NYC Hosts Fanatics Fest, World Cup Final and WWE’s SNME

New York City is about to become the world’s sports spotlight this weekend as Fanatics Fest kicks off alongside the World Cup Final and WWE’s 45th edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden. The Garden is hosting SNME for only the second time, the first being the 1985 show at Nassau Coliseum. Jalen Brunson, NBA champion, is on hand to support the festivities, adding to the hype that already surrounds the weekend.

NBA champion Jalen Brunson is joining Saturday’s festivities.

Uncrowned Horsemen Share Their Picks

Robert Jackman opens with a surprise, suggesting Erling Haaland, the Manchester City forward known for his World Cup buzz, could transition into WWE’s roster. He praises the 6‑foot‑5 attacker’s raw strength and social‑media presence, though notes the salary gap with the UFC may need bridging by TKO’s ticket pricing.

Drake Riggs, leaning into WNBA familiarity, leans toward Sophie Cunningham. Riggs highlights her recent cameo at a UFC fight and believes her charisma makes her a viable WWE prospect. He admits her skill set may be better suited for mixed martial arts but still sees potential in wrestling.

Anthony Sulla‑Heffinger sticks to the brief, honoring the NBA‑player rule with Draymond Green. He points to Green’s gritty demeanor and showmanship that echo both 1990s basketball and WWE’s Attitude Era. Sulla‑Heffinger forecasts a volatile heel‑turn for Green in a potential WWE feud.

Kel Dansby chooses Tyrese Haliburton, calling him a natural heel with crowd‑engaging flair. He likens Haliburton’s floor‑general instincts to a tactical wrestler, imaging a Zack Sabre Jr.‑style performer with NBA‑level charisma. Dansby expects Haliburton to dominate the business‑ savvy market.

Four Match Card Preview

First up is the planned showdown between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, with speculation that Gunther and Sami Zayn could be inserted. The tag team dynamic adds layers, as fans debate whether the extra duo strengthen the narrative or dilute the main event. Some argue Gunther’s recent suspension makes his inclusion moot, while others see Zayn’s directionless arc as a reason to keep him on the periphery.

Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn and Gunther face off in Riyadh.

The women’s tag team championship showdown pits Brie Bella and Paige against Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid, Jacy Jayne). Nikki Bella’s possible surprise return adds intrigue to a match that could set up a trios bout at SummerSlam. Commentators note that Fatal Influence’s momentum makes them strong contenders for the belts.

Fatal Influence on the road.

In the men’s championship match, Bayley faces Lyra Valkyria. Analysts highlight Lyra’s recent heel turn as the spark that could redefine the contest. The match is billed as a potential turning point for both competitors heading into SummerSlam.

The third non‑title bout features Danhausen taking on JD McDonagh in a No DQ affair. Fans expect a chaotic bout filled with cursed chants and comedy. One commentator suggests using the match to elevate Danhausen beyond gimmicky roles, giving him a legitimate wrestling showcase.

Danhausen in his Knicks jersey.

Will Danhausen Dominate MSG?

Commentators see Danhausen as a prime draw for Madison Square Garden’s crowd, especially with his established “Knicks legend” status. The plan is to let him wrestle for a few minutes instead of reducing the bout to comedy. Doing so could reposition him as a serious competitor while still delivering his signature antics. A strong performance could cement his place beyond surprise appearances.

Fatal Influence vs Bella & Paige

Speculation swirls around a Nikki Bella return, as she’s scheduled to co‑host a podcast at Fanatics Fest on Sunday. If she shows up, the Bella twins might reclaim the women’s tag titles from Fatal Influence. Analysts argue that giving the group the belts now builds momentum for a SummerSlam trios match. The Bella sisters, however, have not quite captured the same buzz Paige commanded at WrestleMania.

Excitement Level for SNME

Opinions diverge on SNME’s current relevance. Some note the show’s lack of memorable storylines and compare it unfavorably to weekly WWE programming. Others credit the MSG setting and star‑filled card for raising the excitement. The Bayley‑Lyra contest is singled out as the only match that truly captures interest. Overall, the event feels more like a televised house show than a must‑watch special.

Predicted Outcomes

• CM Punk and Cody Rhodes (Jackman) face off while Gunther and Sami Zayn intervene (Dansby, Riggs, Sulla‑Heffinger)
• Paige and Brie Bella capture the women’s tag titles, dethroning Fatal Influence (Dansby, Riggs, Jackman, Sulla‑Heffinger)
• Bayley defeats Lyra Valkyria (Dansby, Riggs, Jackman, Sulla‑Heffinger)
• Danhausen lands a No DQ victory over JD McDonagh (Dansby, Riggs, Jackman, Sulla‑Heffinger)

2026 Standings

• Anthony Sulla‑Heffinger: 50‑24

The weekend’s blend of soccer, basketball, and wrestling should give New York fans plenty to talk about, while the WWE cards set the stage for SummerSlam storylines. Stay tuned for how the Uncrowned Horsemen’s forecasts hold up.