WWE needs to take a hard look at Money in the Bank booking
The Money in the Bank gimmick is a valuable tool in professional wrestling. It allows a company to designate someone who is “up next” in regard to a main event push. WWE popularized the tactic, but they aren’t the only group to use it, as AEW has something similar with their Casino Poker Chip. However, WWE’s recent use of the briefcase hasn’t worked out well for those involved and it’s time for it to go away for a while.
The briefcase has created some big moments throughout its history. Edge’s first cash-in, Dolph Ziggler finally becoming champion, Big E reaching the WWE Championship – the examples are plentiful. Unfortunately, that trend hasn’t worked out in the same way as of late, for both men and women.
One trend that WWE has fallen into is giving someone the briefcase and immediately booking them as a loser. Austin Theory was slotted as a goof who wasn’t deemed a threat to any champion. Even the small hint that he was going to cash in on Bron Breakker meant nothing and was forgotten about the next week.
Otis is another individual who held the briefcase and wasn’t a credible championship prospect. He was booked into losing the briefcase to The Miz, which allowed him to cash in and pick up another championship run.
The women’s briefcase holders faced the same challenges. Outside of Carmella, none of the ladies hold the briefcase for an extended period. Instead, the WWE uses immediate cash-ins to hotshot a new individual into the title without any real long-term booking. Both Nikki Cross and Liv Morgan won the MITB and became champions, but their runs with the titles were far from a success.
Triple H recently spoke about the Money in the Bank PPV and where it stands in the annual WWE event calendar. Speculation is growing that the match may go back to WrestleMania instead of remaining an individual show each year. Regardless of what happens there, WWE should look at improving the booking of those individuals that come out the victor.
Next. The Rock vs Roman Reigns does not need a championship. dark
WWE has struggled to build star power for both the men’s and women’s divisions. The MITB briefcase was a tool to do so, but these continued practices limit even its capabilities to elevate someone to the main event. With 2023 on the horizon and Triple H in charge of creative direction, now is a time to put the briefcase on someone credible and present them as a star of the future.