Four more wrestlers qualified for Money in the Bank ladder matches on Friday’s WWE SmackDown.
Damage CTRL’s Bayley and IYO SKY qualified for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match with wins on Friday’s SmackDown. Bayley defeated Michin to qualify, while SKY was victorious over Shotzi to cement her spot at the July 1 pay-per-view.
Santos Escobar defeated Mustafa Ali to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, while Butch used a distraction from NXT’s Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams to score a victory over Baron Corbin to earn his spot in the bout.
Five men and five women have now qualified for the ladder matches set for Saturday, July 1 at the O2 Arena in London. Presumably one spot remains in each match. Matt Riddle will face Damian Priest on Monday’s Raw to determine the final men’s participant.
The updated Money in the Bank lineup:
WWE Money in the Bank, Saturday, July 1, 3 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight vs. Butch vs. Santos Escobar vs. Matt Riddle or Damian Priest
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. IYO SKY vs. Zoey Stark vs. Zelina Vega vs. TBD
Four Money in the Bank qualifying matches have been announced for the June 9 WWE SmackDown episode.
In the women’s division, Michin will take on Damage CTRL’s Bayley in a Money in the Bank qualifier next week. Also announced, Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY will take on Shotzi in another Money in the Bank qualifying bout. Both matches were set up with an in-ring promo segment on this week’s episode involving new Raw Women’s Champion Asuka.
On the men’s side, the LWO’s Santos Escobar will take on Mustafa Ali in a qualifying bout. In addition, Butch of the Brawling Brutes will face Baron Corbin in another qualifier.
The winners of the qualifying bouts will advance to the Money in the Bank pay-per-view set for July 1 to participate in the Money in the Bank ladder matches.
Zelina Vega became the first to qualify for this year’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match on SmackDown with a win over Lacey Evans, while LA Knight defeated Montez Ford on SmackDown to qualify for the men’s MITB match. Ricochet, plus Shinsuke Nakamura have already qualified for the men’s MITB match after scoring qualifying wins on this week’s Raw.
Next week’s SmackDown lineup:
WWE SmackDown, Friday, June 9 —
Men’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: Santos Escobar vs. Mustafa Ali
Men’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: Butch vs. Baron Corbin
Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: Bayley vs. Michin
Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: IYO SKY vs. Shotzi
Roman Reigns will celebrate 1000 days as WWE Universal Champion on tonight’s SmackDown from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
While Reigns said during last week’s episode that he hoped his entire family would be included in the celebration, that wish might be complicated by the fact that his cousin, Jimmy Uso, superkicked him at last weekend’s Night of Champions.
Reigns, along with fellow Bloodline member Solo Sikoa, came up short in their bid for the undisputed WWE Tag Team titles last Saturday in Saudi Arabia against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are also set for tonight. In a men’s qualifier, Montez Ford takes on LA Knight while Zelina Vega and Lacey Evans will face off to determine the first confirmed participant for the women’s MITB ladder match.
Ricochet and Shinsuke Nakamura have already qualified for the men’s ladder match.
Our live coverage starts at 8 PM Eastern.
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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in and started the show off with a standup alongside Wade Barrett, the latter of whom threw to a Roman Reigns video package narrated by Paul Heyman. When we got back to the arena, Austin Theory was in the ring with a microphone
The Austin Theory segment
Theory welcomed everyone into “Austin Theory Live.” Theory reminded everyone that tonight is about celebrating the Tribal Chief’s title reign. Theory called himself the greatest United States Champion of all time and said if he combined his reign with Roman’s, it would be 1,209 days. Theory said that would be as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania. Theory said he’ll one-day have a 1,000 day, or 2,000 day, or 3,000 day, or 4,000 day celebration. Theory said he’s 25 years old and the greatest to ever do it. Theory then introduced Pretty Deadly.
Kit Wilson talked first, but Elton Prince chimed in quickly, saying they wanted to celebrate Theory as best they knew how. Pretty Deadly did their catchphrase and was almost instantly cut off by the Brawling Brutes’ theme song.
Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) defeated The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Butch & Ridge Holland [17:45]
Holy Moses, this was the never-ending opening match. Nothing against the six men involved – and they certainly all worked hard as the pace picked up during the latter third of the bout – but this overstayed its welcome for me. While I’m happy to see Pretty Deadly be involved in some significant victories since being called up, the Brutes could stand a winning streak sooner than later. With Theory being on the victorious side against Sheamus more than once now, I wonder if we’re leading up to Sheamus being the one who dethrones Theory. Time will tell.
Elton Prince and Ridge Holland began the match with Holland getting the best of it. Butch tagged in and dropkicked Prince, who backed Butch into the heel corner. Wilson tagged in and kept control in the heels’ favor. Eventually, Butch landed a clothesline. Wilson retreated and tagged in Theory. In response, Butch tagged in Sheamus. The show cut to commercial before the two even locked up.
