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We all know that these are testing times for the whole world, and we have to give credit to WWE for putting up an entertaining edition of WrestleMania. It doesn't look like WWE is done just yet, and WrestleMania was just another pit-stop in their pursuit to provide fans with entertainment in these difficult times.
Despite speculation on the future shows, WWE advertised their next pay-per-view, Money in the Bank, which is scheduled for May 10. Considered the most anticipated PPV outside the Big 4, WWE will look to pull out all the stops in making this year's MITB PPV memorable.
The last Mr. Money in the Bank, which the fans accepted wholeheartedly, was Dean Ambrose, and that too was way back in 2016. Hence, WWE must ensure that the briefcase is carried by a crowd favorite this time around.
So without further ado, let us take a look at the five WWE Superstars who can walk out of the event as Mr. Money in the Bank:
#1 Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins suffered a defeat at the hands of Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36, and the squash match he had on RAW after 'Mania only showed that Rollins is yet to recover from the loss. Becoming Mr. Money in the Bank will be an excellent decision, booking-wise, for Rollins, whose post-Mania programs may have been nixed due to injuries to his stablemates. The Monday Night Messiah can have a long run with the briefcase, and the MITB briefcase can also play an integral role in the eventual implosion of his current stable.
Besides, Mr. Messiah in the Bank certainly has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
#2 Aleister Black
A fan-favorite, check. Unique gimmick, check. Talented inside the ring, check. Exceptional mic skills, check. Backstage support, check. What more qualities could you ask for in a future world champion?
Aleister Black is one of the most talented Superstars the company has in its roster currently, with his dark gimmick drawing comparisons with The Undertaker, Kane and Bray Wyatt. But unlike these supernatural characters, Black is someone who can thrive in ladder matches. There were rumors prior to 2020 Royal Rumble suggesting that that Black was a major contender to win the Rumble this year and challenge for Brock Lesnar's WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Though it didn't materialize, his win against Bobby Lashley at the Show of Shows is a sign that he still has the backing of WWE higher-ups.
Hence, having Aleister Black win the Money in the Bank briefcase will be the best way to kickstart the former NXT Champion's eventual rise to the top. Babyfaces have a not-so-good history when it comes to being Mr. Money in the Bank (Examples being John Cena and Braun Strowman). But Black isn't your typical babyface; he has a dark side and doesn't shy away from leaning towards it.
If he does end up winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, he'll be more dangerous than ever.
#3 AJ Styles
No one can argue that AJ Styles has become one of the most prominent stars of the WWE in a matter of a few years. From his time on SmackDown as 'The face that runs the place' to his current run with The OC, he has been, as his nickname suggests, phenomenal. Given how his Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36 with The Undertaker received praise from fans and critics, WWE will want to him to have a significant role in the post-'Mania season. And what better way to do that than by having him in the Money in the Bank match and even possibly winning it.
Just think about the possibilities that will open up on Styles winning the briefcase. He can cash-in on any of the world champions, and we'll have a never seen before rivalry (in WWE) in each case. The OC can even put the NXT Champion on notice, building on the unpredictability we have seen of late.
AJ Styles has already mentioned that he is in the final stage of his career, and he intends to retire in the next few years. With Roman Reigns currently out of action and part-time stars like Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and John Cena not returning anytime soon, WWE needs every bit of star power they can get. And AJ Styles could be their go-to man, as he has been for the last four years.
#4 Sami Zayn
2020 has perhaps been the most pleasant year for Sami Zayn in WWE. He won his first main roster title earlier this year when he pinned Braun Strowman to become the new Intercontinental Champion. He then went on to successfully defend his title against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
With WWE finally giving Zayn the spotlight he deserves, is there a chance that we see 'The Liberator' do the unthinkable and become Mr. Money in the Bank? After all, The Miz too held the United States Championship during his run as Mr. Money in the Bank.
Making Sami Zayn Mr. Money in the Bank is sure to please the fans, while also shaking up the dynamic of SmackDown. Zayn's coronation as Mr. Money in the Bank can lead to tensions within the Artist Collective, which can lead to Zayn losing the IC title down the line. Zayn can cash-in to become the World Champion, only for him to be betrayed by his stablemates, turning him face in the process. WWE can even have him rekindle his feud with Kevin Owens if he were to be a champion at the time.
One thing is for sure, Zayn as Mr. Money in the Bank is Best for Business.
#5 Mustafa Ali
There's no one as unlucky as Mustafa Ali in WWE when it comes to holding championship gold. His feud with Cedric Alexander over the Cruiserweight championship was what made the 205 Live relevant after Neville's exit, but Ali was not able to win the title. His incredible performances led to him receiving the call-up to the main roster. Pinning the then-WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, the future seemed to be bright for Ali. However, an injury derailed his momentum, which eventually led to the rise of KofiMania.
Ali did return and briefly feud with Shinsuke Nakamura, the then Intercontinental champion, but this never transitioned into a full-fledged rivalry. Even at last year's Money in the Bank event, Lesnar's involvement at the very last minute in the ladder match led to Ali losing the opportunity to become Mr. Money in the Bank.
With rumors here and there suggesting that Ali is the man behind the SmackDown glitches, what better way to debut his new gimmick by giving him the MITB briefcase? Ali will have at least a few months to present his shtick in its entirety to the audience before he ultimately cashes in to get a well-earned world title victory. Face or heel, old gimmick or new gimmick, it's time that WWE puts their weight behind Ali and makes him Mr. Money in the Bank.
Who do you think should win the Money in the Bank briefcase this year? Sound off in the comments section below!
