WWE Saturday Night's Main Event XLV

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV took place on July 18, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The 45th edition of the television special was the first Saturday Night’s Main Event held at MSG since 2007 and was one of WWE’s final major stops before SummerSlam.

The Saturday Night’s Main Event Countdown featured United States Champion Trick Williams against AAA wrestler Laredo Kid in a non-title match.

Brie Bella and Paige defended the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid of Fatal Influence in the opening match of the main broadcast.

Fatal Influence had targeted the champions for several weeks through backstage attacks and matches involving the two teams. Reid had also defeated Brie in singles competition after the rest of Fatal Influence attacked Paige at ringside, giving the group another reason to pursue a championship match.

Danhausen faced JD McDonagh in a No Disqualification Match after spending weeks disrupting The Judgment Day. Danhausen had stolen Dominik Mysterio’s money, electrocuted McDonagh, and placed a curse on WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan before receiving his first match at Madison Square Garden.

Former partners Bayley and Lyra Valkyria then met in a grudge match after their alliance fell apart. Valkyria attacked Bayley following their unsuccessful challenge against Paige and Brie Bella, then accused her former mentor of holding her back. Bayley attempted to resolve their problems before arranging the match through Raw General Manager Adam Pearce.

Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk teamed with Cody Rhodes, his scheduled SummerSlam challenger, against Gunther and former champion Sami Zayn in the final match of the night.

Zayn had defeated Rhodes and Gunther for the championship at Night of Champions, but Gunther later attacked Rhodes before his rematch and opened the door for Punk to challenge Zayn instead.

Punk and Rhodes subsequently agreed to meet for the title at SummerSlam, while SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis placed them against Gunther and Zayn after both men continued demanding another opportunity.

The event continued several championship disputes and personal rivalries while setting up matches and storylines ahead of SummerSlam. It also brought Saturday Night’s Main Event back to Madison Square Garden for the first time in nearly 20 years.