WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Highlights: Jey Uso Retains World Heavyweight Title, Cody Rhodes Returns in Tampa

TAMPA, FL – May 24, 2025 – WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event brought a night of high-stakes action, dramatic returns, and hard-hitting matches to the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

Jey Uso Defends World Heavyweight Championship Against Logan Paul

The marquee attraction of the evening was Jey Uso’s defense of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Logan Paul. The crowd was firmly behind Uso, who battled through Paul’s relentless offense to retain his title. The match was marked by near-falls and high drama, with Paul showcasing his athleticism and in-ring savvy. In a pivotal moment, Cody Rhodes made a surprise return, intervening to stop John Cena from interfering in the match. Rhodes’ appearance sent the Tampa crowd into a frenzy and set the stage for future confrontations between Rhodes and Cena.

Steel Cage Showdown: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre

In another highlight, Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre settled their long-running rivalry inside a steel cage. The match was a showcase of brute strength and resilience, with Priest ultimately emerging victorious. Both competitors left everything in the ring, but Priest’s victory was a significant moment in their ongoing feud.

Tag Team Action and Returns

The event kicked off with a chaotic tag team match featuring CM Punk and Sami Zayn against Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. Despite Punk and Zayn’s strong start, the returning Breakker proved to be a difference-maker, helping his team secure the win. The crowd was electric for Punk’s first match since WrestleMania 41, and the match set the tone for the night’s action.

Additional Highlights and Criticisms

R-Truth, a fan favorite, faced his childhood hero John Cena in a non-title match, delivering an entertaining contest that kept the audience engaged. The show also featured a women’s match for the WWE Women’s United States Championship, with Zelina Vega defending against Chelsea Green.

While the event was praised for its energetic atmosphere and major moments, some fans criticized the frequent and lengthy commercial breaks, which disrupted the flow of the show, particularly during the opening segments.

Rumors and Speculation

Speculation swirled about potential involvement of NXT and TNA talent, with rumors circulating that WWE might be planning a major NXT vs. AEW showdown in the lead-up to AEW’s All In event. Although nothing was confirmed on the broadcast, the buzz added an extra layer of intrigue to the evening.

Overall Impressions

Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered on its promise of big moments and exciting matches. With Jey Uso retaining his title, Cody Rhodes’ dramatic return, and high-profile victories for Damian Priest and Seth Rollins’ team, the event set the stage for an action-packed summer in WWE. Despite some pacing issues due to commercials, the night was a resounding success for WWE and its fans in Tampa.