Money in the Bank is coming up, so it is time for our pay-per-view predictions. We have our clear opinions who will win the Money in the Bank match, but also some unique views on surprises we can expect during this epic pay-per-view.
Daniel Bryan Versus Big Cass
Sandra: I love seeing Daniel Bryan in the ring, but I am not that interested in another match with Big Cass. It is only a matter of time before Daniel Bryan faces the Miz. In the meantime, we must get some build-up matches first.
As for the outcome of the Daniel Bryan versus Big Cass match, I think Daniel Bryan will take the win. It is likely he will face the Miz, so a loss against Big Cass before that is not the best thing for him at this point.
Katie: The last time Daniel Bryan and Big Cass squared off on PPV, I idiotically picked Cass to win. The only reason this match is happening is that The Miz is otherwise preoccupied, and it’s a foregone conclusion that Bryan will win.
Hunter: I think there will be shenanigans causing Daniel to lose. Bryan is destined for The Miz at SummerSlam (hopefully) I don’t know the plan for Big Cass, but I know WWE is high on him. He’s improved a lot on the mic. Daniel will get a good match out of him again.
Jack: WWE appears to be investing in Cass a great deal as a potential top heel, and a loss doesn’t hurt someone of Daniel Bryan’s stature. Cass goes over with a dirty win.
Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn
Sandra: Even though the segment with Lashley’s ‘sisters’ is not the most significant segment to be produced by the WWE, I am still interested in this upcoming match. Both Lashley and Zayn are amazing athletes so I cannot wait to see the show these two will put on.
The winner of this match will be Lashley unless the WWE wants to continue the rivalry between the pair.
Katie: The Zayn-Lashley feud is a train wreck from which we can’t look away, and given the powerhouse that Lashley is (supposed to be), my money’s on him at Money in the Bank.
Hunter: This is weird. This whole feud is wonky, and it makes no sense. Bobby looks like a chump and completely disinterested. Sami is putting in a lot of work trying to polish this turd. I think Lashley smashes and gets momentum on the way to an eventual Universial Title match with Lesnar.
Jack: To say this has been an awkward feud is an understatement. Still, Bobby Lashley was brought back to WWE for a reason, and the former apple of Vince McMahon’s eye might not be the priority he once was, but we should still expect him to win on Sunday.
Shinsuke Nakamura versus AJ Styles (WWE Championship Match)
Sandra: Styles and Nakamura put on good matches, so I am looking forward to this one. With FOX acquiring the SmackDown Live brand, I believe there is a title change in the cards during Money in the Bank.
Nakamura will take the title at Money in the Bank, but I am sure he will get it in an underhanded way. I cannot get enough of this feud between Nakamura and Styles, so I am more than happy to see it continue.
Katie: This is a “Last Man Standing” match, and while there’s always the possibility that the bout could end in another double count-out, I trust that WWE isn’t that stupid. While I love AJ Styles, Nakamura should have already been champion at this point. He’ll win on Sunday, and hand out lots of low blows in the process.
Hunter: Their matches have improved each time. Fourth times the charm? Nakamura wins.
Jack: Let’s hope this can not only be the match of the night, but the classic everyone has been waiting on from these two in WWE, similar to their historic bout at WrestleKingdom 10 in 2016. It feels like it’s finally Nakamura’s time to be champ.
Nia Jax Versus Ronda Rousey (Raw Women’s Championship)
Sandra: Some think this match will be an easy win for Rousey, but I am not that convinced. Nia seems to have developed the ‘evil bully’ streak recently, which could lead Nia to take the win in some underhanded manner.
I am a big believer in Rousey and her talent. So, even though I’m only 50% sure, I will put Ronda as the winner of this title match.
Katie: Aside from Zayn vs. Lashley, this the most poorly booked match on the card. Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax have done an excellent job elevating the drama of their feud. But the fact of the matter is that it’s WAY too early in Rousey’s WWE career for her to already have a title shot, and WWE would be jumping the gun in a big way by putting the title on her so soon. And for that, I say Jax pulls off the victory.
Hunter: Since there is *probably* going to be shenanigans in the SD Women’s Title match, I don’t know what to expect out of this one. But there’s no way Ronda loses clean.
Jack: With Nia Jax being a relatively new champion and WWE also obviously profoundly invested in Rousey, something tells me Jax will retain the title yet Rousey will still be made to look strong. Might Rousey’s “friend” Natalya make a mess of things “accidentally” on Sunday?
Carmella Versus Asuka (SmackDown Women’s Championship)
Sandra: Due to Charlotte’s injury, Asuka is the new challenger for the SmackDown Live Championship. Since Charlotte is due a revenge match against Carmella, ramification for the match are in the cards.
When looking at the power ranking of both wrestlers, Asuka ranks higher than Carmella. Putting dodgy win tactics to the side, Asuka will take the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Katie: SmackDown’s women’s division is better than Raw’s right now, and Carmella has been a delightful champion to watch. Unfortunately, Asuka is out for blood following her shocking loss to Charlotte at WrestleMania, and smart money would say that she’s the surefire winner of this match.
However, I think it’s too soon to take the title off ‘Mella. But Asuka needs a win, so I’m making a bold prediction that the Empress of Tomorrow will pick up the “W” – but not the championship – via DQ or count-out.
