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WWE ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’: Cody Rhodes Retains Title Under Questionable Circumstances Leading to a Surprise Attack

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: WWE

In the premiere of the revitalized Saturday Night’s Main Event, the WWE teamed once again with NBC to bring pro wrestling back to network television in a series of upcoming broadcasts; the first of which aired last night on Saturday, December 14th and streamed on Peacock.

And a throwback it was; emanating from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on Long Island, which was the site of the first Saturday Night’s Main Event in 1985. Throughout the two-hour card, the WWE and NBC brought back the red white and blue ring ropes, classic WWE logo on the turnbuckles, the referees in bowties, retro 80’s graphics and video packages by design. In addition, the great slo-mo replay of a major move by one of the wrestlers right before a commercial break, plus shining a light on WWE legends Jimmy Hart, Tito Santana, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Koko B. Ware, who were seated at ringside.

On the announce team front, the recent addition of Joe Tessitore to the WWE, has the voice reminiscent of the late, great Gene Okerlund, during Saturday Night’s Main Event’s hey day, plus the return of Jesse “The Body” Ventura, gave the show it’s retro feel. Later, Ventura on color commentary (with the returning Pat McAfee and WWE legendary announcer, Michael Cole) was also pretty stellar. Jesse has a penchant for rooting for the heels and explaining to us how they were wronged, and he made sense doing it making viewers at home seeing the logic of the bad guys.

Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens

The main event featuring Universal Champion, Cody Rhodes squaring off with former friend-turned-enemy, Kevin Owens, with the return of the Winged Eagle belt, left the WWE Universe with more questions than answers! Here’s why!

During a pivotal point in the match, things had swung Owens’ way. When it looked like he has the championship won, he had knocked out referee Charles Robinson while countering a Cross Rhodes. So, there was no one to count to three after he delivered a Stunner to Rhodes. As Kevin laid atop Rhodes, the crowd counted to almost ten before a second official raced down the ring ramp, and by the time he got there, Rhodes had kicked out so the match continued.

However, the second ref would go down this time by Rhodes on a Cody Cutter that was meant for Owens, but he ducked and knocked out the official. A frustrated Owens threw Rhodes into the ring post and went to the outside of the ring and grabbed a chair. He brought said chair into the ring. Rhodes avoided the chair shot and the chair went down inside the ring. Next, Rhodes delivered a Cody Cutter but used the chair to punctuate the move so Owens landed on it, thus allowing him to retain the title, when the initial ref came to and delivered the three count. Cody actually looked at the chair before doing his finishing move and then tossed it out of the ring so the ref wouldn’t see it in heel fashion.

Courtesy/WWE

On television, the show ended with Rhodes celebrating in the ring. However, moments later things got ugly and it was also captured by social media and the WWE of course. As Cody was thanking the fans for coming out to the venue tonight, Owens snuck back into the ring and attacked the champ. Owens then delivered the banned move, the package pile driver. As the officials and a stretcher came to the ring. Owens picked up the belt and stood on top of Cody signifying his belief that the title should have been his.

Next, Owens walks off with the Winged Eagle title belt, as Paul “Triple H” Levesque came out and the two got into a confrontation over Kevin’s right to take the belt and for how he injured Rhodes.  So where does the story go from here? Does this make Owens more unhinged as he feels more wronged than ever? Will Cody be ‘injured’ and unable to defend his title? Is this the beginning of a Rhodes heel turn? Stay tuned.

Photo: WWE

Chelsea Green receives her flowers

Sometimes being a heel makes you very popular with the WWE universe and on this night, Chelsea Green, one of the most entertaining women on the roster, became the first ever Women’s United States champion beating Michin in the finals.

Best ring garb of the night, also went to Green for having mini-Chelsea-like emojis all over her outfit! In the match, Piper Niven, Green’s tag partner, also helped her distract her opponent. In the end, Chelsea delivered an avalanche Unprettier to win the title to a big pop. Niven lifted Green up on her shoulder in the ring to celebrate the moment as Chelsea is now a champ! It should be a fun ride for the next several months for those women chasing this belt, with Green’s antics, personality, and in-ring moves front and center.

Photo: WWE

More Championship Belts Retained

No belts legally changed hands on the premiere of Saturday Night’s Main Event and that included the triple-threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship, featuring champion Gunther vs. Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest.  The match for the most part featured sensational high flying moves from Balor, Priest hitting his Razor’s Edge on the champ, but the champ surviving it all. Gunther once again comes up victorious!

In the Women’s World Championship match, Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky showcased incredible moves with Sky delivering her moonsault multiple times. Throughout the match, the crowed was behind Iyo. However, at a critical point, Morgan got her knees up and quickly turned it into an Oblivion to finish off the “Genius of the Sky.”

The ref raised Morgan’s hand in victory as she retained her championship, but Liv’s nose was noticeably bleeding after getting what looked like a knee to the face earlier in the match from Sky. As she and her cronies, Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriquez, were walking on the ramp towards backstage, Rhea Ripley showed up and confronted Morgan, setting up what looks to be a title shot in the near future for the former champ.

Photo: WWE

Drew McIntrye Gets Clean Win 

The opening bout of Saturday Night’s Main Event, featured Drew McIntyre who wants to take out all members of the Bloodline. So, he started on this occasion with the honoree Uce, Sami Zayn. Both wrestlers put on an amazing offenses that featured moonsaults, Helluva kicks, and Claymores. In the end, the Scottish Warrior delivered his patented Claymore at just the right time for Zayn to get caught in it and lose the match.

