WWE Money In The Bank – Preview/Predictions

The WrestleMania concept of Money in the Bank has evolved into it’s own PPV tonight!  The WWE boasts seven matches on the card tonight, two of which are the PPV namesake, one for RAW and one for Smackdown.

Smackdown Money in the Bank Match
Participants: Big Show, Matt Hardy, Christian, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Kane, Drew McIntyre, Dolph Ziggler
SHOULD: Hardy/Christian WILL: McIntyre

• MITB matches are the hardest to call.  There are so many participants, and so many possibilities on the outcome.  Personally, I think that Hardy or Christian should win because they have the most experience in these sort of matches, plus they’re both probably the most deserving to never receive a World Title push.  However, I think that with all of the issues that have been going on with Drew McIntyre, and the fact that he’s the chosen one, somehow, someway, he’ll pull it out in the end.  Plus then when he tries to go cash it in, Vince McMahon could help make it a little easier for him to win the World Title.

Women’s Title Match
Layla (Champion) vs. Kelly Kelly
SHOULD: Layla WILL: Layla

• Over the course of the last month or so, Layla and her “flawless” partner Michelle McCool have been teasing the hell out of Kelly Kelly.  Kelly has gotten wins over both of the “co-Women’s Champions.”  However, this could possibly be the worst match on the card.  Both of these ladies for me are so deliberate in the ring, and don’t suspend reality for me when it comes to actual wrestling.  The factor in this one is probably going to be the fact that Michelle McCool will be ringside.  Kelly will probably have her friend Tiffany at ringside as well, but McCool is the craftier veteran, and will be able to manipulate the referee more to help Layla out.  At the end of the night, Layla will still hold the title.

Unified Tag Team Title Match
The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd & DH Smith with Natalya) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) with Tamina
SHOULD: Usos WILL: Harts

• The rivalry between the Harts and the Usos has been steaming for quite awhile, and I’m glad that it’s going to be fought out at Money in the Bank for the Tag Titles.  As of late, the Usos have gotten the best of the Harts, and usually that doesn’t translate into a positive outcome.  While I believe that the Usos are the hotter team right now, I think that the Hart Dynasty will go over tonight and retain their Tag Team Titles.

RAW Money in the Bank Match
Participants: Randy Orton, John Morrison, Mark Henry, Evan Bourne, Ted DiBiase, Chris Jericho, Edge, The Miz
SHOULD: The Miz/Ted DiBiase WILL: Jericho

• When it comes to he RAW MITB match, my gut reaction is that The Miz and Ted DiBiase could use this win and ultimately sky rocket their careers to the next level.  However, when it comes down to it, it’s so hard to predict if the WWE will hand things down to these guys right now.  Guys like Orton, Edge, and Jericho don’t really need the win to get a WWE Title shot, but in the case of Jericho, I think he could use it as a gloating tool that will solidify him as what he claims, “The best in the world at what he does…” especially after struggling to defeat Evan Bourne in recent weeks.

World Title Match
Rey Mysterio (Champion) vs. Jack Swagger
SHOULD: Swagger WILL: Mysterio

• The driving force in this match will not be if Mysterio is healthy enough to compete, but will Kane and/or The Undertaker show up to put an ass-whooping down on Swagger.  Mysterio has the heart to take this match on his own, but with Swagger’s new Ankle Lock submission, Swagger’s only a few seconds away from breaking Rey’s leg.  Ultimately, I would rather see Swagger with the belt, but my hunch is that Mysterio will win due to some sort of outside distraction from Kane… I would hate to see this match end in a count out because Swagger runs from Kane’s interference.

Diva’s Title Match
Alicia Fox (Champion) vs. Eve Torres
SHOULD: Eve WILL: Eve

• While I like Alicia Fox as the Diva’s Champion because she reminds me of the heel champions of old with her attitude and willingness to take a walk or fake an injury to retain her belt, I think that Eve should’ve had a longer title run previously.  Eve’s worked hard and has advanced greatly in her in-ring ability.  I think that after having the belt stolen from her at Fatal 4 Way, Eve will be declared the NEW Diva’s Champion tonight at MITB.

WWE Title Match – Steel Cage Match
Sheamus (Champion) vs. John Cena
SHOULD: Sheamus WILL: Sheamus

• The major story line that has played out between these two competitors, is the fact that they were forced to help out each other to keep The Nexus at bay.  Desperate situations make for odd partnerships.  The partnership will be put aside when it comes to tonight’s steel cage match.  The cage will keep both competitors in, and hopefully keep the Nexus out.  Ultimately, I want Sheamus to win because I don’t want Cena to have the WWE Title.  I think that maybe when the Nexus gets involved in this match up, we may see the partnership reappear, but I fully expect Sheamus to put his foot through Cena’s face for the victory, and retain the WWE Title.

OTHER THOUGHTS:

I do NOT believe that the briefcases will be cashed in tonight based on my WILL predictions.  If I predicted incorrectly, then all bets are off.

Tonight’s Money in the Bank PPV starts at 5pm on the West coast, and 8pm on the East coast.  Tune in here tomorrow for my results/review post.  Till then…