WWE: Nikki Cross is the perfect choice to win Money in the Bank
Just days before WWE Money in the Bank, Alexa Bliss was removed from the titular match and replaced with Nikki Cross. Before the events of Raw, the swap would’ve been a head-scratcher but Cross winning Money in the Bank opens the door for an intriguing long-term story.
Nikki Cross has appeared to be a forgotten entity ever since she was one of many main roster additions from NXT at the end of last year. Her connection with Sanity was never capitalized on and she floated around without any clear direction for months. The most recent edition of WWE Raw finally took steps towards changing that.
Cross’ backstage interaction with Alexa Bliss showcased the former’s more sympathetic side compared to her typical rabidness. Bliss took notice of Cross—who acknowledged her own obscurity—and had Cross take her place in a Fatal 4-Way against the other Money in the Bank participants. Cross won the match but allowed Bliss to have the spotlight and grab the briefcase to signal the latter’s symbolic victory.
Because of these events, Cross was the most logical choice to replace Alexa Bliss when news broke that the former Money in the Bank winner would be unable to compete. She’s also an equally logical choice to be the one hoisting the Money in the Bank briefcase in Hartford.
Alexa Bliss has frequently used alliances with the likes of Mickie James, Alicia Fox, and Nia Jax to her favor in the past. Some could argue that we’ve already seen the story of Bliss getting her comeuppance for constant manipulation—namely with Nia Jax—but this rinse-and-repeat with Nikki Cross has the potential to be a great storyline.
Because no one else has paid attention to Cross on WWE Raw the way Bliss has, “The Goddess” could use that to her continued advantage in a number of ways. She could outright demand that Cross give her the Money in the Bank briefcase, arguing that her being pulled out of the match was the singular catalyst for the former Sanity member’s fortune.
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In order to successfully convince Cross to relinquish the briefcase, Bliss could play the “friend” card. Bliss could also play the long game. She could pretend to be Cross’ ally, build her trust, and expose the softer side of her demeanor all while plotting to pry the Money in the Bank briefcase away from her grasp.
If played out the right way, this possible storyline could achieve a number of positive outcomes. Due to inactivity, Bliss hasn’t had a signature rivalry since losing the WWE Raw Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey. Her long con scheme against Cross could easily change that.
For Cross, a feud with a 5-time Women’s Champion can not only give her the clear direction that she has lacked for months but also reveal more sympathetic dimensions to her character.
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On a Raw women’s roster that needs new faces in the spotlight, Cross winning Money in the Bank and toppling Bliss is an interesting scenario that can play out for months to come. Maybe more than any other choice, Nikki’s win can boost the division while creating a new star and revitalizing an established one.