Back from break, Prince was working over Butch until Prince tagged in Theory. Theory stomped on Butch and posed. Wilson tagged in and stomped on Butch. Prince tagged in and kicked Butch while Theory held him. Butch fired up and hit a Tornado DDT from the second rope. As a result, Butch got the hot tag to Sheamus. Theory tagged in, too, and Sheamus landed a series of clotheslines on Theory. Sheamus hit backbreakers on all the heels before the Brutes landed a Triple White Noise on all the heels.
Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Theory, but Pretty Deadly pulled Theory outside the ring before Sheamus could go for a pin. Sheamus and Butch hit a pair of top and middle rope moves on the heels on the outside of the ring before we went to yet another commercial break.
Back from that break, Butch was running kicks on Pretty Deadly inside the ring. Holland tagged in and took down Prince. Sheamus went to the top and hit a knee on Prince for a two-count. Sheamus lifted Prince, but Prince worked his way out and tagged in Wilson, who hit Pretty Deadly’s signature move. Theory tagged in and slammed Sheamus for a good near-fall. Sheamus got to his feet and clotheslined Theory before things broke down. Theory rolled into a knee from Sheamus and Sheamus got another good near-fall out of it.
Prince and Holland were the legal men and Holland lifted both Pretty Deadly members for an impressive slam. The Brutes hit a triple 10 Bells on Pretty Deadly and Theory. Holland slammed Wilson, but Theory broke up a pin attempt. From there, Theory kneed Butch in the face as Sheamus took Theory to the outside. Meanwhile, Prince and Wilson had some shenanigans, ultimately ending up with Wilson chop-blocked Holland. Pretty Deadly hit Spilled Milk on Holland and tagged in Theory, who pinned Holland for the win.
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– Paul Heyman was shown backstage talking to Solo Sikoa. Heyman said the night has to be special for Roman Reigns. Sikoa, naturally, sold nothing. Heyman said he was going to talk to Adam Pearce to make sure The Usos won’t be around during the 1,000 day celebration.
– An O.C. segment aired and they talked about how it was AJ Styles’ birthday. Styles asked Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to take out Hit Row after Hit Row released a diss track toward them on social media earlier in the day.
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The O.C. (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) defeated Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante Thee Adonis) [2:57]
Man, I know it’s an old observation, but Anderson and Gallows sure figured out how to live that good wrestling life. Show up once a month. Get in the ring for three minutes. Get that money. The match was standard and predictable, though it was nice to see the Hit Row crew get as much shine as they got – as in, they dominated the match until Gallows got the tag and things ended a handful of seconds later. My biggest question? Where does AJ Styles go now that he didn’t win the new Heavyweight title? Don’t tell me he’s going to work a program with Hit Row until MITB … please?
Ashante got the better of Anderson to start the match. Top Dolla tagged in and kept the energy up against Anderson. Ashante tagged back in and choked Anderson over the middle rope via his leg. B-Fab hit Anderson and that inspired Michin to jaw at B-Fab. Inside the ring, Anderson broke through with a spinebuster. Gallows received the hot tag and took everyone in sight out. Anderson tagged in an they hit the Magic Killer on Ashante for the win.
After the match, Top Dolla attacked Gallows and Anderson, but Styles put an end to that quickly with a Phenomenal Forearm. Michael Cole tried to rap and that’s a hell of a sentence to type.
– Adam Pearce was shown backstage telling Paul Heyman, telling Heyman that the Usos will not be allowed in the building, even if they show up. Heyman went to call Roman Reigns on his cell phone.
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The Grayson Waller Effect w/ Asuka
Waller welcomed Asuka to the ring. Asuka came to the ring and Waller threw to a video package recalling the women’s title match from Night of Champions. Asuka announced herself as the Raw Women’s Champion and danced a little. Grayson pointed to the MITB briefcases and said there are women in the locker room who think they’re ready for Asuka. The camera caught Asuka putting the blue stuff in her mouth in an unfortunate event.
Iyo Sky’s music hit and Sky walked to the ring, speaking in a foreign language. Asuka responded in kind. Waller broke up the verbal exchange and Bayley’s music hit. Bayley walked to the ring and said either Bayley or Sky will win the women’s MITB. Bayley was cut off by Shotzi, who came to the ring with a microphone and said she wanted to crush Bayley’s dreams. Shotzi was cut off by Lacey Evans’ music and Lacey walked to the ring with a microphone, wearing a Sgt. Slaughter hat. Evans said the MITB contract is going to be hers. Evans referenced a Cobra Clutch and … ha. Zelina Vega’s music hit and Vega walked to the ring, saying everyone is underestimating her. Vega said Evans isn’t half the woman she is. The women yelled and talked over each other until Asuka cut them off by saying nobody is ready for Asuka … until Bianca Belair attacked Asuka from behind. The two brawled until officials separated them.
