The Money in the Bank event was the first pay-per view to have fans in attendance since this year’s WrestleMania. The crowd was fully engaging and added to the electrifying feel of the event. The card played out really well and it was a great event altogether.
The Mysterios (c) vs. The Usos [WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match]
The kickoff show started off with The Usos challenging the Mysterios for the SmackDown Tag Team titles. The two teams traded and exchanged control throughout the match-up. In the closing moments, Jey Uso drove Rey Mysterio into the top turnbuckle. Jimmy then assisted him on a rollup for the win. The night was starting off strong for The Bloodline with The Usos becoming seven-time tag team champions.
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Moving on to the main portion of the event, the women were starting it off with their Money in the Bank ladder match. Alexa Bliss teased dark magic throughout this match, leading to multiple distractions. The other wrestlers grew tired of her antics and prompted them to work together and bury Bliss under ladders. Six of the competitors scaled the ladders, battling for the right to retrieve the briefcase. Nikki A.S.H. came from out of nowhere and ultimately claimed the briefcase. Maybe now, she can be a full-on superhero with a chance to obtain the women’s title.
AJ Styles & Omos (c) vs. The Viking Raiders [RAW Tag Team Championship Match]
The champions entered the arena to a thunderous ovation and chants from the crowd. The Viking Raiders immediately began cutting the ring off while isolating Styles – steering clear of the intimidating Omos. The challengers did their best to put the champions away, displaying a combination clothesline/German suplex – but it all proved futile. In the closing sequence, the big man delivered a chokebomb to Erik for the hard fought victory.
Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Kofi Kingston [WWE Championship Match]
The fans in the Dickies Arena were not shy to show their support for Kofi Kingston as soon as he came out. Once Bobby Lashley had made his way to the ring, the match got underway and Lashley dominated from the start. He obliterated the challenger, using his Hurt Lock and a series of Dominators to prove his dominance. One more Hurt Lock to Kingston saw The All Mighty earn the victory. This match was the shortest of the evening going just 7:35 minutes.
Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Charlotte Flair [RAW Women’s Championship Match]
Charlotte Flair was letting the crowd’s negative reactions to her get the best of her. The champion took advantage of this and dominated the action from early on. The two were evenly matched but Flair manages to get the upperhand quite quickly. Ripley tried for a superplex but Flair fought out and delivered a Natural Selection off the top rope. Much to the shock and awe of the challenger and fans in attendance, Ripley manages to kick out. This prompts Flair to slam Ripley’s face into the ring post, before trapping her leg in the steel steps and repeatedly stomping on it. Flair eventually locks in the Figure Eight to secure the victory, as well her 14th Women’s championship.
Men’s Money in the Bank Match
Each wrestler was looking to strengthen their championship aspirations by securing a guaranteed title opportunity. An unlikely alliance formed between Seth Rollins and John Morrison. Riddle, in special tribute to Randy Orton, delivered an RKO to Rollins. Drew McIntyre manages to land a Claymore kick but is quickly disposed of once Jinder Mahal arrives and the two brawl to the back. The match continues on with Ricochet flying high whilst Kevin Owens takes (and delivers) some crazy bumps. Eventually, Rollins begins his ascension towards the briefcase but Big E manages to stop him with a Big Ending. Big E then managed to retrieve the briefcase and walk away as Mr Money in the Bank.
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Edge [Universal Championship Match]
Feeling like he was robbed at WrestleMania, Edge was looking to make the most of this opportunity. The match started off slow – keeping to what has become Roman Reigns’ modus operandi. Eventually, the match got fully underway and proved to be hard-hitting. A Superman Punch leveled Edge, who inadvertently bumping the referee. Edge used the piece of steel chair to apply the crossface and, just when it appeared as though the Usos would get involved, the Mysterios quickly appeared and disposed of the pair. The favor is in Edge’s corner but Seth Rollins appears from out of nowhere, rocking Edge with a superkick. The Hall of Famer delivered the spear but that proved to not be enough to put the champ away. Rollins again interfered, this time, long enough for Reigns to deliver the spear for the win. Following this match, Edge and Rollins brawled out of the arena. Reigns took the mic and was ready to close out the show but John Cena made his return.
John Cena has been getting rumored to be making his return soon – just in time for the build to SummerSlam. Last night was the night. Cena and Reigns didn’t exchange any words but the tension between the two was palpable. There are a variety of ways that the WWE could book this feud. As someone who was once the face of the company, there is still a whole lot of interest in Cena. Now, with Reigns being the Head of the Table and the new face of the company, this could prove to be an intriguing feud.
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