Reason for Unusual Timing Behind First Saturday Night’s Main Event for 2025

WWE’s first Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025 is set for January 25, just one week before the Royal Rumble. While fans have raised eyebrows about the timing, the decision wasn’t up to WWE. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the date was chosen by NBC, and WWE had no say in the matter.

“Yeah, it’ll be January 25,” Meltzer shared. “That date’s been out there for a while, but WWE did confirm it to me. So, yeah, that’s the date. It’s the Saturday before the Royal Rumble. The deal is that when they get the date from NBC, that is the date they run. They do not run NBC. NBC is the one who makes the choice. They’re the higher power in this one.”

This quarterly revival of Saturday Night’s Main Event is part of WWE’s multi-year deal with NBCUniversal, which includes airing the iconic special four times a year. Fans have questioned whether holding such a major event so close to the Royal Rumble is wise, but NBC’s primetime schedule took priority. Despite concerns, WWE will follow through, delivering a two-hour spectacle on NBC as planned.

The January 25 show is expected to set the stage for Royal Rumble week, with WWE using the momentum to build excitement for the road to WrestleMania. Locations and match details for the event are still under wraps, but fans can expect a packed card, as WWE rarely disappoints when it comes to its marquee specials.

What do you think about NBC’s decision to schedule Saturday Night’s Main Event so close to the Royal Rumble? Does it enhance the excitement or crowd the calendar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!