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The Money in the Bank ladder matches in WWE usually involve talent from different shows such as RAW and SmackDown. One thing that comes to mind about this concept is when will WWE finally have a MITB ladder contest for NXT Superstars. The superstars of NXT bring in so much excitement in ladder matches. Recently, NXT has produced ladder matches that involved both unifying and reviving past championships in WWE.
NXT is a growing brand in which superstars from the main roster even appear on the show. The black and gold brand has its own separate women's, tag team, cruiserweight, and men's divisions. Having a Money in the Bank ladder contest for the brand could help elevate the talent in NXT. If WWE is interested, they can air the match on television as a way to help boost the black and gold brand's ratings.
With the NXT roster thinning as talent gets called up to RAW and SmackDown, there's only so much WWE can do when selecting participants. However, here are eight such participants who should be part of the first NXT Money in the Bank ladder match.
#8 WWE NXT Superstar Austin Theory
Austin Theory is one of the youngest stars of WWE NXT today at 23 years old. Since his debut, he has made huge impacts, such as going to the main roster months after his debut. Within his first year, he had already competed at WrestleMania. Theory also had been a part of numerous factions. At first, he allied with Zelina Vega, then Seth Rollins, and now Johnny Gargano, as part of The Way.
Inserting Theory in the ladder match can also be a strategy to have him compete as a singles wrestler. Theory has even shown that he's capable of competing alone by pulling formidable performances in his singles matches.
#7 WWE NXT Superstar Dexter Lumis
Dexter Lumis has put in great matches in every championship pursuit he's in. Ever since the WWE NXT Breakout Tournament in 2019, Lumis has shown that he belongs in NXT's main event scene. As one of the most famous babyfaces on WWE NXT, Lumis has shown his credibility in the ring. Lumis can also be another person that can compete in NXT's first-ever Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
With Lumis in the first-ever NXT Money in the Bank, he can resume his rivalry with The Way due to Austin Theory being another participant.
For well over a year, Lumis hasn't aimed for the NXT Championship. Lumis typically comes up short on championship opportunities, but potentially winning the Money in the Bank ladder match can give him the boost he deserves. Chasing the Money in the Bank briefcase could also place Lumis back in the NXT Championship picture. Lumis brings in a lot of potential in NXT with his unique artist character, who always lets his actions speak louder than his words.
#6 WWE NXT Superstar Santos Escobar
Santos Escobar is another person who comes to mind on who should be in the first-ever WWE NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Escobar has been a credible star since he joined the NXT brand. When Escobar became the Interim NXT Cruisweright Champion, he took the championship to a whole other level by taking on all challenges and even NXT's top stars.
Escobar also has experience with ladder matches as he competed in one against Jordan Devlin at WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand and Deliver earlier this year. That ladder match was also what helped solidify Escobar's legacy not only as a champion but as an NXT star.
Now that Escobar is on the hunt for the NXT North American Championship, it would be interesting to see him pursuing the NXT Championship. The sky is the limit for Escobar at this point. Seeing Escobar in this type of match can also prove how credible a star he is.
#5 WWE NXT Superstar & Million Dollar Champion LA Knight
When LA Knight debuted on WWE NXT earlier this year, he knew what he had his eyes set on. Since Knight's first appearance, he has made an impact on every NXT star he has encountered. Knight was already gunning for the NXT North American Championship within his first month in NXT. Although Knight failed to become the number one contender, he still had something else up his sleeve.
Knight had the nerve to disrespect WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase by attacking him even after DiBiase revived the Million Dollar Championship that he once made prestigious. Knight could also use his heel tactics in this ladder match by taking advantage of Cameron Grimes.
As Knight is currently the Million Dollar Champion, adding him to the NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match would benefit him if he were to win.
Winning the ladder match would also give Knight a massive push in NXT, indicating that the WWE Universe should not take him lightly. Knight could add more to his resume in NXT if he were to become the first wrestler to win the Million Dollar Championship and NXT Championship.
#4 WWE NXT Superstar Cameron Grimes
For a fantasy WWE NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match, adding Cameron Grimes can help spice this match up. Grimes could bring some intensity if his rival, LA Knight, is also in the ladder match. Currently, Grimes is Knight's butler, to their stipulation from their bout at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Two outcomes could transpire if WWE's first NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match were to occur. One story that could happen is the continuation of Grimes serving Knight. By doing so, Grimes could aid Knight in winning the NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
In another alternative, Grimes could finally defy Knight's command by not complying with Knight's demands of winning the coveted NXT Money in the Bank briefcase. For instance, Grimes could elevate Knight to the top of the ladder, only to surprise the WWE NXT universe by pushing him off the ladder. From there, Grimes could retrieve the briefcase, thus giving him the win.
#3 WWE NXT Superstar and Cruiserweight Champion Kushida
With many heavyweights mentioned for the WWE NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match, putting Kushida on the list would shake up the list of potential participants. The reason for that is because he is a high flyer and lightweight.
Most ladder matches commonly involve lightweights who would make history and deliver a five-star match. Adding another champion can bring some notoriety to this fantasy match as well, showing how significant it is to win the Money in the Bank.
Kushida can be seen as the underdog in this match due to him being the lightest competitor.
Whether Kushida wins or loses, he will still pull a formidable performance. A win by Kushida can deliver a vast shock in reaction by the NXT Universe. It would be the first time for Kushida to chase the WWE NXT Championship and possibly be the first Japanese wrestler to win the NXT title.
#2 WWE NXT Superstar Timothy Thatcher
Having a technical wrestler such as Timothy Thatcher can also assist with lighting the fire for NXT's version of WWE Money in a Bank Ladder Match. The WWE NXT universe has seen what Thatcher can do with his submission moves to standard rivalries, but there's speculation of what Thatcher can do in ladder matches.
Although Thatcher is undefeated in the Fight Pit, it is interesting to see what Thatcher can do in ladder matches because he's never been in one since he signed with the WWE in 2020.
Thatcher still has a lot more to accomplish in NXT, especially in a singles run. The wrestling universe has seen Thatcher aiming for the NXT North American Championship, but never the NXT Championship. A possible match between Thatcher and current NXT Champion Karrion Kross can bring a lot to the table.
Although WWE signed both of these NXT stars simultaneously, they have yet to compete against each other one on one in a WWE ring. With Kross' intensity and Thatcher's physical aggression, there's so much to look forward to for a match of that caliber.
#1 WWE NXT Superstar Bronson Reed
Bronson Reed is the last participant when considering who should be in the first-ever WWE NXT Money in the Bank ladder match. Superheavyweights such as Reed can deliver more than expected in ladder matches. It would be jaw-dropping to see Reed perform a diving splash off the top of a ladder for a moment the NXT Universe can remember.
Reed can also fit the bill now that he is no longer the NXT North American Champion. Reed losing the North American title to Isaiah "Swerve" Scott might have shown signs that Reed could be moving on to bigger and better things. Reed could enter the NXT Championship picture and finally become a top guy in NXT. There's a possibility he could become one of the top babyfaces of the black and gold show.
If the WWE were to have NXT Money in the Bank Ladder Match, now would be a perfect time. It would also be convenient since WWE is on the road to SummerSlam. Now that fans are back on live shows, there's no better way than to treat the fans by having them experience Money in the Bank on live television.
Who do you believe should participate in NXT's version of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match? Let us know in the comments below.
