Saturday Night’s Main Event rolled into Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on July 12, 2025. Airing live on NBC and Peacock (and YouTube internationally), this special edition served up shocking twists, career-defining moments, and savage smackdowns—all building toward the colossal two‑night SummerSlam. Let’s break down the action match by match.
The Viper vs. The Scottish Powerhouse – Orton Tops McIntyre
In the electric opener, Randy Orton (backed by country music star Jelly Roll) faced the returning Drew McIntyre (flanked by Logan Paul). Chaos reigned when McIntyre’s Claymore connected with Jelly Roll, momentarily evening the odds. But a distraction-fueled showdown—Logan Paul versus Jelly Roll—gave Orton the opening, sealing the victory with a surprise RKO.
Key Moments:
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Logan Paul attempted an early strike, but Jelly Roll intervened—prompting a tense ringside shoving match.
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While distracted, McIntyre got scooped by Orton’s signature RKO.
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Post-match, McIntyre ambushed Jelly Roll with a Claymore, laying the ring bare for a future tag-teamed rivalry.
Title Drama – Gunther vs. Goldberg (Final Clash)
In what’s being touted as Bill Goldberg’s final WWE match, Gunther put his World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Goldberg delivered his trademark Spear and Jackhammer—nearly ending the show in triumph. But Gunther had a plan: he unceremoniously removed Goldberg’s knee brace, then locked in a brutal Sleeper hold that forced Goldberg to tap out—possibly closing the curtain on his storied career.
U.S. Title Turmoil – Solo Sikoa vs. Jimmy Uso
Solo Sikoa defended the United States title against his brother, Jimmy Uso, in a match bursting with family tension. The MFT faction distracted Uso, allowing Sikoa to sneak a roll‑up pin. Fueling the drama further, Jacob Fatu stormed in post-match to fend off the interference—and hint at his own feud with the MFT crew .
Other Highlights Table
| Matchup | Result & Highlights |
|---|---|
| LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins | Knight earned a BFT pinfall as Rollins’ knee buckled mid-match. The injury looked serious. |
| Naomi vs. Jade Cargill Brawl | A wild in-arena fight prompted GM Nick Aldis to name Bianca Belair as special referee for their No‑Holds‑Barred match at Evolution . |
Build-Up to SummerSlam
SNME XL served as a high-stakes appetizer for SummerSlam:
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Orton & Jelly Roll seem poised to face McIntyre & Paul in a blockbuster tag showdown.
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Goldberg’s retirement opens a new title landscape for Gunther.
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Solo Sikoa’s win (and Fatu’s entrance) sets the stage for fresh U.S. title intrigue.
Conclusion
Saturday Night’s Main Event XL was more than just a TV event—it was a turning point. Rivalries intensified, new factions clashed, and legends bowed out (or braced for one final stand). As storylines brace for SummerSlam, one thing’s clear: WWE is primed for one explosive weekend.