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– Cameron Grimes and Adam Pearce were shown talking backstage. Cameron said if Baron Corbin shows up on SmackDown again, after seeing what Corbin did on NXT, Grimes will take care of it.
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Zelina Vega defeated Lacey Evans in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [2:49]
Evans completely dominated the match until Vega hit a Code Red and that was about it. I like the story they’re telling with Vega being the ultimate underdog, especially after her showing at BackLash, but it’s hard to think she’ll ultimately win the MITB contract. Still, it’s nice to see Vega get some booking love after being underused for so long.The finish here ostensibly came out of nowhere. Evans, meanwhile, has no direction other than Sgt. Slaughter cosplay.
During the commercial break, Evans hit Vega with the Woman’s Right and Vega was selling it up until the bell rang. Because of as much, Evans had the edge to start the match. That momentum kept up through the first 90 seconds of the match, including Evans slamming Vega’s head into the canvas. Evans worked a chin-lock until Vega kicked her way out of it. Seemingly out of nowhere, Vega hit a Code Red for the win.
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– Santos Escobar was shown talking to the LWO backstage, saying he can’t wait to win the MITB contract himself. Rey Mysterio appeared said it’s only a matter of time until Escobar and Vega are Mr. and Mrs. Money In The Bank. Turns out, next week, Escobar will face off against Mustafa Ali in a qualifying match.
LA Knight defeated Montez Ford in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [9:12]
This was the match of the night (I write with still about 25 minutes left in the program, so grain, salt, etc.). The crowd sounded super behind Knight and I’m interested to see his role in the MITB match. The outcome wasn’t necessarily predictable, which made the match a lot of fun and it even had me bite on a few of the false finishes toward the end. This was very good stuff from very good wrestlers. Here’s hoping they pull the trigger on a Montez Ford heel turn soon because man, it looked here like he could pull that off awfully well if he’s asked to do so.
Knight got a hell of a pop once his music hit and I have no idea why WWE keeps insisting on ignoring it. The match began as the two locked up and the crowd was chanting Knight’s name vociferously. The two traded some standard standing holds. When Ford took Knight down, the crowd booed and Ford smiled. It was like Hogan vs. Rock at Mania 18 with the turned around heel vs. face dynamic (but less people and more Michael Cole). Ford went to the outside via Knight and a commercial break commenced.
Back from break, the two were trading blows. Ford had control with a series of clotheslines. Ford played to the crowd a split second and Knight picked up Ford for a slam and a two-count. Knight elbowed Ford to the ground. Knight went for a springboard moonsault, but Ford moved. Ford hit a Rock Bottom for a great near-fall. The crowd chanted “LA Knight!” We got a double clothesline to slow things down. Both guys were on their knees and traded blows. Knight put Ford on the apron, but Ford responded with a kick to the face. Ford went to the top, but Knight cut him off. Ford pushed him away and went for the frog-splash, but Knight moved. The two traded roll-ups and Knight got the win while holding onto the ropes. After the match, Knight grabbed a ladder and climbed to the top while the crowd sounded happy.
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The Roman Reigns 1,000 Day Celebration
– Triple H made his entrance and it appeared his presence will be felt during the Roman Reigns 1,000 day celebration. His entrance led to a commercial break. Back from that break, Triple H spoke about how some people are talked about for generations to come. Triple H said people will talk about this for generations and he welcomed to the ring Roman Reigns. Reigns was accompanied to the ring by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa.
Triple H said on behalf of everyone, he wanted to congratulate him on passing 1,000 days as champion. Triple H said it hadn’t been accomplished in WWE in almost 40 years. Triple H introduced an Undisputed Universal WWE Championship as one belt and presented it to Reigns. Reigns held it and smiled. The belt didn’t really look all that different from previous belts. The crowd cheered as Reigns held it. Triple H put the belt around Reigns’ waist and Reigns took a microphone. Reigns yelled at everyone to acknowledge him and the crowd went wild. But wouldn’t you know it, the Usos’ music hit and the Usos appeared before the final commercial break of the night began.
The show returned and Jimmy was engaged in a stare down with Roman. Roman demanded Jay kick Jimmy in the face and Jay didn’t do it. Roman said he didn’t stutter. Roman said Jimmy kicked Roman in the face so Jey needed to fix it by kicking his brother in the face. Jimmy chimed in and said the only one who needs fixin is Roman. Jimmy said Jey can’t fix it because Jimmy was the one who kicked Roman. Jimmy said he did what he did because he was being a brother. Jimmy said lately, Roman hasn’t been a good brother. Jimmy asked what kind of brother beats down his own family. Jimmy followed that up by saying Roman has gone crazy. Jimmy said he’s going to protect Solo and Roman is only going to eventually kick Solo to the side.
