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With the Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View fast approaching, one can’t help but think there is something lacking from the ladder match for the briefcase. Although the match is certainly filled with star power, it is a match that includes the wrong stars as there are a number of superstars competing for a shot at an almost guaranteed opportunity to claim the WWE World Heavyweight Championship that probably shouldn’t be among the seven combatants in the match.Looking at it from a point of view focusing purely on the match quality, there is little argument against the entrants putting on a solid match, however there are causes for concern from a storyline perspective.
Possible Addition: R-Truth
The addition of an eighth man to the briefcase match may seem like a case of too many cooks for this match, however, this week’s episode of Raw has given us a reason to think otherwise. After providing arguably the highlight of the show, R-Truth went back to the locker room with no sign of an entry into the ladder match.In addition to the #GiveTruthAChanceHashtag that appeared on a show some time back, the crowd reaction from Truth being told he is not a part of the Money in the Bank ladder match was huge and that sort of popularity makes him a solid addition to the match.He is competing on the Kick-Off show at the PPV against King Barrett, however, there is currently no stipulation to that match. It wouldn’t be too difficult to make that singles match a qualification match for one final spot in the ladder match.
Possible Addition: King Barrett
Although the Preston native was recently crowned the King of the Ring, King Barrett hasn’t had much to show for it since then. A tournament that would previously guarantee the victor’s title shot at Summerslam, King Barrett is currently set to do battle on the Money in the Bank Kick-Off show against R-Truth in a match means very little.As previously mentioned, having this contest be for a spot in the ladder match could at least lead people to believe that this year’s King of the Ring doesn’t completely go to waste. Stopping R-Truth from entering the match would also give the crowd yet another reason to boo the five time Intercontinental Champion.
Kofi Kingston
Probably the most confusing addition to the match, Kofi is appearing twice on the Money in the Bank card as he is also tied up in the defense of the Tag Team Titles with New Day.
The fact he has been added to the match means that there is a high chance of Kingston being involved in one of the biggest spots of the evening and his ability to deliver these big spots almost ensures he will be one of the first names included in a multi-man ladder match or a battle royal.The other interesting point that arises from Kofi being involved in the contract contest is the talk from New Day that should Kofi get the win, they will all become holders of the briefcase.
If this was a team as popular as The Shield were at their peak, it would be interesting to see how they would go forward together with one briefcase.Sadly, they aren’t The Shield and Kofi Kingston has little to no chance of picking up the victory.
Neville
Similar to Kofi Kingston, Neville is in a position where it isn’t a case of winning, but to ensure that he puts on a performance that will allow his stock to continue to rise. Going into a ladder match with a nickname like “That Man That Gravity Forgot”, Neville is sure to showcase his high-flying offense and make use of some innovative spots at the same time.
Dolph Ziggler
One of the most reliable in-ring performers in the company today, Dolph will play an important role in Sunday’s battle for the briefcase. He will not have to step up and make calls during the match like he did at Elimination Chamber, but The Show Off will be in or around the briefcase for the majority of the match.
A lot of factors could come into Dolph’s performance in the match, as the commentary team often points out that the match includes three previous winners in Kane, Randy Orton and of course, Dolph Ziggler. It can’t be ignored that Ziggler was also fingertips away from winning the Intercontinental Championship at Wrestlemania, where he narrowly lost out to Daniel Bryan.Expect the triangle that includes Rusev and Lana to also dictate the outcome of the bout for Ziggler.
Kane
The first of the competitors that would make sense to grab the briefcase with regards to the storyline, Kane has his sights set on ensuring the WWE World Heavyweight Championship stays within the ranks of The Authority. That appears to mean leaving Seth Rollins behind and having Kane hold the top belt in the company.
Again, there is uncertainty about having Kane as an addition to the match, as it would benefit someone else’s career to have Kane withdraw just before the match and replace himself with a newly appointed golden boy for The Authority.Briefcase in hand or not, the Devil’s Favourite Demon will have an involvement in the battle between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose later that night.
Sheamus
Continuing on his path of destruction since his return, Sheamus is in this match to hurt people. If he is to win the Money in the Bank briefcase, it would be likely as the result of aligning with The Authority and working alongside Kane to retrieve the briefcase and oust Seth Rollins completely from the Authority.
Randy Orton
As someone who should always be sniffing around the World Title picture, Orton is also a man set on completing his unfinished business with Seth Rollins and the Money in the Bank briefcase would be one great step towards fulfilling this.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that Triple H could also be a future target for Orton, so to take the WWE Title from the grasp of The Authority would go a long way in setting up that feud.
Roman Reigns
I wasn’t so long ago that Roman was on top of the WWE mountain and a large portion of the WWE Universe were ready to be him on the way back down. Fast forward to Money in the Bank and he is probably every fan’s pick to win the ladder match.
The reason for this is the fact that it lends itself to all kinds of further possibilities among The Shield and a triple threat match between the former brothers is probably the most sought after match among the current roster today.
We could have Reigns cash in on Rollins, getting the job done that Dean Ambrose just couldn’t do. Alternatively, he could cash in on a victorious Ambrose and align with The Authority, replacing Rollins. Or, to make a trend of Reigns coming so close but yet so far, Ambrose could ruin a cash-in opportunity and he could instead be the man to turn.There are so many possibilities with Reigns which ultimately makes him the favourite to win the Money in the Bank briefcase or even leave as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
