STW - Saturday Night's Main Event 03.18.06 [Show Notes] (Patreon)

SNME 32 took place on March 18th, 2006 from the Cobo Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. It drew 7,000. This is the 2nd SNME to take place in Michigan; the first one happened on February 21st, 1987, at the Joe Louis Arena, where we saw in a battle royal, newly turned heel, Andre the Giant eliminate Hulk Hogan to help set up their legendary match about a month later at WrestleMania 3, in Pontiac, Michigan.

This would be the first SNME since October 27th, 1992.

SNME was a staple of WWF television on NBC from 1985 until 1992. It actually aired as a replacement for Saturday Night Live when it was on. Talk about how that relationship began between WWF and NBC and the birth of SNME?

The first time WWE aired on NBC in prime time, Feb. 5, 1988, it drew a 15.2 rating for the Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant match. It is the highest rated and most watched (33 million) show in pro wrestling history. The three subsequent prime time specials drew ratings of 11.6, 12.8, and 6.7

When SNME moved to the Fox network in 1992. It was cancelled after the second one drew what was considered a rating of 6.1

Talk about why it took 14 years to bring it back?

You came to the WWF shortly after WrestleMania 3. SNME had been on the air for about 2 years at that point. Did you ever watch it before you came to the company? Did you like how it was done?

What was your favorite SNME match and/or moment?

Talk about the differences between how SNME was produced in the 80s and early 90s compared to how it was done here in 2006

We're a few weeks away from WrestleMania 22, which took place on April 2nd, from Chicago, where we'd see John Cena retain the WWE Title by beating HHH. Rob Van Dam winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, Edge beating Mick Foley, and many others.

Is it tricky to book a huge show like SNME on NBC just a few weeks before your biggest PPV of the year?

Jim Ross was brought back to do commentary on SNME. He was removed from TV earlier in 2006. Ross told WWE.com that he doesn’t see this as a sign that he’ll be asked to return to Raw as the main host. He did say he has watched every edition of Raw since he was “fired” on the air. “Watching the show and not being able to be a part of it was also tough,” he said. “But it didn’t kill me and I made it through.

A lot of that is psychological games anyway. When you’ve been in the wrestling business for 33 years and you’ve worked with the strong personalities that I’ve worked with since Day One, you’re able to absorb the bombastic treatment that you occasionally get.”

What's your memories of why he was removed from TV to begin with and what led to his return on SNME?

Let's get to some news heading into SNME  (from the Torch, no Observers posted from that time)

Keller reported at the beginning of March -

WWE announced on Monday that it is implementing a “broad WWE Talent Wellness Program.” It prohibits non–medical use and associate abuse of prescription medications and performance–enhancing drugs as well as the use of and distribution of illegal drugs. The use of masking agents is also prohibited. All contracted WWE main roster talents were assembled Monday night in Washington D.C. before the Raw/Smackdown supershow taping and told about the policy.

WWE.com had announced it hours earlier. Vince McMahon led the meeting. Dr. David L. Black, head of the Aegis Sciences Corporation, is heading up the administering of the testing. He was present at the meeting to answer questions. At an unspecified date, but assumed to be soon, there will be “baseline” testing, from which no penalties will result. Those test results will indicate the level of chemicals in each wrestler’s body, and their future tests will be judged based on that level.

It will be expected that if steroids, for instance, are found in the system, that the amount would diminish over time in future tests. It takes months for steroids to completely leave one’s system, so in theory wrestlers can continue to use smaller amounts of steroids during the grace period than they had been, still experience certain benefits, but pass the tests.

From there, a positive test (i.e. an increased amount found in the system) for continued use of any prohibited substance will result in a 30 day suspension without pay. A second positive test will result in a 60 day suspension without pay, or in–patient care if Dr. Black so determines.

A third positive test results in termination. If wrestlers are caught with illegal substances or show up under the influence of chemicals, including alcohol at the workplace, they are subject to fines, suspensions, and termination. The cardiovascular aspect of the Wellness Program will be handled by New York Cardiology Associates P.C., led by Drs. Post and Feurbach. All talent will be undergoing extensive cardiovascular stress tests on an unspecified regular basis.

What was the reaction when this started? Was this a direct result of Eddie Guerrero's passing a few months earlier?

Who was involved in the decision making for what was in the policy?

Keller reported - DICKS RELEASED FOR FIGHTING The Dicks, Tank Tolland and Chad Wicks, will not be working on the indy scene together. Their WWE release was a result, in part, of a fight between them. Chad Wicks (Chad Dick) was the subject of constant hazing and ribbing from a number of veteran wrestlers led by JBL and including Chris Benoit and Undertaker. Chad was an early target and his reactions to it brought on even more ribbing.

“The ribbers in the locker room are like sharks; they smell blood,” says one WWE locker room source. “It’s a pack mentality.” Chad handled the ribbing poorly, and his complaining and reactions to it made Tank Tolland (James Dick) feel he was putting their jobs in jeopardy. It led to a fight between them, during which Tolland punched Wicks. While there was a small chance Tolland might have been spared his job even if Wicks were released, the fight put WWE management in a tough spot because they couldn’t justify firing the guy who got punched and not the wrestler who did the punching.