The crowd chanted “Uso!” Roman said the only reason the crowd is chanting that is because of Roman. Roman reasserted that he’s the Tribal Chief. Roman said he wanted to hear from Solo and gave Solo the microphone. Solo looked conflicted. Solo said he acknowledges Roman, but Jimmy and Jey are his brothers. The crowd cheered as Solo gave Roman back the microphone. Solo then walked to the side of the ring where the Usos were. Jimmy asked if Roman was going to wind up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself. Jimmy face-palmed Roman as Roman started to yell. The crowd chanted “Holy s—.” Jey stepped in and said it can’t go down like this and Jey said he needed both Roman and Jimmy.
Jimmy said Jey is right and they’re stronger together. Jimmy said they’re all brothers and they should all do it together and “run the damn place.” Jimmy kept asking if they’re still family and if they’re still the ones. Roman looked aggravated. Roman and Jimmy embraced and it looked like Roman was crying … until he put the microphone to his mouth and said … “No.” From there, Solo gave Jimmy the Samoan Spike. Roman walked out of the ring and Solo looked over his brothers before walking out with Roman. Jimmy sold the Spike in the ring. Off mic, Heyman asked Roman about Jey and Roman said Jey will do what he always does, which is fall in line. And there, friends, is how the show ended.
Two women’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches have been announced for the June 5 episode of WWE Raw.
As announced during this week’s show, Becky Lynch will face Sonya Deville in a qualifying match on next week’s Raw. Lynch is coming off a loss to Trish Stratus at last week’s Night of Champions pay-per-view, while Deville is coming off a loss in Monday’s Women’s Tag Team Championship bout on Raw.
Also set for next week, Zoey Stark will face Natalya in a Money in the Bank qualifier. Stark helped Stratus defeat Lynch at Night of Champions, and that program continued in an angle on this week’s Raw where Stratus and Stark laid out Lynch. Natalya is coming off a defeat in a SmackDown Women’s title match against Rhea Ripley at Night of Champions.
Next week’s Raw lineup:
WWE Raw, Monday, June 5 —
Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: Becky Lynch vs. Sonya Deville
Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: Zoey Stark vs. Natalya
A celebration for Roman Reigns’ 1000-plus days as Universal Champion, plus two Money in the Bank qualifiers are set for the June 2 WWE SmackDown.
As announced during this week’s episode, a celebration for Reigns and his record title reign will take place on the June 2 SmackDown. June 2 will mark 1007 days that Reigns has held the Universal Championship, 426 days since he captured the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. Both titles have since been defended concurrently.
A pair of Money in the Bank qualifying matches are also set for next week.
LA Knight will face Montez Ford of The Street Profits in a men’s Money in the Bank qualifier, while Zelina Vega will take on Lacey Evans in a qualifying bout for the women’s Money in the Bank match. Knight scored a win over Rick Boogs on this week’s SmackDown as Ford and Angelo Dawkins provided guest commentary for the match.
The Money in the Bank pay-per-view is set for Saturday, July 1. Qualifying matches will begin on the May 29 Raw, and will continue with the listed SmackDown matches on the June 2 SmackDown.
The June 2 SmackDown lineup:
Roman Reigns celebrates 1000-plus days as WWE Universal Champion
Men’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: LA Knight vs. Montez Ford
Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match: Zelina Vega vs. Lacey Evans
It appears that Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will be in London for Money in the Bank this summer.
WWE’s website now lists Reigns among the wrestlers advertised for Money in the Bank 2023. Cody Rhodes, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch are also advertised for the event.
Money in the Bank is taking place at the O2 Arena in London, England on Saturday, July 1. Reigns previously wasn’t advertised for the PPV.
On night one of the WWE Draft last Friday, Reigns was selected by SmackDown with the first overall pick. He hasn’t wrestled since retaining the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Rhodes at WrestleMania 39.
Reigns won’t be in action at WWE’s Backlash PPV in Puerto Rico this Saturday. WWE has yet to confirm if he’ll be defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 27.
Reigns’ Universal Championship run is nearing the 1,000-day mark. He’s been champion for 977 days as of today.
Reigns is also advertised for SummerSlam in Detroit this August.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including Dave’s trip to PWG, upcoming Japanese tournaments, Nick Aldis and the NWA, ratings, AEW and NXT previews, RAW from Monday night and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: PWG recap
18:44: NJPW World Tag League/Super Junior Tag League lineups
Monday’s episode of Raw ended with a failed Money in the Bank cash-in. Theory cashed in the briefcase on Seth Rollins in an attempt to win the United States Championship, but Rollins ended up defeating Theory after involvement by Bobby Lashley.
