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With the so-called new season of WWE beginning post WrestleMania, It is time to start predicting the directions that the top Superstars might follow and the storylines that will unfold. The build will begin to the second biggest show of the year, SummerSlam. There are three PPV events before SummerSlam, one being Money in the Bank.
The Money in the Bank Ladder Match is one of the key components of the WWE year that gives us a view into the future. It addresses the questions like which Superstar is destined to head to the next level, or which established wrestler is ready to make way for the World Championship.
With WrestleMania 34 in the history books and the Superstar Shakeup on the horizon, these are the five best candidates to become the Mr. Money in the Bank, 2018.
#5 Finn Balor
There are a variety of ways for Superstars to capture their first world championship opportunity. The Money in the Bank concept needs to fit the character that guarantees a successful payoff.
An example of a character that does not fit the Money in the Bank concept would be Braun Strowman. Whilst he should certainly be favourite should he find himself in the match, he never should be placed in the match.
His strength and larger than life persona suit a more traditional chase to the World Championship, when he can earn his opportunities through wins and eventually bag the title. This does not mean that Superstars earning their Championship via the cashing-in their MITB briefcase are weaker, but as mentioned, it needs to suit the character.
Finn Balor is a perfect example of a character that is well suited to capture the Money in the Bank Briefcase. His quick and lethal offence is much suited to the Ladder match and a character that the WWE Universe would be thoroughly behind when cashing in on a World Champion. Due to his slightly lesser build which may have unfairly held him back in the past, this would be the perfect avenue to the next level for Balor.
#4 Rusev
The Money in the Bank briefcase should be not only used to propel a Superstar to the next level but also to garner major support or heat. Rusev is certainly a superstar that has his fair share of support and all he requires is an opportunity.
The claims of him buried are certainly not true with recent high profile matches with Shinsuke Nakamura and the United States championship on PPV. With that being said, the reaction that Rusev has organically created seems to be ignored and not acted upon by the WWE brass.
Unlike the traditional championship chase, momentum and recent win/loss records are not as important when entering the Money in the Bank ladder match. It has almost been promoted as a chance for any superstar to earn the opportunity that has surpassed them for so long.
The shiny Money in the Bank briefcase in the hands of Rusev will be a sign for the WWE Universe that the future is brighter for Rusev than it may appear. There is no denying Rusev's in-ring ability and would be a great option to earn his first world championship through the Money in the Bank contract.
#3 Andrade 'Cien' Almas
Whilst a left-field option, what would a top five be without a couple of different perspectives. Andrade Cien Almas is not currently on the main roster let alone in the World Championship discussion, but if there aren't many more Superstars that are suitable for winning the Money in the Bank than bad guy Andrade Cien Almas.
.In his strive for the NXT Champion, Andrade with the support of Zelina Vega became one of the more well-rounded champions in Professional Wrestling. Whilst a big statement, it is hard to deny Cien Almas' body of work over the last six months. Zelina Vega has given him a new streak of aggression and the two together present a great 'bad guy' package.
Amidst all speculations, due to the recent loss of his NXT Championship and the Superstar Shakeup only a few days away, I believe the main roster debut is in the near future for Andrade Cien Almas.
Although only a couple of months exist between his potential debut and the Money in the Bank event, the briefcase could be the perfect progression his career. The contract would give the Superstar an immediate form of importance and would allow the WWE Universe to connect to the character in the months leading up to the eventual cash in. This is no doubt that it will be an extremely quick transition for an NXT star, but the risk of backing such a fresh superstar could pay off in extreme fashion down the line.
#2 Big E
It is time for Big E to begin his singles run in WWE. There is no denying the success of The New Day, from tag team championship records to hosting WrestleMania 33. The New Day have surpassed everyone's expectation since their debut in July 2014.
The team's ability to connect with the audience whilst putting on terrific matches has been a clear recipe for their success. Whilst the team's success is undeniable, they should be credited for making their mark in this industry on their own.
Arguably, Big E has been the most entertaining part of the successful team with his now famous intro to The New Day entrance and comedy act that has garnered the support from crowds all over the world.
Big E is a walking World Champion. His build, his look, his strength and his larger than life persona are inclusive of all the ingredients of a WWE world champion. Entering and winning the Money in the Bank ladder match would be a great way to state the birth of his singles run, and can elevate him directly into main storylines.
Having said that, it is also true that the New Day does not need to implode. In fact, Big E singles run whilst Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston continue their tag team dominance creates a fresh new chapter of The New Day story.
Big E has incredible athleticism along with larger than life charisma. He has shown he is more than capable of showcasing great matches and is one of WWE's best on the microphone.
#1 Elias
Elias is an extremely rare kind of a wrestler. It has been noted by many including Triple H, the creator of NXT that Elias as a character is far more suited to the WWE (RAW) audience compared to the more die-hard NXT audience. Elias has impressed since his debut as The Drifter with his scarves and guitar.
He has shown great poise in his interaction with the audience which has been his prime trick while connecting with the fans. Although playing the 'bad guy', he has received a wealth of positive reactions due to being great at what he does and extremely entertaining.
Many of his guitar segments have been highlights of WWE TV, walking the boundary of garnering both boos and cheers. It is clear that WWE has been impressed with Elias's work as of late.
The world of professional wrestling has changed drastically in the last five years. The style and quality of wrestling has both changed and improved and has made for far better match quality. Unfortunately with this increase in actual match quality, there has been a decrease in character development and growth.
Far less importance being put on storytelling has made for a product that is harder for fans to be emotionally invested in. Elias is the exact opposite of this, and it's refreshing. His impact has been made before and after the bell rings, not during it.
Elias is more than capable in the ring but certainly has his limitations. He will not be putting on a wrestling display like AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan, but what seems to be his great ability is gaining fans' interest and that is bound to bring him success in the future.
Elias is a dynamic character, and is still only so young in his career. With his guitar, he would be the perfect home for the Money in the Bank briefcase. A run with the contract leading to an eventual championship run in the Autumn would be a breath of fresh air on WWE television. He may not be the best 'professional wrestler' in the world but he is definitely one of the most entertaining characters who deserve a shot at holding the MITB.
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