WWE reported $103 Million in total revenues for third quarter, Fiscal 2006. Compared to third quarter, Fiscal 2005, WWE reported a 25 percent increase in revenues. The company not only collected strong revenues, but the company was profitable as well. WWE reported a 67 percent gain in profitability from year–to–year in the third quarter. WWE totaled $11.7 Million more operating expenses in the quarter compared to the previous year quarter

Investment firm Jefferies & Co. upgraded WWE stock from “hold” to “buy” based on the favorable quarter. The market responded favorably on Thursday when WWE announced third quarter results. WWE’s stock price rose 4.3 percent to $16.13 per share at the end of trading on Thursday. WWE reached a 52–week high of $16.34 per share during the day before settling to the $16.13 price.

By the end of trading on Friday, WWE stock rose to $16.31 per share. By comparison, WWE stock was trading at $12.25 at this time last year. Prior to the earnings report, analysts on Wall Street were predicting $85.9 Million in revenue for the quarter and earnings of 11 cents per share. Instead, WWE reported a 20 percent increase in revenue over analyst expectations. In addition, WWE reported Earnings per share (EPS) of 19 cents, a 73 percent increase over expectations

WWE reported $19.1 Million in PPV revenues from four PPV events in the quarter. In third quarter, Fiscal 2005, WWE reported $15.5 Million from three PPV events. WWE averaged $4.8 Million per PPV event this quarter compared to $5.2 Million in third quarter of last year. The per–PPV figure is lower this year despite WWE reporting stronger buyrates on a year–to–year comparison

WWE reported $18.2 Million in live event revenue as compared to $11.3 Million in the third quarter of last year. WWE had five fewer live events in the third quarter, but the 19 international dates boosted revenues.

WWE charged approximately $63 per ticket and generated approximately $440,000 per event internationally

For DVD sales, WWE reported 20,000 units sold for the WrestleMania Anthology DVD, which has a retail price of $200. The Bret Hart DVD has sold 178,000 units at the retail price of $25–28. That translates to between $4.45 Million and $5.0 Million in revenue from the Bret Hart DVD.

The Undertaker DVD is the highest selling non–PPV DVD of all time with 217,000 units sold. For the entire quarter, WWE reported $15.1 Million in home video sales, which is up 215 percent from third quarter, Fiscal 2006.

That takes us to SNME

In the dark match prior to the show going live at 8 p.m. Eastern, Big Show beat Carlito.

Jim Ross received a strong reaction from the live crowd when he was introduced. The show began with traditional, yet contrived rapid–fire promos from the key participants in the show.

Vince and Shane McMahon stood in front of Vince’s Muscle & Fitness magazine cover.

We then saw some old school promos, like on the old days of SNME

Shawn Michaels says if he’s going down, Shane is coming with him.

HHH is going to be champion again at Wrestlemania when he beats John Cena. Cue Cena to say HHH is tagging with the champ tonight.

JBL admits that it was a bad idea to challenge Steve Austin to a beer drinking contest but he’ll teach Austin something tonight.

The Boogeyman is coming to get us

Triple H & John Cena beat Kurt Angle & Rey Mysterio & Randy Orton at 11:42. Full ring introductions took place to start the show. Cena and Hunter worked together and Rey got in some high–flying offense before the mid–match commercial break. After the break, Hunter worked on Rey for a couple minutes. Rey came back with a flip dive onto Hunter. Cena and Orton tagged into the match. The crowd booed Cena’s offense against Orton. Cena took control. He did his patented fist drop then gave Orton the FU. Hunter yanked Cena off Orton and gave him a Pedigree.

He rolled out of the ring then returned to put Orton on Cena for a pin. Rey yanked Orton off at a two count. Hunter surprised Rey with a Pedigree at 11:00. Angle clotheslined Hunter over the top rope then Orton gave Angle an RKO. Orton went for an RKO, but Cena reversed it into a roll up pin out of nowhere for the win. Hunter looked on, disappointed that Cena won without him. Good use of the main stars early on, but Raw overshadowed Smackdown, especially Rey. (**1/4)

A doctor was tended to Booker T, who claimed he re–injured his knee and he could not wrestle against Boogeyman. Sharmell defended her husband. Teddy Long solemnly agreed to drop the match after the doctor confirmed Booker’s “injury.” Booker and Sharmell walked out of the locker room and smiled to the camera, knowing they escaped Boogeyman.

Edge and Lita came to the ring for the Cutting Edge segment. The ring was covered in hardcore weaponry. Edge said Foley isn’t the hardcore legend anymore. “For those of you just tuning in, Mick Foley has gone from a hardcore legend to a cuddly teddy bear,” he said. “His latest schtick is he’ll come out here and say the name of your city to get a reaction from you idiots because that’s the only way he can get a reaction these days.”

Edge called Foley a chicken then Foley answered the challenge. Edge lit a table on fire, but a stagehand quickly put it out. Foley littered the ring with thumbtacks then Edge slammed Foley into the tacks. Foley tasted the blood on his face then quickly sat up and smiled. He chased Edge and Lita to the entrance ramp. Lita could only watch as Foley gave Edge a conchairto.