Lashley was on a warpath after losing to Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel. When Rollins issued an open challenge tonight, Lashley attacked him and their match never got started. Lashley demolished Rollins and slammed him through the announce table.
After officials got Lashley to back off, Theory came down with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Theory cashed in and was on the verge of winning the match until Lashley pulled him out of the ring. Lashley attacked Theory and left him laying.
The referee started to count Theory out, but he made it back in the ring at the last second. Rollins immediately hit a stomp and pinned Theory to retain the United States Championship.
Rollins won the United States Championship from Lashley on Raw last month. Before that match, Lashley was attacked by Lesnar. Rollins goaded Lashley into still having the match despite Lesnar’s attack.
Theory had held the Money in the Bank briefcase since winning the men’s MITB ladder match this July.
Theory is the fifth wrestler to be unsuccessful in their Money in the Bank cash-in.
We reviewed Saturday’s Money in the Bank and all three of us found the show to be below average. We talked about how WWE over-promised and then under-delivered when it was all said and done.
We then took a look at AEW post-Blood and Guts. Lastly, Ryan and Kyle answered some quick-fire questions about their pro wrestling fandom.
Enjoy the latest We’re Live, Pal on YouTube above or just click the link below.
You can also listen to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including a full UFC recap with Ryan Frederick, all the news and notes on Money in the Bank leading to SummerSlam, Smackdown notes, Rampage, ratings, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Despite never even qualifying for the match, Theory is the new Mr. Money in the Bank.
Theory won the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match by defeating Riddle, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Omos, Sami Zayn, and Madcap Moss at Saturday night’s pay-per-view. There were originally only supposed to be seven wrestlers in the match, but WWE authority figure Adam Pearce came out to the stage before the match started and added Theory as an additional participant.
Theory is Vince McMahon’s protege on WWE television. It was indicated on commentary that McMahon was responsible for Theory being added to the ladder match.
Theory knocked Riddle off a ladder at the end of the match, then retrieved the Money in the Bank briefcase. Riddle had hit a super RKO on Rollins off a ladder and was trying to grab the briefcase before being thwarted by Theory.
Theory can cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at any point within the next year. Roman Reigns is the current champion and is set to defend the title against Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam later this month.
After winning the Money in the Bank briefcase in the show opener, Morgan cashed in later in the evening to defeat Ronda Rousey and win the title at WWE Money in the Bank in Las Vegas.
Rousey had successfully retained the title, defeating Natalya by submission with an armbar. Rousey sold the impact of a Natalya sharpshooter on her legs after the bout, then Morgan sprinted to the ring to cash in her briefcase.
Morgan escaped an ankle lock from Rousey, then cradled her for a pin to win the title.
The title win is the first for Morgan in her WWE career. Morgan signed with the company in 2014, and worked on the NXT brand from 2014 to 2017. She debuted on the SmackDown roster in November 2017 with Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan as the Riott Squad. Riott, now Ruby Soho in AEW, responded to the Morgan title win on social media:
Rousey had held the SmackDown Women’s title since WrestleMania Backlash on May 8, where she defeated Charlotte Flair to win the belt in an I Quit match. Her first reign with the SmackDown title ends at 55 days.
At Saturday night’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view, Liv Morgan picked up the biggest win of her career to date.
Morgan won the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, defeating Becky Lynch, Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez, Alexa Bliss, Shotzi, and Asuka. The Money in the Bank briefcase guarantees Morgan a shot at the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Championship at any point within the next year.
It appeared that Lynch was poised to win the match after taking out Asuka and knocking over two ladders that Rodriguez, Shotzi, Evans, and Bliss were on. But Morgan set up a ladder next to the one Lynch was climbing and stopped her from retrieving the briefcase. Lynch tried to push over Morgan’s ladder, but Morgan put her foot on the top rope and used it to get the ladder back in place. Morgan then knocked Lynch down and grabbed the briefcase.
Bianca Belair is currently the Raw Women’s Champion and Ronda Rousey is the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Morgan was interviewed backstage after her Money in the Bank win. Morgan said she’s never wanted anything more than to be champion. When asked if she’s decided when and who she’s going to cash in on, Morgan said WrestleMania is sounding pretty good — but she just wants to celebrate for now.
Two briefcases will be up for grabs as Money in the Bank takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight.
In the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Omos, Sami Zayn, Riddle, and Madcap Moss will be vying for the title shot contract. Moss won a four-way match on SmackDown last night to become the final confirmed participant.
Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Shotzi, Asuka, and Becky Lynch are the women’s ladder match participants.
Four titles will also be on the line tonight. Ronda Rousey defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Natalya, Bianca Belair defends her Raw Women’s Championship against Carmella, The Usos put their Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles on the line against The Street Profits, and Bobby Lashley challenges Theory for the United States title.
