We are lesser than a couple of weeks away from the seventh edition of the 'Money in the Bank' pay-per-view, and we already have three iconic matches scheduled for the event. Apart from John Cena taking on Aj Styles and Roman defending his World title against Rollins, we also have the blockbuster 'Money in the Bank' ladder match which should be the biggest spot fest in the event.
We have 6 superstars- Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Alberto Del Rio and Cesaro taking part in this match and the winner will earn the contract that gives him a shot at the World title somewhere down the line. As part of this article, let us try to weigh up the chances that each of the 6 superstars has in winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, and the future storylines that they could be part of.
Sami Zayn
Let us start off with the guy who is least likely to win the contract. Sami Zayn was a talented superstar groomed in NXT and later made his way to WWE and has been a fan-favourite since his WWE debut. Zayn defeated Sheamus a couple of weeks ago on RAW and earned his spot in the ladder match.
The best thing WWE could give to Zayn now is just momentum. He is nowhere ready to win the briefcase and take a shot at the title gold, not anytime soon. The most logical way to look at Zayn's inclusion is to affect the chances of Owens and Cesaro to win the title as he already had some history with both of them.
Verdict - Sami Zayn isn't winning the contract, at least not this time.
Chris Jericho
Earlier I mentioned that Sami Zayn is very unlikely to win the contract, but Chris Jericho definitely won't win it either.
A plausible way to understand putting Jericho in the mix is to affect the chances of Dean Ambrose, assuming that the company has plans of establishing either Owens or Cesaro as the next big main eventer.
Chris Jericho could end up justifying his inclusion in the match by costing Dean Ambrose his shot at the briefcase, and clearing the way for one of the above mentioned Superstars to claim the victory.
Verdict - Chris Jericho is not walking away with the briefcase, not even in the wildest of dreams!
Dean Ambrose
It is a known fact that Dean Ambrose is already an established star and has proved it time and again. Ambrose has also been a part of a Championship main event- not once but twice against Seth Rollins for the World title.
If WWE goes by the popular perception, Dean Ambrose could win the MITB ladder match and somewhere down the line, cash-in the contract and set the stage for the much sought after Shield triple threat match.
Verdict - Fair chances of winning the contract.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens hasn’t disappointed since his call-up to the main roster, although his run has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. He’s had a respectable run as the Intercontinental Champion, but there has always been a feeling that Owens has been destined for greatness.
And the MITB match be the final push that he requires, to capture the briefcase and establish himself as the next top main eventer in the company. It is rather convenient for him too that the main event scene is in dire requirement of a top level heel to put Roman Reigns over.
Verdict – Owens has very good chances of winning the MITB ladder match
Cesaro
You ask a WWE fan to name one guy on the current WWE roster with immense potential but was still prevented from achieving something significant, and 90% would quote Cesaro’s name.
The Swiss superman has worked tirelessly over the years and is over enough with the audience now to deserve a shot at the World title. He is an elite wrestler and could be packaged into a legitimate WWE Championship level contender.
Having him win the MITB briefcase and pitching him onto the title scene straight away could be a realistic possibility.
For one, at least the ever growing Cesaro section will be happy.
Verdict – High chance of Cesaro to walk away with the briefcase
Alberto Del Rio
The obvious surprise pick in the list would be the Pride of Mexico Alberto Del Rio.
He may have lost traction with the audience after being associated with the awfully booked League of Nations, but being a part of the prestigious ladder match will only improve his chances of regaining lost ground.
He surely will not win the match but could still do with absorbing the momentum of competing in the match.
Del Rio may not be the favourite to walk out of MITB with the briefcase, but a strong showing in the match could yet set him up for a renewed sense of purpose after the brand split.
Verdict– Del Rio gains some momentum but doesn’t win the match
