa-Uso match saw him decimate The Bloodline. It signaled his intent to reclaim the United States Championship. His stare-down with Talla Tonga hinted at a new rivalry within the Bloodline saga. Fatu’s return as a dominant force reinvigorates the Bloodline storyline. His physicality and charisma suggest a main-event trajectory. The tension with Talla Tonga adds another layer to the faction’s internal dynamics. It keeps the Bloodline saga fresh and unpredictable.

His retirement match was a nostalgic highlight. It showcased his resilience despite physical limitations. His loss to Gunther was the right call. It preserved the champion’s momentum while allowing Goldberg to exit with dignity.

“The Ring General” solidified his dominance with a strategic victory. It enhanced his legitimacy after a shaky post-WrestleMania 41 run. His heel tactics, including taunting Gage, make him a compelling antagonist.

The apparent knee injury, whether real or kayfabe, casts uncertainty over his role as Raw’s centerpiece. His faction with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman remains a dominant force, but his absence could elevate Breakker or Reed. Did WWE call an audible with his injury? Will they use Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman sooner than expected? Or is this a trick for Seth just to pop up unexpectedly to cash in his briefcase?

His win over Rollins was marred by Rollins’ injury. His “Megastar” persona resonates, but he needs allies to counter Rollins’ faction moving forward. Sometimes I just wonder what WWE is thinking with LA Knight. He is completely over with the fans and they still won’t push him.

Orton’s victory keeps him in the picture with Jelly Rolly for WWE SummerSlam. McIntyre’s loss sets up a redemption arc, likely involving Logan Paul at SummerSlam. Their rivalry feels fresh despite their history.

Sikoa’s heelish title reign gains depth with The Bloodline’s support. Jimmy’s performance elevates him as a singles wrestler. Their family dynamic adds emotional stakes. I can’t help but wonder if Jimmy can be elevated as a singles star or should he find another tag team partner.

His return as a dominant force positions him as a breakout star. It also shows the potential to lead the Bloodline narrative into SummerSlam.

The women’s storyline is one of WWE’s hottest. Naomi’s aggression, Cargill’s power, and Belair’s star power created a dynamic trio. Their Evolution match is a potential show-stealer.

WWE Saturday Night Main Event XL was a success. It balanced nostalgia with forward-looking storytelling. Goldberg’s retirement match delivered emotionally, Gunther’s victory solidified his reign, and Fatu’s return energized the Bloodline saga. The Naomi-Cargill brawl and Belair’s return hyped Evolution. Orton’s win set up a celebrity-driven SummerSlam angle. However, Rollins’ injury, whether real or staged, casts a shadow. It potentially alters Raw’s trajectory. The show’s production, marred by the cutoff of Goldberg’s farewell, could have been tighter. However, the in-ring action and storyline advancements made it a memorable night. WWE effectively used SNME to bridge its past and future, setting the stage for a blockbuster summer.