Tonight’s PPV streams live on Peacock/WWE Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern.
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Pre-show
The pre-show panel included Kayla Braxton, Kevin Patrick, Booker T, JBL, and Peter Rosenberg. They aired a Money in the Bank ladder match video package looking at the past winners and classic cash-in moments. It also explained the rules.
The panel discussed the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. They then discussed the Raw Women’s Championship match and mentioned Rhea Ripley’s sidelined with an injury.
Next, they recapped The Usos vs. The Street Profits feud. They discussed Braxton mentioning Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins having problems last night. The Street Profits showed up. Ford got on the table and cut a promo.
They aired a Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar SummerSlam video package. They showed Cody Rhodes’s interview from Monday’s Raw. Next, they recapped the Bobby Lashley vs. Theory feud.
They showed a Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya video package. They recapped Logan Paul signing with WWE. In an interview, Paul noted he didn’t sign his contract to be Miz’s partner. He then promised to beat Miz at SummerSlam. They recapped Riddle qualifying for the ladder match and aired a Riddle training video.
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Main Show
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Liv Morgan defeated Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Raquel Rodriguez, Lacey Evans, Shotzi, and Becky Lynch (16:33)
This was a great ladder match. Everyone worked hard and did a lot of risky spots with the ladder. The fans popped huge for Morgan’s win. They were also solidly behind Shotzi, Asuka, and Lynch as well. Evans got a few boos.
Everyone fought over the ladders as Lynch and Asuka went one-on-one in the ring. Asuka tried setting up a ladder, but Lynch cut her off. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant.
Asuka dropped Lynch and Morgan onto a ladder. Rodriguez cleared the ring and tried picking up the ladder with Morgan and Lynch. Morgan and Lynch worked together and set up for a double suplex. Rodriguez reversed and suplexed them both onto a ladder.
Rodriguez ended up wedged between the ladder and corner. Shotzi tried running up the ladder but slipped. Bliss took out everyone with a somersault splash.
Bliss set up a ladder, but Rodriguez cut her off. Bliss fought back and sent her into the ladder. Bliss trapped Rodriguez between the ladder and corner again. Asuka then dropped Shotzi on the ladder. Asuka and Evans climbed the ladder, but Lynch tipped it over.
Evans took out Asuka and climbed up again. The fans started booing as Evans climbed up. Shotzi pulled her off, and the fans popped. Evans knocked down Shotzi and was alone at the top. The fans erupted in boos again.
Rodriguez came between Evans and the ladder. Morgan then climbed up to a huge pop. Morgan gave Evans a sunset bomb going over Rodriguez.
Bliss tried to climb up, but Shotzi got her in the electric chair. Shotzi tried driving Bliss into the ladder while on her shoulders. They both fell over and crashed hard onto the ladder. The fans broke into a “Shotzi” chant.
Shotzi missed a senton in a scary-looking spot and hit the back of her head on a ladder. Asuka then took out Lynch with a kick. Rodriguez and Asuka fought around ringside. Rodriguez set up a ladder bridge between the apron and announce desk. They fought on the table and teased a powerbomb spot.
Asuka ended up on the ladder bridge. Lynch jumped off a ladder onto Asuka, but the ladder didn’t break. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant.
In the ring, they set up three ladders. Evans and Bliss fought on one ladder, with Shotzi and Rodriguez on the other. Lynch pushed over both ladders and started climbing up.
Morgan jumped back in and cut off Lynch. She climbed up a second ladder, but Lynch pushed it over. Morgan got her foot on the top rope and pushed the ladder back up. She knocked down Lynch and pulled down the briefcase to a massive pop.
As Morgan celebrated her win, Lynch flipped out at ringside.
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They aired the Cody Rhodes interview from Monday’s Raw.
They showed a Theory vs. Bobby Lashley video package.
Bobby Lashley defeated Theory to win the United States title (11:01)
Lashley and Theory had a good match. It dragged in the middle but the fans were into it and popped big for Lashley’s win.
The fans broke into a loud “Bobby” chant at the bell. Theory ran at Lashley, but he slammed him down. He set up for a spear, but Theory rolled out of the ring. Lashley tried to drive Theory into the ring post. Theory blocked it and drove Lashley into the ring post instead.
The fans broke into a loud “Theory Sucks” chant. Theory jumped off the apron. Lashley tried catching him, but they fell. Lashley recovered and drove Theory into the ring post. Lashley went for the spear again, but Theory dropped down.
Theory took over after dropping Lashley on the corner. He followed up with a running clothesline. Theory hit a left hand for a one-count.
Theory slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Lashley escaped and went for the hurt lock. Theory slipped out, but Lashley took over. Lashley ran wild and set up for a suplex. Theory slipped out and rolled out of the ring.
