AUSTIN, Tex. -- The go-home show before Saturday Night’s Main Event started with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in the ring. Rhodes started off his promo by addressing the moderator for his WWE Championship ladder match contract signing, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. He made note of Michaels' illustrious career, noting he is satisfied with the decision.
As for his opponent, he surprisingly talked about him in a positive light… at first. He gave credit where credit was due but soon verbally attacked Kevin Owens, claiming the ladder match is his perfect scenario because Owens can’t take the easy way out. Rhodes ended his time by reminding Owens who he is—someone who never takes the easy road and still has beaten some of the best in the industry. Culminating his promo, he told Owens something very simple: “Good luck.”
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly
This match showcased a more aggressive side of Pretty Deadly that fans hadn’t seen in some time. Facing off against the former tag team champions, with the current ones relying on them, they had a lot on the line. This made it a back-and-forth matchup. Despite the change in attitude, it wasn’t enough to take down MCMG, who sealed the win with their tag team finisher, Skull and Bones.
Kevin Owens Storms the Ring
Kevin Owens, not originally scheduled, took matters into his own hands, marching down to the ring to call out Joe Tessitore, demanding an interview. He also took shots at famous actor Matthew McConaughey, who was sitting ringside.
Uninvited, Jimmy Uso made his way to the ring. Owens simply asked what he wanted, and Uso gave him an answer he didn’t want to hear: “You talk too damn much,” before starting a brawl. This led to Uso challenging Owens to a match that night!
B-FAB and “Michin” Mia Yim vs. Piper Niven and Chelsea Green
Michin has been on a revenge tour ever since she lost her United States Championship match to Chelsea Green. Her goal was to get her hands on Chelsea Green, and that’s exactly what happened. After a miscommunication between Niven and Green, Michin ended it by countering an Unprettier into an Eat Defeat to win the match and pin the Women’s United States Champion.
Tiffy Time interrupted
Tiffany Stratton comes to the ring, claiming she isn’t worried about who wins the Rumble because it will always be Tiffy Time. She’s then interrupted by Rhea Ripley. Ripley tells Stratton she respects what she did to Nia Jax but warns that she’ll make it look like nothing at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Out comes Jax with Candice LeRae.
Jax declared for the Royal Rumble, saying she’ll take her title back and that she’ll beat Rhea Ripley.
The tag team champions, Bianca Belair and Naomi, enter the ring, both declaring for the Royal Rumble.
Now Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez join in.
The ring is really crowded now. Morgan insults everyone and puts her name into the Royal Rumble. She claims Rodriguez is going to help her but gets interrupted by a nasty headbutt from Ripley. A brawl ensues, leading to a six-woman tag match.
Bianca Beliar, Naomi & Rhea Ripley vs. Candice Lerae, Nia Jax & Liv Morgan
The match begins with Ripley and Jax, who immediately tags in LeRae. It was a fast-paced match, showing off what the stars of the women’s division can do. The match broke down with everyone in the ring fighting. Morgan took advantage with a crucifix pin to get the win for the heels.
Apollo Crews vs. Johnny Gargano
Crews had the advantage in this match for a decent portion until Tommaso Ciampa got involved. This prompted the Motor City Machine Guns to return to the ring to even the odds for Crews. Gargano and Ciampa were distracted by MCMG, allowing Crews to come up behind Gargano and score the victory with a schoolboy roll-up.
LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga
Tonga starts the match in classic fashion by rushing at Knight. It was clear this match was going to be a fight, with the men battling on the outside early on. Knight was fighting at a disadvantage with Jacob Fatu at ringside, distracting him and assisting Tonga. Even with that, Knight secured the win by kicking out of a schoolboy and turning it into a BFT.
After the match, Fatu attacked Knight, but Braun Strowman came out to make the save.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Damien Priest
SmackDown’s newest star, Damian Priest, was looking to start his tenure on a good note by taking down Hayes. Priest delivered an impressive SmackDown debut, defeating Hayes with a South of Heaven chokeslam in a match he largely controlled.
Jimmy Uso vs. Kevin Owens
Angry after his loss, Carmelo Hayes jumped his recent rival Jimmy Uso during his entrance. Uso started the match at a disadvantage after being attacked. However, Owens couldn’t pass up the opportunity to smack talk Tessitore, allowing Uso to hit him from behind. The two were very even in a back-and-forth matchup. Owens showed more brutality, ultimately leading to him hitting a Pop-Up Powerbomb for the win.
Post-match, Cody Rhodes rushed to the ring and attacked Owens. The night ended with the two brawling outside the ring.