WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV: Full Card Update After Raw on May 18
The road to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV just got a massive jolt. After the May 18 episode of Raw, the card for the May 23 special is now locked in—and it’s stacked with championship gold on the line. If you thought the build-up was chaotic, wait until you see what’s coming.
From a potential history-making title clash to a scrappy newcomer stepping into the spotlight, here’s everything you need to know about the updated lineup. Let’s break down the matches, the stakes, and why this could be a turning point for several careers.
Becky Lynch Defends Women’s IC Championship Against Sol Ruca
This is the headline grabber. Becky Lynch, the reigning Women’s Intercontinental Champion, is set to put her title on the line against the fast-rising Sol Ruca. If you’ve been tracking Ruca’s trajectory, you know this isn’t a filler match—it’s a legitimate test for “The Man.”
Lynch has been on a dominant run since capturing the Women’s IC gold, flexing both her technical prowess and her growing ego. But Sol Ruca? She’s been building momentum like a freight train on NXT and now Raw, turning heads with her explosive athleticism and relentless drive.
“This isn’t just a title defense,” experts are saying. “It’s a passing-of-the-torch moment waiting to happen.”
Expect Ruca to lean on her speed and high-risk offense, while Lynch will try to slow things down with submission holds and psychological warfare. The question is: can Sol Ruca handle the pressure of a premium live event, or will Becky’s experience prove too much?
Three More Title Matches Confirmed
The Women’s IC Championship isn’t the only hardware at risk on May 23. Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV will feature four championship bouts total, and the other three are just as intriguing.
1. World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre (or The Miz?)
Here’s where things get messy. After Raw on May 18, the World Heavyweight Championship picture took a wild turn. Seth Rollins is the champion, but Drew McIntyre has been breathing down his neck. However, The Miz wormed his way into the conversation after a controversial MITB cash-in tease.
Right now, the official card lists Rollins vs. McIntyre—but don’t be surprised if The Miz cashes in his Money in the Bank contract during the match. If that happens, we could see a three-way cluster that changes the entire landscape.
Prediction: McIntyre wins the title clean, only for The Miz to steal it moments later. It’s the kind of chaos that made Saturday Night’s Main Event legendary.
2. United States Championship: Austin Theory vs. Carmelo Hayes
Austin Theory has been a dominant US Champion, but Carmelo Hayes is hungry for his first main-roster gold. After a series of backstage confrontations and a heated promo exchange on Raw, these two are finally settling it inside the ring.
Theory’s strength and cockiness vs. Hayes’s fluidity and creativity. This could be the match of the night—if they’re given enough time.
X-factor: Hayes has been vocal about wanting to prove he belongs. A win here would be a massive rocket boost for his career.
3. Raw Tag Team Championship: The Judgment Day vs. The New Day (Special Guest Referee?)
This one’s personal. The Judgment Day has been terrorizing The New Day for weeks, and now Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods get their shot at redemption. After Raw, a special guest referee was hinted at—possibly a returning Big E? That would be a nuclear pop for the live crowd.
If Big E gets involved, expect chaos. If not, The Judgment Day’s numbers game could be too much for The New Day to handle.
Why Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV Matters Now More Than Ever
WWE is leaning hard into nostalgia with the Saturday Night’s Main Event brand, but this version feels different. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a proving ground for new talent and a pressure cooker for established stars.
Here’s why this card is a big deal:
- Sol Ruca’s coming-out party. If she beats Becky Lynch, she becomes an instant star. If she loses but looks competitive, she still gains credibility.
- The MITB threat. The Miz has the briefcase. Every title match is now a ticking time bomb.
- Title changes loom. Every championship on the line could change hands. That’s rare for a single event.
Veterans like Lynch and Rollins are fighting to hold onto their legacy, while rising stars like Ruca and Hayes are fighting for their future. That tension is what makes professional wrestling great.
Key Takeaways from Raw on May 18
If you missed the May 18 episode of Raw, here’s what you need to know to fully appreciate the May 23 card:
- Becky Lynch cut a scathing promo on Sol Ruca, calling her “a rookie with a cute finisher and zero substance.” Ruca responded by diving into the crowd and attacking Lynch during a backstage interview.
- Drew McIntyre defeated The Miz in a non-title match, but The Miz cashed in his MITB contract later that night—only for the attempt to be reversed by an official ruling.
- Carmelo Hayes pinned Austin Theory in a six-man tag team match, earning a solo title shot.
- The New Day challenged The Judgment Day to a tag team title match, which was accepted with a smirk from Finn Balor.
What to Watch for on May 23
Here’s my prediction for how the night unfolds (and feel free to bookmark this to roast me later):
- Opener: Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory – US Championship. High energy, fast pace. Hayes wins, Theory snaps post-match.
- Midcard: The Judgment Day vs. The New Day – Tag Team Championship. Either Big E returns or The Judgment Day cheats to retain.
- Co-Main Event: Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca – Women’s IC Championship. Ruca wins via upset. Lynch gets a furious beatdown after the match.
- Main Event: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre – World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins retains after interference from The Miz, setting up a triple threat at the next PLE.
Final Take: Don’t Sleep on This Show
Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV has the potential to be a sleeper hit. It’s got name value, rising stars, and championship drama. If you’re a fan of wrestling that blends storytelling with in-ring action, this is your night.
Mark your calendars for May 23. Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca is the match that could steal the show—but don’t blink during any of the other title bouts. In WWE, surprises happen when you least expect them.
Stay locked into B2B Pulse for post-event analysis, match ratings, and what it all means for the road to SummerSlam.