Full disclosure: WWE Money in the Bank is one of my favorite pay-per-views. Eight people climb a ladder to get a briefcase hanging above the ring, with one victor emerging.
The prize? A contract that guarantees a world title match at any given time. It’s what makes the event so appealing. Who gets that shot at the world title?
Well, Naomi and Seth Rollins are your Money in the Bank winners. Behind Rollins’ newfound stable and Naomi’s sheer determination (mainly), the two superstars hold the keys to the world titles in their hands.
That’s good and all. After all, you need the best storylines and upcoming stars to carry the coveted briefcases. That comes with three things I loved about the pay-per-view.
However, there are three things I didn’t love as well. So let’s put two-and-two together with some Steiner math and lay out what was good (and what wasn’t) about the pay-per-view.
What I Loved: Seth Rollins Winning the Money in the Bank Briefcase
Some people might not be on board with Rollins getting the briefcase on the men’s side. That’s okay! Why not give some love to other superstars like LA Knight or Andrade? However, there’s a particular reason why I’m a fan of this.
For one, it establishes Paul Heyman’s new stable as a legitimate threat. They hold all the cards and can take over RAW. If you’re creating a mega heel stable, you need something to put them over the top as well.
While the Bloodline could’ve also benefited from this, it makes more sense that Rollins gets the briefcase to move the stable forward. That briefcase puts the Heyman stable over the top.
What I Didn’t Like: Jacob Fatu’s “Face Turn”
Jacob Fatu telling Solo Sikoa that he “hated him” was, well, tacky. It didn’t feel like an actual face turn and just seemed off.
I love Fatu as a wrestler since he’s a gifted athlete. But a sudden face turn for someone who appears better as a heel doesn’t seem right. Who knows? Maybe he shows he’s worthy as a babyface. But if he doesn’t change his character enough, it’ll feel wasted.
What I Liked: R-Truth Coming Back
Say what you want about the R-Truth situation. However, R-Truth’s return and subsequent attack on John Cena should push the WWE Champion closer to a face turn.
Plus, WWE fans love Truth (or as he’s known now: Ron Killings). He’s great for entertainment and locker room morale and it shows by the locker room’s response. The “Truth” shall set you free!
What I Didn’t Like: Becky Lynch’s Press Conference
I wasn’t a major fan of Becky Lynch’s press conference for a couple of reasons. One, it seemed like an airing of grievances about Naomi, particularly with her return.
Both wrestlers are talented and deserve plenty of love. But it seemed like it was grieving about a wrestler walking out on you three years ago. There’s also the “You made my baby cry” quip. Sure, it’s hilarious. But over fans saying you suck?
What I Liked: El Grande Americano’s Performance
Chad Gab -I mean, El Grande Americano- continues to make waves with his gimmick. He had a typical heel performance, putting his patented metal plate in his mask. EGA also showcased his athletic abilities in the ring with an incredible climb to nearly get the briefcase.
While he didn’t win it all, EGA continues to shine as a heel. Maybe he’ll get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship in the future. Watch for him next year.
What I Didn’t Like: Naomi’s Win
Now, there’s a rumor swirling that Naomi will cash her Money in the Bank contract, only to lose. If that’s true, it’s an incredible waste. Naomi is an incredible talent who deserves more.
So, giving her a briefcase, only for her to lose the title match upon cashing the contract in, seems wrong. It’s a shot at her credibility as a wrestler and would diminish her incredible work.
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