Wrestle Review: MITB and a Superstar Lost Submitted by Andy Sullivan on 05/17/2019 at 11:35 PM
Before I talk about Money In The Bank, I must touch on a few serious matters. Ashley Massaro was one of my favorites from years past, Ashley Massaro, died yesterday of an apparent suicide. This is painful not just because I was a fan of hers. She was 39 years old. I am 39 years old. Turn 40 on the 27th. In fact, she was born the same year as me and one day before. 2005 Diva Search winner, former cast member of Survivor in 2007, she ended her wrestling career in 2008. My thoughts and prayers are with Asley's friends and family, including her daughter Alexa.
Rest In Peace, Ashley. You will be missed.
Last month, Daniel Bryan was defending the WWE Championship in one of the main events of WrestleMania. This month, he and Rowan are defending the Smackdown tag titles on the kickoff show. When is the last time someone went from the main event match to the kickoff show? They're defending in a return match against the team I'm dubbing the "kickoff kings", the Uso's. They almost always seem to be on the kickoff show more often than not. I'm picking Bryan and Rowan to retain. 1, it's way too soon for Shane's guys to lose the titles. 2. They're Shane's guys. He'll probably interfere.
Tony Neese defending the cruiserweight title against Daivari: I see Neese retaining. Again, he just won the championship. I can't see him losing. He retains in a good match.
U.S. Champion Samoa Joe defeated Rey Mysterio in record time at WrestleMania. Does he do it again Sunday? I wouldn't be surprised if Dominic gets involved. They wouldn't do the "father turns on son" angle yet, would they? I mean, I'm thinking they probably will but not just yet. Joe retains in a hopefully more competitive match than last month.
Andrade, Ricochet, Fin, Ali, Orton and Corbin are probably afterthoughts in the men's ladder match. Sami Zayn, who gained entrance by beating Braun Stroman(with help from Corbin and Drew) is the wildcard. I had thoughts as early as December last year that Drew was winning Money In The Bank. I stand by that prediction. I'm tempted to go wildcard and say Sami but cooler heads prevail. Besides, I think Braun shows up and takes care of Sami AND Corbin. This will allow Drew to snake his way to the case.
The women's Money In The Bank ladder match got thrown a bit of a wrinkle as early as this afternoon. I hate that Alexa Bliss had to bow out of the match. Taking her spot will be Nikki Cross. I'd dig a Nikki win here. I was honestly a little afraid that Sasha Banks would return and take the Goddesses spot. I have a fear they give Mandy the win here. I see it much like when they gave Carmella the win and people didn't think she deserves it. My wish is either Nikki or Naomi.
Becky Lynch and Lacey Evans for the Raw women's title: I think Becky retains. I mean, they've been giving Lacey the edge on tv. The contract signing where Becky and Lacey ganged up on "The Man" doesn't make me think she's losing Sunday. Becky retains against Evans and narrowly retains against Charlotte.
Miz needs to beat Shane in a steel cage. What sense would it make if Shane beat Miz two straight? Of course, WWE and making sense are not mutually exclusive. I can honestly see the new alliance of Shane, Elias, Bryan and Rowan come into play several times Sunday. Miz might win but he's getting a beatdown post-match. Same goes with Roman and Elias. And I think Roman might help Miz and vice versa. As strange as a Reigns/Miz alliance would be, I say do it.
Kofi will retain the WWE Championship. A heel champion and a heel MITB contract winner is something I can't see happening. Sure, there could be several WWE Champions crowned before Drew cashes in. I think it would be cruel to have Kofi work 11 years to get the WWE Championship only to hold it for a month. It might be by disqualification but Kofi retains.
Seth Rollins and AJ Styles for the Universal Championship should be nothing short of masterful. Do you think they'd have the guts to have Gallows and Anderson, who WWE seemingly doesn't want to give the time of day, to interfere in a main event match? They should. Fans have been clamoring for these three to work together in WWE for a long time. And since who's on which show doesn't matter anymore..... I don't see AJ winning here though. This won't be the last we see of Styles v Rollins, though....
Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair for the Smackdown women's title: what can you say about these ladies that hasn't already been said. Linked since NXT, obviously the company will keep coming back to this match pairing as long as they can. I think Charlotte regains the championship. The "Becky 2 Belts" thing is already starting to wear off. And let's face it, combining titles isn't proven to last. I can take Becky losing to Charlotte a lot better than I could if Becky lost to Lacey who, though no slouch by any means, isn't ready just yet.
Money In The Bank is truly one of my favorite ppv's-network events-whatever we're calling them, of the year. Enjoy Money In The Bank!
AEW reaching a deal with TNT earlier this week is massive! As long as Cody doesn't immediately try and compete with WWE, they'll be fine. As I've stated in past columns, I'm really looking forward to seeing what they cook up. I wonder if Cody will be keeping his eye on Money In The Bank for potential talent? I know he said they wouldn't simply be a WWE cast-off company but hey, if you've got a shot at someone, who cares where they used to work?
I do have an issue with charging $60 for your first ppv venture. I guess we'll see how that pans out for them.
