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Ever since its creation in 2005, the Money in the Bank ladder match has been the source of much intrigue and excitement in the WWE calendar. The concept is a good one - claim the briefcase and be guaranteed a title match at your convenience.
Despite a couple of failed cash-ins in recent years, fans still pretty much expect the winner of the ladder match to go on to become the champion. There are many names floating around at the moment as to who it could be, but there is still plenty of time for things to change.
Despite it being a little early, here are some predictions for who could win the 2018 Money in the Bank match:
#1 Big Cass
Big Cass had a short-lived singles career before his injury left his fans feeling slightly underwhelmed. Separating from Enzo, despite feeling a little premature, was supposed to be the start of something big for the WWE main event scene. We knew Cass had the looks and the mic skills to stand out whilst part of the beloved tag team, but the jury was and still is, out on his abilities to stand alone.
Many have speculated that perhaps the injury wasn't such a bad thing for the big man. His time away from the screen has been able to put a halt to the initial concerns we had about his abilities, and the WWE's writers have been given an opportunity to write him back into the show upon his return with a fun, engaging storyline behind him.
Perhaps winning the 2018 Money in the Bank briefcase will be the jolt in the arm his career needs. Some might make the point that he is still not ready to hold it just yet, but at least the contract will help fans draw their attention towards the 7-foot tall rookie while he is attempting to become relevant as a singles star.
#2 Cesaro
There has always been a certain section of the WWE Universe which believes that at least one person on the roster isn't given the opportunities they deserve. In Cesaro's case, this has been quite literally true, with fans actually holding up 'Cesaro Section' banners in an attempt to voice their displeasure to Vince McMahon that the Swiss Superman needs to be pushed once and for all into the main event scene.
Often an effective way to do this is to give the individual in question the Money in the Bank Briefcase. This almost guarantees that the holder will be a world champion at some point in the future, and this is something the vast majority of fans want for Cesaro.
Given his track record at breaking into the top of the billing, we are not holding our breath, but imagine the pop this moment would receive if it were to happen.
#3 Bobby Roode
Bobby Roode's ascension to the main roster this year was one of the most anticipated and well-received stories in quite some time. His tenure as NXT Champion introduced him to many WWE fans who were not aware of his time with TNA and also gave the current Smackdown star an opportunity to reinvent himself as WWE's most glorious member of the roster.
Roode was likely brought up to Smackdown to help in boosting the interest in the brand. However, the main event scene is still looking quite thin with Jinder Mahal doing his best as champion while the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev are getting themselves ready.
If things have not changed by the time Money in the Bank 2018 comes around, perhaps Roode would be the perfect fit to hold the briefcase and go on to cash it in instantly. Having Roode as the WWE Champion would no doubt bring some eyeballs back to Tuesday nights and help them compete with the more star-studded Monday Night RAW.
#4 Hideo Itami
There are still a number of months between now and the 2018 Money in the Bank PPV. We are not sure where everyone will be in that time, especially considering that the period immediately following Wrestlemania normally sees a shake-up of the roster and call-ups from NXT.
Maybe one can call up that will happen next year will be Hideo Itami's. The Japanese sensation has struggled on NXT owing mostly to an untimely injury and an extended period on the bench. His recent heel turn has been pretty effective, and it seems like a little bit of work, Hideo can finally start to realise the potential we all knew he had.
Provided things do go well for Itami on NXT, fans would probably expect to see him hold one of the major titles at some point. Winning the MITB 2018 would practically ensure this. The WWE can always do with some fresh faces in its main event scene and while it is a disappointment that Hideo's hasn't yet arrived, there is still plenty of time.
#5 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe has had quite the eventful run on the main roster since being called up from NXT earlier this year. Despite all that he has achieved, there are plenty of things yet to accomplish. For instance, he has not yet had a match at Wrestlemania and has never held a major title.
From what we've seen, Joe is more than capable of excelling at either of these tasks. He has been around the wrestling business for so long that whenever you are in need of some stability to rely upon, he is normally the guy to turn to.
Joe would be an excellent MITB winner for 2018. Briefcase holders often work better when they are heels, and the idea of such a monster having an open ticket at your title would be enough to put the fear into any WWE or Universal Champion. We've seen what Joe can do in more of a supporting role, but it's safe to say there is a lot more to see when he takes centre stage.
#6 Elias
There are many reasons why giving somebody the Money in the Bank Briefcase is an effective move. Normally, it is to give a superstar that final push into the main event scene after impressing for a long time down in the mid-cards. At other times, it can be a way to see whether a relatively new talent, who has shown initial signs of promise, can cope with the limelight.
Elias would definitely fit into the second category. He is somewhat of an exception to the rule when it comes to NXT calls ups. Normally when an athlete builds themselves a loyal and dedicated fanbase down on Wednesday nights, the WWE find a way to ruin it all on RAW or Smackdown. Elias has almost done the opposite and endeared himself to people after a less than impressive time down in the developmental pool.
This would be more of a risky move, but sometimes when a superstar has something, it is a good idea to capitalise on it while you still can.
#7 Big E
Big E might not be in the category of a Cesaro or Bray Wyatt where the vast majority of the fans are demanding for him receive better opportunities. However, anyone who appreciates raw talent in a superstar should agree that when the New Day finally go their separate ways, the big man has more than done enough to deserve a notable singles push.
Due to his charisma, mic skills and size, Big E should be the perfect candidate for WWE or Universal Champion at some point in the near future. Although he still needs to build that bridge considering he has never been involved in any major championship feud in his career as of now, winning the MITB 2018 match would be perfect for him.
Whether as a heel or a face, Big E has what it takes to lead in the WWE, if only he were given the right storyline.
#8 Jason Jordan
While there is still time, fans are still unsure whether the Kurt Angle's illegitimate son storyline is actually going to lead to anything substantial for Jason Jordan. He has certainly been involved in important matches over the past few weeks, but jobbing to Roman Reigns and John Cena perhaps wasn't the most effective use of his time.
With the young prospect involved in the WWE Intercontinental Championship scene at the moment, things still seem very much on the up/ But how far he ends up going is still anyone's guess. Therefore, winning the 2018 MITB briefcase still feels a little out of his reach despite considering how long there is left to go anything is possible from here.
Is Jordan really championship material, or is he just finding himself in the middle of a fortunate storyline at the moment?
#9 Drew McIntyre
If Drew McIntyre could find his way to the top of the WWE main event scene it would spin quite the comeback tale. Once earmarked as Vince McMahon's chosen one, McIntyre's fortunes took a nosedive soon after, reaching his lowest point as part of the jobber faction 3MB.
After a very impressive stretch on the independent scene, he has now found his way back to the WWE, currently holding the NXT Championship. This achievement usually means the individual in question is destined for a strong main roster run at some point.
Winning the 2018 MITB would be a huge statement that the Scotsman is back in Vince's good books and for anyone who followed his career in the indies, they will know how deserving he actually is.
#10 Adam Cole
One of the most sensible options for 2018 MITB winner could be one of WWE's newest signees. ROH legend Adam Cole was successful in making quite the impact in the company ever since his arrival at the last NXT Takeover special. Along with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, Cole has sought to take over the Wednesday night show and further his promising career.
Cole appears to be one of those names that might be fast-tracked to the main roster as opposed to holding a lengthy title reign down on NXT. His name carries too much prestige and intrigue that Vince is bound to want to milk his new acquisition for all its worth.
Cole as the MITB winner would send shockwaves through the WWE and perhaps bring some eyeballs back to the product. If nothing else, it will be a much-needed change of direction, especially if Cole is allowed to continue with his current gimmick.