Theory went for a rolling dropkick, but Lashley got him in a press slam for a near fall. Theory regained control and hit a spear. He went for the A-town down, but Lashley escaped. He locked on the hurt lock for the win to a huge pop.
*******
In the back, Sara Schreiber interviewed Liv Morgan. She noted she has a year to cash in the briefcase. Morgan doesn’t want to mess it up and feels WrestleMania is a good time to cash in. For now, she just wants to celebrate.
They showed a Miz video package.
*******
They aired a Bianca Belair vs. Carmella video package.
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Carmella to retain the title (7:12)
Belair and Carmella had a fine match.
Carmella had the brief advantage. Belair avoided Carmella with a backflip off the middle rope. Carmella fought back and went for a tilt-a-whirl head scissors, but Belair blocked it. She reversed into two backbreakers.
Carmella took over and hit the bronco buster for a near fall. Belair went for a slam, but Carmella slipped out. She pulled Belair down by her hair. The fans booed Carmella and broke into an “EST” chant.
Belair recovered and hit a delayed vertical suplex to a big pop. She followed up with ten punches in the corner. Belair missed a tackle and went shoulder-first into the ring post. Carmella hit a superkick for a near fall. The finish came when Carmella slapped Belair in the face. Belair snapped and hit the KOD for the win.
After the match, Carmella jumped Belair and beat her down. Belair struggled to get to her feet. The fans erupted in boos as Carmella walked off.
**********
They aired a SummerSlam commercial. They aired clips of Logan Paul training and recapped his signing. The fans booed Paul. The Miz responds to Paul this Monday on Raw.
********
Earlier today, Alexa Bliss entered her locker room and found a bunch of clothes. Apparently, Lilly used the WWE credit card to make all these purchases. The fans booed the credit card and the segment.
********
Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The Street Profits to retain the titles (22:59)
The Usos and Street Profits had an awesome match. On the replay, they noticed that Ford’s shoulder wasn’t down for the three-count.
The Usos cut a promo before the match promising to retain the titles. Pat McAfee joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cole mentioned the rumors of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins having problems.
The fans broke into a loud “We want the smoke” chant. Jimmy shot Dawkins into the ropes and went for a monkey flip. Dawkins avoided with a cartwheel. He then hit a spinebuster on Jimmy. Ford went for the frog splash, but Jimmy rolled out of the ring.
Ford led the fans in a “suck it” chant. The fans then broke into a loud “McAfee’ chant. The Usos gave Dawkins a suplex into the ring post to take over.
Jimmy mocked Ford and went for the Rikishi splash. Dawkins jumped to his feet and rocked Jimmy with a right hand. Ford tagged in and caught Jimmy with a kick to the head. He jumped off the top rope, but Jimmy rocked him with a superkick for a two-count.
The Usos slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Jey then knocked Dawkins off the apron with a superkick. The fans broke into a “Uso” chant.
Dawkins finally got the hot tag and hit a huge dive to the floor. He followed up with a flying elbow on Jimmy. Dawkins hit a splash and a twisting double under hook DDT for a two-count.
Dawkins tossed Jimmy in the air, and Ford caught him in a back suplex for a near fall. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. The Street Profits hit a blockbuster doomsday for a very close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish.
Ford jumped over The Usos, but they caught him with double superkicks for a close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish. They broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant.
Ford dumped the Usos to the floor. He then jumped to his feet, ran across the ring, and leaped over the corner onto the Usos at ringside. The fans went wild for the spot.
Dawkins hit the spinebuster on Jey, and Ford hit the frog splash, but Jimmy broke up the pin. The fans popped big for the near fall. The fans broke into a “fight forever” chant.
Both teams faced off in the middle of the ring, and the fans applauded. The Usos got rid of Dawkins and rocked Ford with double superkicks again. They then hit the 1 D for the win.
After the match, they showed a replay, and Graves noticed Ford’s shoulder was up. They showed the replay again, and Jimmy clearly picked up Ford’s shoulder on the count.
********
They showed a Kevin Owens video package.
Next, they showed a series of shots featuring candles and a dark sky. Michael Cole didn’t know what it meant.
They recapped the Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya feud.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Natalya to retain (12:33)
Rousey and Natalya had a good match. It started slow but picked up towards the end. The story of the match was Rousey injured her knee. The big story was after the match when Liv Morgan cashed in the briefcase and won the title.
Rousey got a good reaction during the introductions. They started with chain wrestling and traded submissions. Natalya got the ankle lock, but Rousey reversed. Natalya rolled through and stomped on Rousey’s neck.
Natalya took over and hit a discus clothesline for a near fall. She slowed the pace down with a sleeper. Natalya locked on an abdominal stretch, but Rousey countered. Natalya reversed again but Rousey countered into an arm bar.
