WWE Money in the Bank 2017: 5 Early Predictions to Win

Credit: WWE.com

5. Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura has had fanfare around him since debuting in WWE NXT in April 2016. He carried that all the way to a main roster spot after WrestleMania 33, which saw him debut on the post-SmackDown Live episode.

Nakamura has main eventer written all over him, which has been the case going back deep into his New Japan Pro Wrestling years. The transition to this role in American hasn’t been an issue, and so far, it seems this won’t be a problem on the WWE stage every Tuesday night.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the King of Strong Style enter the main event scene quickly. He’s already 37-years-old and well-established, while also carrying himself like a top guy, whenever he enters a venue. So, could that lead to WWE giving Nakamura a shot at Money in the Bank?

If this happens, Nakamura’s spot in the main event picture immediately opens up, if it hadn’t already before this June PPV. It makes him an even more exciting Superstar with the unpredictable briefcase in hand, something that will only help him have a larger presence on SmackDown.

However, will WWE be willing to move the Japanese Sensation into the World title picture that soon? It’s not something they normally do, especially on a slow-build show like SmackDown Live. They can save his opportunity for a more natural storyline, like for WrestleMania 34 season. This allows him to work his way up the card and even contend with main event-level talents on the Blue Brand for the remainder of the year.

Nakamura could be a WWE Champion by the time 2017 closes. It just may not look like it in just over two months after debuting.