Hunter: If James Ellsworth doesn’t interfere, Asuka should win in 30 seconds flat.
Jack: It’s too soon to take the belt off Carmella, who has been entertaining in her title run. Asuka is the bigger star here. Expect Asuka to win via DQ or count out.
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Sandra: Now this one is a puzzle. Each member on the card can take the Money in the Bank briefcase realistically so that the outcome can swing in many different directions.
Putting my favorites forward, I would have to say Braun Strowman, Miz, or Finn Balor. I do not see Balor winning due to the Vince McMahon situation, which leaves Miz and Braun. Miz could be taking on Bryan in the nearby future, so let’s go with Braun as my number one pick.
Katie: I’ve attempted to type out two different theories about who will win this match and deleted both of them, so I’ll say I pick Braun because that makes the most sense.
Hunter: I’m hoping for Samoa Joe or Kofi, but I’d be OK with any of these eight guys getting the briefcase. They’ve all worked hard for it. Miz, The New Day,
Jack: I’m not even going to pretend to know the outcome of this one–which is exactly my favorite kind of WWE match. On the surface, many would say Braun Strowman, but he can be elevated to title level status easily at any given time without the MITB gimmick. My heart says Samoa Joe because, well, I just love Joe. But my pick? I’m going with the big surprise of Big E. Few would see it coming, and it’s time for him to shine as a singles star anyway.
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Sandra: The Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match is the one I look forward to the most. There are endless possibilities with this match, some of which I would be extremely excited about.
My favorites to win the match are Ember Moon, Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, and Lana. If I need to filter some out, I would say Alexa and Charlotte, only because they already have some title runs under their belt. Who would I like to see with the win? Becky or Ember, although Lana could make things more interesting. Still, if I have to choose one woman, I prefer Ember.
Katie: As I believe a member of the Raw roster will win the men’s Money In The Bank bank match, it only seems fair that a member of the SmackDown roster will take home the women’s briefcase. I’m worried that Naomi will dash everyone’s dreams again, but WWE has been playing up Becky Lynch’s desire to snag the briefcase. Quite frankly, she needs it more than anyone else in this match, and I’m making the hopeful prediction that she’ll win.
Hunter: I think it needs to be Becky or Ember. They won’t put both briefcases on the same brand. So the winner of the other will inform this one and vice-versa.
Jack: Putting on my creative booking hat – if Carmella retains, why not have Charlotte win with women’s MITB and cash in far sooner than later? Poetic payback.
Seth Rollins Versus Elias (Intercontinental Championship Match)
Sandra: The rivalry between Rollins and Elias came out of blue, so I do not believe a title change will take place. I think Rollins retains his title.
Katie: While this match was hastily thrown together, I won’t be surprised if (when) it steals the show. However, I agree that Rollins will retain.
Hunter: Seth will put on a 30-minute banger again to retain. Elias will once against prove he’s much more than a gimmick.
Jack: Elias is my favorite musical artist of all time after the Honky Tonk Man, and while his star will continue to rise do not expect him to defeat the champ at MITB. Do expect someone to get hit with a guitar.
Roman Reigns Versus Jinder Mahal
Sandra: Despite fans have a fixed opinion on the quality of this match; I believe we are in for a pleasant surprise. Reigns and Mahal have grown a lot over the past year, so this could be the match to watch. As for the outcome of the match, I believe Roman will take the win; this if the WWE continues its plan for Roman to take on Lesnar at one point.
Katie: Ugh. Roman wins, and I wish WWE would permanently hinder the Jinder.
Hunter: *BURPS LOUDLY* Roman
Jack: Roman wins. I’m not a Roman-hater and am a fan of Jinder Mahal, but c’mon, Roman wins.
Bludgeon Brothers Versus Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Sandra: Bludgeon Brothers take the win, and the WWE continues with the experiment. However, I would prefer Gallows and Anderson as the tag team champions, but it is not going to happen, unfortunately.
Katie: The Bludgeon Brothers have been a nigh unstoppable force. Meanwhile, Gallows and Anderson have yet to gain their footing on SmackDown (or in WWE at all). So The Bludgeon Brothers retain.
Hunter: Gallows and Anderson to start a game of “Pass-The-Belts.”
Jack: The Bludgeon Brothers drop the hammer on Gallows and Anderson.
Deleter of Worlds Versus the B-Team (Raw Tag Team Championships)
Sandra: I cannot tell you how much this match upsets me. It should not have happened yet, let alone on the pre-show. A loss could devastate the momentum of either of these two tag teams, so nobody wins with this one.
Despite my reservations and anger at the creative team, Deleter of Worlds takes the win.
Katie: I’m going to go out on a limb and say the B-Team pulls off a major upset here. They’re killing their new gimmick and, quite frankly, are way more entertaining than the Deleter of Worlds.
Hunter: B-Team wins, and a rift between Bray and Matt Hardy catapults us towards a SummerSlam match.
Jack: I have to agree with Katie here. The B-Team continue their undefeated streak by winning the titles. I am a fan of Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, but both are stars more prominent than the tag team championship. They don’t need belts. The B-Team could benefit from holding the straps (and also an entrance theme that is a knockoff of the A-Team theme. Are you reading this WWE creative?).