In spite of Father’s Day, I was lucky enough to have watched most of Money in the Bank live. I wanted to take a moment to shout out Vincent McMahon for doing what he does best - what he wants. Most amateur wrestling columnists - like us - assumed they had predicted Money in the Bank to a tee. Most amateur wrestling columnists were wrong. Sunday has come and gone, and Monday Night RAW is teed up for tonight. No doubt remains; the next few months will be dominated by the phrase “Monster in the Bank”, which is as palatable as “Boss Time” or “The Big Dog”. Honestly, well done to Vincent McMahon, if he set up this year’s Money in the Bank winner with the intent of turning him heel. That said, let’s take a look at this week’s RAW.
A Quick (Money in the Bank) Recap
- Smackdown Live Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers (c.) def. Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
- Daniel Bryan def. Big Cass
- Bobby Lashley def. Sami Zayn
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins def. Elias - Rollins retains Intercontinental Title
- Alexa Bliss def. Ember Moon, Sasha Banks, Natalya, Becky Lynch, Lana, Charlotte Flair, Naomi to become Ms. Money in the Bank
- Roman Reigns def. Jinder Mahal
- SmackDown! Women’s Champion Carmella def. Asuka to retain
- WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Shinsuke Nakamura to retain
- RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax def. Ronda Rousey via DQ.
- Alexa Bliss def. RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax - NEW CHAMPION CROWNED
- Braun Strowman def. Bobby Roode, Kevin Owens, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Samoa Joe, Rusev, Finn Balor to become Money in the Bank
This Week’s Preview
The outcome of yesterday’s pay-per-view was outrage. An extremely vocal minority of the wrestling community have turned heel on the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman, because “he didn’t need the briefcase”.
Get over yourselves. For one, I was banking on The Miz. And yes, there is merit to the argument that Braun does not need the briefcase, as he could beat Universal Champion Brock Lesnar clean. What many fail to even entertain is the possibility of Braun not cashing in on Brock. Imagine… if Mr. Monster in the Bank cashed in on Roman Reigns. I’m sweating. No doubt, Braun will be a short-term holder of the briefcase, as he really does not need it, but the coming weeks will be interesting, whether he defends his contract or stalks Brock Lesnar.
With Roman Reigns (regrettably) in mind, his next title challenge could be coming imminently. A decisive victory over Jinder Mahal leaves no doubt (in his mind) that he deserves another championship opportunity. However, loss after loss at the hands of Lesnar suggests otherwise. Realistically, the “Big Dog” will have another shot at the Universal Championship sooner rather than later, and there is nothing we can do about that. Removing Reigns from the WWE is like neutring Vince McMahon. Maybe an NXT Call-Up or a returning Kane could put a stop to Reigns. That, however, is just wishful thinking.
The Ladies…
The most surprising moment from last evening was unquestionably Alexa Bliss winning the Women’s Money in the Bank Contract. Her cash-in later in the evening was less than surprising, though. Fellow Win Columnist Spencer Love and myself had correctly guessed a disqualification ending to the Ronda Rousey/Nia Jax match, as both ladies are protected in the outcome. When the smoke cleared, Alexa Bliss was, and is, the RAW Women’s Champion. Rousey unquestionably will have another title opportunity. However, will that come at the Summerfest or sooner? These questions remain.
Also on the women’s end, where do certain ladies such as Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, and Bayley go from here? Onwards and upwards, or into a downward spiral like the A-Wing pilot from Return of the Jedi?
Nice.
The Champion’s Corner
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar has been out of action since WrestleMania. Truly pathetic, but completely respectable. At this point, he is not worth mentioning, as he has no real implications on the product. Outrage as his absence is understandable, but if you had the opportunity to make bank by showing up on TV 6 times a year, you would take it.
Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins narrowly defeated Elias last night, only winning by a roll-up with tights. Surprising for sure, especially considering Rollins’ reputation as the best wrestler in the world today. No doubt, the Drifter will get another opportunity, but does he have the talent to take down the Kingslayer? I’d bet.
I have already discussed Nia Jax and the state of the RAW Women’s Championship and feel no desire to do so again.
RAW Tag Team Champions The Deleter of Worlds were nowhere to be seen last night, not even appearing on the pre-show. Surprising when you consider the popularity both Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt hold. Perhaps they will defend their tag team championships this evening against The B-Team, but we here at WinColumn would much prefer a sustainable, interesting rivalry.
That’s it from me - but what are your thoughts? As always, let us know. Send us your questions for this week’s edition of Over the Top Rope, which you can find below. Thanks for reading and see you next week.
Last 5
- Over the Top Rope: Episode XI
- Money in the Bank: Match Card and Predictions
- Smackdown Live Preview: June 12
- Monday Night Hayden: Preview of the 11/06/18 RAW
- Give Me a Curt Hawkins WrestleMania Win!
