3 mistakes WWE made on Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII is offered with every match booked for the event. Although Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu never officially started, the ensuing chaos was a treat for fans.

Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles in an impressive contest with Roxanne Perez and Liv Morgan.

AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura put on a match that could ultimately be one of the top 10 matches of 2026.

Sami Zayn gets a great shot at Drew McIntyre for the undisputed title next week at Royal Rumble. Despite the great work, WWE made the following three mistakes on Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII.

#3. Kathy Kelly doesn’t understand the heels’ motives

While many officials and security personnel were unable to end the arena-wide fight between Rhodes and Fatu, Drew McIntyre ended the fight with much less effort.

While the fighters were brawling in the crowd, the champion came out and placed both men on the tables. As he walked backstage, Cathy Kelly claimed an explanation was needed for his actions.

He said it was a message to everyone because he could not simply say “because I am fighting with them.” It was another example of interviewers not understanding that people in heels do things like blind people.

#2. Removing the mystery that made Saturday night’s main event unique

When WWE brought back Saturday Night’s Main Event in late 2024, they tried to honor some of the visual aesthetics in terms of what made the show special. Jesse “The Body” Ventura is back on commentary since he did so at the event in the 1980s.

The entrances were narrowed as security guards surrounded the stars on their way to the ring. The referees wore light blue shirts with ties. With the event held in Montreal, many of the unique features were eliminated.

Stephanie McMahon appeared randomly talking between matches and didn’t add much to the broadcast. The referees were dressed like they were on Raw and SmackDown.

If WWE wants Saturday Night’s main event to be more than just a glorified episode of RAW or SmackDown, they need to bring those aspects back.

#1. Non-competing WWE Superstars appear in almost every match

While only AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura came and went without outside interference, it would have made sense for Gunther to come out during or after the match. He didn’t do that.

The other three matches featured a non-compete making his presence felt. McIntyre ended the brawl between The American Nightmare and Samoan Werewolf.

Raquel Rodriguez interfered during the women’s tag title match while the referee was indisposed. Smuggled by Stephanie Faker.

McIntyre appeared again to try to surprise Zayn after his win, but he escaped. The attacks made sense, but bookers shouldn’t go to the well with the same idea every game.