Photo: WWE

Overall, we give grade the show/card a B, and look forward to the next one on January 25th from San Antonio, Texas airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

So, what did you think of ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’? What did you think of the finish of the Rhodes vs. Owens match and its aftermath? Comment below, but first check out the Michael Fairman Channel’s ‘What’s Up? Wrestling’ post-show with ‘TV Insider’s’ Scott Fishman as we recap and share reactions to last night’s special broadcast and card.

 

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Tells Danny: ‘The Place They Were Holding Me Was Bad, Really Bad’

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What happened to Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) when he was captivity by the WSB? That is the question on many minds of General Hospital viewers, especially following the airing of the Tuesday, July 14 episode of the ABC daytime drama series, which also received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards yesterday.

In story and in the pick-up of Monday’s episode, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) comes face to face with his father at the Quartermaine boathouse. Jason assures his son that he is home for good. However, Jason is confused why the WSB suddenly released him from Jakarta in the last 48 hours.

Danny goes in on his father for taking the fall for Cullum’s shooting when it was Rocco who shot the now deceased WSB director. Jason tried to explain he had to make a last minute decision and didn’t want Rocco’s life to be ruined by shooting another man.

Courtesy/ABC

JASON WANTS TO TAKE A SHORT TRIP WITH DANNY

Jason promised Danny that from now on, he is his top priority, and that time away has given him a new perspective. When Danny tries to get more intel from his dad on what he went through, all Jason would say is, “The place they were holding me was bad, really bad.”

Danny admits that the person he told that Rocco shot Cullum was Port Charles bureau chief, Jack Brennan, but he told him that WSB would want Danny to drop the whole thing, and just leave it be now that Cullum is dead.

TRACY SEES JASON

Suddenly, Tracy (Jane Elliot) shows up and is happy to see that Jason has resurfaced saying she knew he would be back. As she welcomed him home, Jason has a favor to ask her.

Next, he proposes much to Danny’s happiness, that he and his son are going to away together for a few days to catch up on things. So, that there is no issue, Jason asks if Tracy can please tell Alexis that he has returned to Port Charles and anyone else that would need to know, so they are not concerned for Danny’s welfare and that they know he is with his dad. Tracy agrees, and she and Jason share a hug.

Now the question is, what happened to Jason? We know his face is beaten up. We saw in flashbacks he was held in a cell and we can see he had been experiencing what seems like PTSD from being in captivity.

Previously, GH co-head writer, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten previewed to Soap Opera Digest on Jason’s return, “His imprisonment has had a profound effect on his outlook and how he intends to conduct the rest of his life. His decision will have big implications for Danny, Britt, the Quartermaines, Anna and especially Sonny.”

So, what do you think happened to Jason while being held by the WSB? Did something horrific occur? Will Jason tell Sonny he can no longer work for him so he no longer puts himself or his family in any kind of danger? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

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General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer. 

Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.

As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC

A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.

Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC

WSB WAR SCARS

Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.

In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC

Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”

So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Returns, Anna and Valentin Reunite

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This week on General Hospital begins with the ABC soap opera’s 16,000th episode which brings Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) back to Port Charles after being released by the WSB; all thanks to the deal made between Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Z (John Oliver).

On the same episode, the upshot of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) coming face to face, and seeing each other for the first time in months plays itself out, and it may not be how you think. Josslyn hopes sending Valentin to the side of Anna, will break up his burgeoning relationship with her mother, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but will it?

It appears Valentin has a warning for Anna. In the GH video preview for the episode, Anna is seen saying “How do you know that?” What does Valentin know, and will he be the person that will catch on that she is being haunted by the ghost of Peter August (Wes Ramsey)?

Courtesy/ABC

In addition, look for the debut of Dean Geyer in his role of Dr. Tristan Roberts (named after the beloved late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), as he and Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) may have a tense exchange or two.

Then, in the aftermath of their argument, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) asks Chase (Josh Swickard)Did I push you towards Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)?” Is Chase going to admit his fixation with his ex-wife, or reassure his current wife that he is not interested in Willow? Stay tuned.

Finally, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) is seen talking to someone saying that the idea of this person filling the 16th seat on the hospital board is a great idea. Who is she talking to?

Check out the official GH spoilers for the week of July 13-17 below.

MONDAY, JULY 13
Milestone 16000th episode! Jason returns to Port Charles. Anna receives a warning. Laura’s choice appalls Tracy. Britt makes an accusation. Carly is caught off-guard.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
Jason explains his actions. Kai becomes privy to shocking information. Jordan strikes out. Elizabeth stands her ground. Valentin is suspicious.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Anna seeks answers. Josslyn reveals a secret. Nina and Brennan plot their next move. Curtis voices his gratitude. Gio and Trina get big news.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
Emma and Gio discuss their future. Obrecht lashes out. Anna interrogates Britt. Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis. Cody delivers difficult news.

FRIDAY, JULY 17
Carly draws a boundary with Sonny. Valentin makes his feelings clear. Trina and Josslyn clear the air. Lulu cautions Ethan. Nina opens up to Brennan.

So, excited for Steve Burton’s return on tomorrow’s GH as Jason comes home? Are you rooting for Anna and Valentin to get back together, or are you hoping that Carly and Valentin continue their relationship, much to the chagrin of Josslyn? And, what should Brook Lynn do about her husband, Chase, who continually fights for Willow? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out the preview teaser from GH for the Monday, July 13 episode below.

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