WWE’s Nostalgia Fest: Owens vs. Cody Rhodes, with a Side of Jesse Ventura’s Legendary Commentary

Wrestling fans, get ready for a night of epic matchups and even more epic nostalgia. WWE’s “Saturday Night’s Main Event” is making its grand return to NBC, and it’s going big—because if you’re not going big, are you really doing it right? This isn’t just any wrestling show. No, my friends. This is the kind of broadcast that brings you Kevin Owens rocking his signature ‘I’m Here to Fight’ shorts paired with whatever latest t-shirt he’s pushing, facing off against the king of flamboyance himself, Cody Rhodes, who’s basically made bedazzled jackets a lifestyle choice.

The stakes? Only the WWE Undisputed Championship is on the line. The drama? Through the roof. But let’s step back and talk about why this show matters, especially when NBC is rejoining the wrestling fold after a 16-year hiatus. “Saturday Night’s Main Event” isn’t just a nostalgic nod to wrestling’s past; it’s a time machine that’s been wound up, polished, and set to take viewers straight to 1985. And for a company that’s been synonymous with larger-than-life characters, who better to play tour guide to this throwback than the man with a voice made for both the ring and the silver screen, Jesse “The Body” Ventura?

The Return of a Classic

For those not up to date with wrestling history (we won’t hold it against you, but you should probably catch up), “Saturday Night’s Main Event” was a phenomenon in the 1980s. It aired on NBC during a time when Hulkamania was running wild and the WWF—yes, we’re using the old-school name here—was pushing the boundaries of what sports entertainment could be. The show took wrestling from the grimy VFW halls and regional arenas into the living rooms of millions, introducing characters that would become pop culture icons. It’s where legends like Macho Man Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and the aforementioned Hulk Hogan cemented their places in history.

Now, flash forward to 2024, where we have a new class of characters who are just as unforgettable but with a very different look. Enter Kevin Owens, a man who somehow manages to combine a brawler’s intensity with the kind of unpretentious charm that makes you want to buy his t-shirt, even if it’s just him doing a half-joking monologue on the latest Raw. And his opponent? Cody Rhodes, who’s got the kind of showmanship that makes his entrance an event unto itself—complete with jacket so flashy, it makes fireworks jealous.

The “Body” That Launched a Thousand Catchphrases

Now, let’s talk about the most nostalgic part of this broadcast—Jesse Ventura. The 73-year-old former wrestler, actor, and governor of Minnesota is a living legend who defined what it meant to be larger than life. If you ever watched wrestling in the ’80s or ’90s, you know Ventura’s voice was more than just commentary; it was part of the show. Pair him with Gorilla Monsoon or Vince McMahon, and you had magic. The banter, the witty one-liners, the over-the-top calls at the most ridiculous moments—it was a spectacle that added depth and drama to each match. His tagline, “I’m not saying I’m smarter than everyone, but I am,” has resonated for decades.

With Ventura back on the mic, we’re in for an old-school commentary experience that will make you want to pull out the neon leg warmers and dance to Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.” He’s not just there to call the action; he’s there to give it the kind of flair that only a man who once wrestled in a sequined bodysuit could. Just imagine Jesse leaning into the mic during the match between Owens and Rhodes, with lines like, “These two are fighting for more than gold; they’re fighting for glory… and a chance to wear that jacket, which, let’s be honest, is a crime against humanity.”

Why This Matters for the Modern Fan

The return of “Saturday Night’s Main Event” isn’t just a nostalgic wink to long-time fans; it’s a reminder of what made wrestling great: larger-than-life characters, big stakes, and a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In an era where wrestling often leans heavily on high-flying moves and overcomplicated storylines, this special event aims to strip things back to what worked in the first place. Sure, we’re not dealing with the steroid-fueled spectacles of yesteryear, but we’re looking at a roster that can still make an impact with sheer charisma.

Kevin Owens, with his rugged appeal and ability to talk trash like a pro, is the embodiment of the modern everyman hero. He’s not going to drop 100 push-ups in a row or flex while squinting at the camera; he’s going to throw a punch, say something clever, and maybe spit some soda in your face if the mood strikes him. And Cody Rhodes? He’s the wrestling equivalent of that kid in high school who showed up to prom wearing a tuxedo jacket with a different color on each sleeve—except he grew up, got good at wrestling, and still has that same level of confidence.

The Legacy of a Show that Shaped an Era

For those of us who grew up watching wrestling on Saturday nights, this return is like meeting an old friend who’s aged but still looks good. “Saturday Night’s Main Event” was the precursor to the WWE’s growth into a global brand. The show was an event in every sense, with commercials that featured booming voices asking, “Who will survive?” and promos that made you believe that every match was a battle between good and evil. It was larger than life, and in a world where streaming platforms have turned the landscape of TV into something far less eventful, WWE is reminding everyone that some things still deserve a big stage.

With Jesse Ventura on commentary, Kevin Owens in his trademark shorts, and Cody Rhodes doing what Cody Rhodes does best—showing off and throwing down—“Saturday Night’s Main Event” promises a night that’s unforgettable. Whether you’re a veteran fan who remembers the days of Hulkamania or a newer viewer who just loves a good wrestling match, this is an event that’s poised to make history all over again. And don’t worry if you’re on the fence; just imagine Jesse Ventura’s voice, slightly older but as sly as ever, calling out, “This isn’t just a match, folks. This is a showdown of champions.”

That’s the kind of night we’re in for. Now grab your popcorn, kick back, and get ready for a blast from the past that’s as electrifying as ever.