Natalya escaped and went for the arm bar. Rousey broke free and locked on the sharpshooter to a big pop. Natalya made it to the bottom rope to break the hold.
Rousey went for the arm bar. Natalya recovered and sent Rousey to the floor. Rousey hurt her knee on the landing. Natalya targeted the knee and locked on the sharpshooter on the apron. Rousey countered and sent Natalya into the ring post.
Rousey went for the arm bar, but Natalya reversed into the Sharpshooter. Rousey broke free and caught Natalya in an arm bar for the win.
Liv Morgan defeated Ronda Rousey to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship (:31)
The fans popped big for Morgan cashing in and winning the title.
As Rousey tried to get to her feet, Liv Morgan’s music hit to a big pop. Morgan ran out and cashed in her MITB briefcase. The fans went crazy for Morgan running out.
The bell rang, and Rousey got her in the ankle lock. Morgan kicked the bad leg and rolled up Rousey to win the title. The fans reacted huge to Morgan winning the title.
After the match, Rousey handed over the title and hugged Morgan. She walked off and waved at the fans. The fans broke into a loud “You deserve it” chant for Morgan.
*******
They showed a Drew McIntyre video package.
They showed a Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar SummerSlam video package. Cole pushed that the MITB winner could cash in after the SummerSlam main event.
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Theory defeated Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Riddle, Sami Zayn, Sheamus, Madcap Moss, Omos, and Riddle (25:30)
This was an awesome ladder match. They all worked hard, told a good story, and did a lot of risky ladder spots. Adding Theory at the last second gave away the finish.
All seven guys faced off in the ring. Suddenly, Adam Pearce walked out and added Theory to the match. Cole and McAfee pointed out that Theory didn’t have to qualify. The fans booed Theory and didn’t want to see him win.
Omos had the early advantage as he dominated everyone. He knocked down Moss and Riddle with a ladder. In the ring, Riddle tried going for a guillotine, but Omos broke free. McIntyre then rocked Omos with the claymore kick.
Theory tried sneaking up the ladder, but McIntyre and Sheamus stopped him. Rollins went for a pedigree on a ladder, but Riddle backdropped him instead. Zayn tried climbing up the ladder, but Moss cut him off.
Omos slowly climbed up the ladder, but Moss and McIntyre cut him off. They sent him to the floor. Sheamus and Riddle attacked Omos with ladders at ringside. Everyone worked together and buried Omos under a pile of ladders.
Rollins, Zayn, and Sheamus climbed up two ladders in the ring. Theory knocked them down. He was alone at the top, and the fans booed. Moss pulled him down and hit a fallaway slam.
Zayn ended up on the top rope as Moss set up a ladder on the bottom rope. Zayn jumped over Moss and tried to climb up another ladder. Moss caught Zayn and gave him a painful-looking powerbomb on the ladder.
Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick, but Riddle moved. He then hit the draping DDT using the ladder. Riddle ran wild and hit the floating bro off the very top of the ladder. That was an awesome spot.
Omos recovered and beat down everyone. Sheamus caught Omos with the Brogue kick. Zayn followed up with the helluva kick. Riddle locked on the triangle, and Moss threw Omos out.
McIntyre rocked Omos with the Glasgow kiss, and Rollins hit a stomp. Sheamus, McIntrye, Zayn, Moss, and Rollins worked together and powerbombed Omos through the announce desk.
McIntyre trapped Sheamus under the ladder and started climbing. Butch ran out and jumped on McIntyre’s back. Sheamus then rocked McIntyre with a knee to the face. Sheamus tried climbing up with McIntyre trapped under the ladder. McIntrye pushed Sheamus off and hit the claymore on Butch.
Sheamus and McIntyre fought at the top of the ladder. Zayn pushed over the ladder, and they landed on a second ladder on the corner. Zayn climbed up, but Moss pushed him off.
Rollins pushed over the ladder, and Moss took a nasty fall. Riddle set up a second ladder. Rollins knocked off Riddle and grabbed at the briefcase. Riddle climbed back up and gave Rollins an RKO off the ladder to a massive pop.
Riddle slowly climbed up and had his hands on the briefcase. Theory climbed up and pushed off Riddle. He then pulled down the briefcase to win the ladder match to loud boos.
Theory celebrated his win to end Money in the Bank. McAfee predicted Theory would cash in at SummerSlam.
Wrestling Observer Live Saturday is back with Jim Valley.
We have a Money in the Bank preview including the only match that isn’t predictable. WWE SmackDown, meanwhile, had a good old fashion battle royal, the New Vicious Viking Raiders, Maximum Male Models about 15 years too late, and why WWE feels more like World Boomer Entertainment than a product that reflects a changing, new world.
