I became a pro wrestling fan back in 1985. I sat down to watch Saturday Night Live, but instead I saw a show called Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper and the WWF’s cast of colorful characters made me an instant fan. That passion for pro wrestling hasn’t waned in the last 40 years.

EPISODE 1

The first show took place about six weeks after WrestleMania. Pop star Cyndi Lauper, Mr. T, and Hulk Hogan opened the show, talking about the evening’s matches.

In the first match, Barry Windham, Mike Rotundo & Ricky Steamboat defeated Iron Sheik, Nikolai Volkoff & George “The Animal” Steele.

Sheik & Volkoff abandoned Steele, who was pinned. Captain Lou Albano came to Steele’s aid, and the fans cheered “The Animal” for the rest of his career.

Paul Orndorff was the guest on Piper’s Pit, and they argued about their loss at WrestleMania to Mr. T and Hogan. Piper and his bodyguard, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, attacked Orndorff, and Mr. T made the save.

Hogan retained the WWF championship with a win over Orton. Piper’s interference caused a disqualification.

Lauper continued her successful management of WWF women’s champion Wendi Richter, who retained the title by defeating The Fabulous Moolah.

Junkyard Dog ended the show by squashing Pete Doherty. JYD’s mom entered the ring for a post-match Mothers Day dance party.

EPISODE 2

This was the show that made me a fan. I remember thinking Hogan wouldn’t defeat Volkoff to retain the title in a flag match.

Of course, the Hulkster won and wiped his boots with the Russian flag.

Uncle Elmer squished Jerry Valiant in six seconds, setting a new record. The previous mark was nine seconds, set by King Kong Bundy over SD Jones at WrestleMania.

Then Elmer got married in the ring. For real! Despite Roddy Piper’s protests (“You stink!”), the massive hillbilly got hitched.

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan put a $50,000 bounty on the head of Paul Orndorff. Piper tried to collect, but the match ended in a double-countout.

Andre the Giant & Tony Atlas beat Bundy & Big John Studd by disqualification. Hogan came to Andre’s rescue after the match.

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Brutus Beefcake retained the WWF tag team title with a win over “Leaping” Lanny Poffo & Tony Garea.

THIS WEEKEND

The next Main Event is set for this Saturday night at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC and Peacock. Here’s the lineup:

·      John Cena vs. R-Truth in a non-title match

·      Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul in a World title match

·      CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker

·      Damien Priest vs. Drew McIntyre in a steel cage match