By Don Murphy, ProWrestling.net Contributor (@DonThePredictor)
WWE presents its annual Money in the Bank event tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Smoothie King Center. We already know that the main event for the World Heavyweight Championship will open the show. I’ll get into my thoughts on that shortly. We also have a Women’s World Title match, which, depending on card placement, could have a cash-in at the end. All this to say, I am sure there will be some interesting talking points when all is said and done. Let’s run down the card!
Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight for the World Heavyweight Championship. OK, so we know that this match is going on first, which eliminates the possibility of a men’s Money in the Bank cash-in. On the one hand, WWE has conditioned us that when the Money in the Bank contract is in play, especially on the night of the show, to watch the entrance for the contract holder. So, in a sense, I like this so that fans can invest in the match. On the other hand, having this open the show removes almost all doubt around the outcome. Similar to when Sami Zayn challenged Roman Reigns for the title, there was a strong desire for Zayn to go over. Those fans were disappointed. I don’t think the desire is as strong here, but in watching some of the promos, I think WWE has built up hope among the Knight fans that this is his time. And unfortunately for them, I think they will be in the same boat as the Sami Zayn fans. Knight is over, especially the live crowds, and I’m not sure what this loss will do for his long-term trajectory with the company.
I think this is part of a bigger story that gets us to Survivor Series War Games, which will likely see some form of the Bloodline against the 946 faction. If Reigns defeats Knight without help, does Knight respect him enough to team with him? Does he join up with 946? It’s not the most compelling story, but I think that’s the story at play here since they keep bringing up Reigns winning matches on his own.
Don Predicts: Roman Reigns defeats LA Knight to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Sol Ruca vs. Lola Vice vs. Jacy Jayne vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Lash Legend vs. Tiffany Stratton in a Money in the Bank ladder match. So, this is interesting. I have picks that I want to win, and one that I think will win. I think Jayne winning and running around with the briefcase would be fun. I’d also like to see Perez win and either cause jealousy with Liv Morgan, or end up in a situation where Morgan regains the title with Perez as a threat. Ultimately, I think they’ll go with the story of Stratton winning, turning heel, and cashing in on an unsuspecting Chelsea Green. Again, not the most compelling story. I loved Green’s promo and confidence coming out of SummerSlam, but now she’s relegated to being intimidated by everyone who wants to challenge her. And with Stratton, Green is playing it up that she would never see it coming, which makes her look even more foolish when it does.
Don Predicts: Tiffany Stratton wins the women’s Money in the Bank contract.
Bron Breakker vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Penta vs. CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens in a Money in the Bank ladder match. This one is a little bit more straightforward to me. I think Evans and Penta are there for the flashy ladder spots. Williams is over with the fans, but has cooled off. Still, he’s got enough credibility that some fans would be pleased with a win. Breakker is an option, but I think his story is still with Oba Femi. That leaves Punk and Owens. I think either would be a fine choice, and I have enjoyed the many options they’ve created for challengers to Sami Zayn. As Punk has successfully cashed in the Money in the Bank contract twice, the threat of him doing it for a third time will help add to Zayn’s paranoia, which has been played very well.
Don Predicts: CM Punk wins the men’s Money in the Bank contract.
Oba Femi vs. Bronson Reed. This is another chapter in the build toward Femi challenging for the World Championship at WrestleMania. In doing so, I am hoping Reed is kept strong in defeat, as I actually think he has more promise than his Vision teammate, Bron Breakker, at this point. Femi will win a competitive match, and there will be another chapter in this program before its end. There is another scenario where Breakker costs Femi, and Femi costs Breakker during the Money in the Bank ladder match, but I’m not sure they want Femi to absorb a loss at this time, even if it wouldn’t be clean.
Don Predicts: Oba Femi defeats Bronson Reed.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan in a Triple Threat for the Women’s World Championship. Very simply, I think this is designed to have Vaquer and Lynch be at odds so much during this match that it allows Morgan to steal a pin and regain the title. Vaquer has her fans but has been a bit flat overall. And I think we’re past the point where Lynch needs the title.
Don Predicts: Liv Morgan defeats Stephanie Vaquer and Becky Lynch to regain the Women’s World Championship.
Join Jason Powell for his live review as WWE MITB streams live on ESPN Unlimited (or Netflix internationally) today at 5CT/6ET. Jake Barnett and Jason will team up for a same-night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Enjoy Money in the Bank and enjoy wrestling!