We then see a Long recap on Vince McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels for their WM match

Backstage, Booker T and Sharmell bragged about fooling the doctor and Teddy. Boogeyman lowered himself from the ceiling and scared Booker, who was only in a towel, and Sharmell, who was half–dressed. Booker and Sharmell ran out of their locker room to get away from Boogeyman.

Prior to the beer–drinking contest between Steve Austin and JBL, JBL cut an anti–Detroit promo. Austin entered the ring where a table was lined with cups of beer. Austin said he’s very thirsty. He sarcastically did a double take and acknowledged JBL’s presence then shook his hand. Austin asked him why challenged him to a beer drinking contest. JBL said because he failed to list him among Texas’s all–time great wrestlers. He shouted that he would beat him at his own game.

Austin told a great story about having eggs with beer at breakfast and a few pitches of beer for lunch. He said he drank 15 pitchers of beer because he was worried about JBL beating him. JBL interrupted and stated the rules of the contest. They would go back–to–back then have one minute to drink as many beers as possible. Austin said he didn’t want to turn his back to him. JBL said, “I ain’t Brokeback Mountain, I’m a real cowboy.” Ross interjected, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

Austin let out a wry, knowing smile, and said, “No comment.” Finally, Austin and JBL stood back to back. JBL took a head start and then poured beer down his chest rather than drinking it. Austin swigged a few beers then caught JBL cheating. Austin asked, “What in thee hell are you doing, son? For someone who has such a big damn mouth, you sure are missing it with that damn beer.” JBL threw beer in Austin’s face and then jumped out of the ring.

Chris Benoit ran out and threw him into the ring. Austin threw pitches of beer at JBL. JBL slipped around the ring and fell onto his back several times. Benoit laughed on the stage. Austin put on JBL’s hat then gave him a Stunner. Austin saluted the crowd to end the segment. Austin was on his game and looked good. JBL was a great foil for Austin.

Trish Stratus & Mickie James beat Victoria & Candice Michelle at 2:42. Mickie never tagged into the match. Trish hit Stratusfaction on Candice for the victory. Afterwards, Mickie acknowledged that Trish and herself should go their separate ways. However, Mickie wanted to say good–bye. She pulled Trish in for a hug then went for a kiss, but Trish turned her cheek. Mickie hugged Trish some more, but Trish shoved her away. Mickie paused then kicked Trish in the face.

She hit Stratusfaction on Trish to add insult to injury. A watered down heel turn after months and months of build up. They took it to a higher level two nights later on Raw. (1/4*)

Mark Henry and Daivari came to the ring. The crowd didn’t respond to either man’s promo. Henry called out Taker for a confrontation. Undertaker’s full ring intro too place. They got into a slugfest right away. Taker got in an early flurry then Henry fought back. They brawled at ringside. Taker sent Henry into the ring steps then kicked him into the crowd. Undertaker went after Daivari. He gave him a chokeslam and a Tombstone onto a casket ringside.

This was done to setup Undertaker & Henry's WM match

That takes us to the main event – Shawn Michaels vs Shane McMahon. A few weeks before this, Shawn was attacked and forced to kiss Vince's butt, to build more heat for their upcoming WM match. How did Shawn feel about doing that?

Shane McMahon (w/Vince McMahon) beat Shawn Michaels via unofficial submission at 16:45. Before the match, Jim Ross said, “Mr. McMahon is a tortured, godless soul who wants the same for his son.” Michaels attacked Shane on the stage before the bell. Shane took control and with help from Vince, slammed Shawn on a table at ringside. Shane climbed a ladder in the ring, but Michaels got up before Shane could jump.

After a few tense moments, Michaels superplexed Shane off the ladder and through the table below. Both men were motionless as Vince McMahon nearly broke down seeing his son in a crumpled mess After a commercial, Shane KO’d Michaels with a stiff chairshot to the face.

Shane dragged Michaels to one corner and set up for his Shanedaminator spot with a traschan. Michaels moved and Vince ate the trashcan. Michaels made a full–fledged comeback with a nip up, a series of punches, a bodyslam, and his top rope elbow. He connected with Sweet Chin Music.

As the ref was about to count to three, Vince yanked the ref out of the ring and attacked him. Michaels grabbed Vince from behind and threw him into the ring.

Vince begged off. Shane hit Michaels with a low–blow from behind. He put Michaels in the Sharpshooter. Vince called for the bell to be rung. He ordered Lilian Garcia to announce Shane the winner by submission. Ross referenced the 1997 Survivor Series finish then said, “Michaels has been castrated of his dignity at the hand of the diabolical McMahons.” The show ended with the McMahons laughing and celebrating.

What was the backstage reaction immediately after the show? Was everyone happy with how it went down?

This SNME drew a 3.2 rating, which was the lowest in the history of SNME.

Were you guys disappointed with the 3.2 rating so close to WrestleMania? You had to be expecting something like double that, wouldn't you of, especially since it was on NBC prime time?

Did any WM plans change as a result of anything that happened on this SNME?

Where do you rank this SNME compared to all the others you were involved with?