10 Tiny Thoughts on Money in the Bank
I thought Money in the Bank was WWE's best show of 2018. Even more, they did it without relying on [...]
Ronda Rousey is Incredible
Even though her WrestleMania performance silenced thousands of doubters, it still felt like a chunk of the wrestling world was ready to ridicule Ronda Rousey at Money in the Bank.
But after yet another exhilarating performance, Rousey's haters have nowhere to stand.
Rousey took a beating last night, one that made Nia Jax look like the Cyclops of the women's division. However, Rousey's comeback was viscerally good and when it came time for the armbar, we were ready for her to become champion.
But, we'll have to wait until SummerSlam.
prevnextTop Rope @RondaRousey!
➡️ https://t.co/ePt5TzD6sU pic.twitter.com/UFtj123GiG
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
Alexa Bliss: Queen Bee
While we were forced fed Asuka's invincibility, Rousey's hype train, and the prestige of Charlotte Flair, we all forgot about Alexa BLiss.
After losing to Nia Jax at WrestleMania, it was hard to imagine where Ms. Bliss would fit in on Monday nights. Well, the answer is simple: on top.
Bliss is now a 5-time WWE Champion. But it's not her resume that's impressive—it's her ability to connect with WWE's audience. She's one of Vince McMahon's best weapons and will be a critical contributor to the rise of WWE's women's division.
prevnext.@AlexaBliss_WWE is Five Feet of Fury... and now a five-time champion.
➡️ https://t.co/ePt5TzD6sU pic.twitter.com/u47TJIiiWD
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
Nia Jax Proves She's Elite
Nia Jax had the toughest set of responsibilities at Money in the Bank. She had to simultaneously protect and destroy Ronda Rousey.
Using a thunderous arsenal of powerbombs, Samoan drops, and Gorilla Press slam, Jax reminded us all that she is one of WWE's rarest commodities. And for good measure, she made Rousey's subsequent comeback look lethal.
Even though she lost her title, Jax made a lasting impression on fans, and likely WWE officials, too.
prevnextThe power of @NiaJaxWWE!
➡️ https://t.co/ePt5TzD6sU pic.twitter.com/JUnNHm99XN
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
Women's Ladder Match > Men's Ladder Match
From the jump, the Women's MITB match had a special energy about it. Then after the bell had rung and each woman had taken a nasty bump it was clear we were in for something remarkable.
Every woman in the match had a moment. while last year was all about making history, the second ever women's MITB match was about making impressions—specifically violent ones.
I think we'll like back on this match as a pivotal moment in the rise of women's wrestling.
prevnextI’m so proud of the women I work with ... tough as nails, perseverance, determination, dedication and grit. #MITB ?
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) June 18, 2018
Braun Strowman Will Be Universal Champion Very Soon
If Strowman makes it past SummerSlam with the MITB briefcase I'll be shocked. With the disenchantment surrounding both Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, there simply is no room for excitement with either of them. They have occupied that space to fr too long, and it's time for a line change.
I'm still leery of a lengthy championship run by Strowman, but at this point, it can only be seen as an improvement.
prevnextIt’s official. I am Mr. Monster in the Bank. Not much longer until I come looking for you Brock. #MITB
— Braun Strowman (@BraunStrowman) June 18, 2018
Charlotte vs. Becky?
Given recent episodes of SmackDown and their multiple interactions at MITB, it looks like we'll be getting a frenemy feud between Becky and Charlotte. I'll guess their story will end in a title opportunity at SummerSlam.
Selfishly, I'll pull for Becky Lynch as I think she has a load of untapped potential. But betting against Charlotte Flair is never a good idea. I'll guess the winner gets Asuka at SummerSlam.
prevnext"PUT IT DOWN!"
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 18, 2018
"YOU PUT IT DOWN!"#MITB @MsCharlotteWWE @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/PavTye1dlK
Rough Night for Royal Rumble Winners
Since winning their respective Royal Rumbles, Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka are a combined 0-6 in WWE Championship matches.
Clearly, WWE has reservations about making them main event attractions and both may flirt with demotions to the mid-card. I'll guess Asuka gets another crack at Carmella, but Nakamura—who's responsible for four of the six losses—could land anywhere.
prevnextWhat's Next for AJ Styles?
It's pretty obvious that WWE feels comfortable with AJ Styles as Champion. He'll be taking that title to SummerSlam, but his opponent will likely remain a mystery for a few weeks.
However there's really only three names we can consider: Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, and The Miz.
If I had to guess now, I think we'll get Joe.
prevnextUpper Midcard Crossword Puzzle
Right now, WWE's main event is set with Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles.
However, names like Seth Rollins, The Miz, Elias, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan, Rusev, and Shinsuke Nakamura are worthy of a promotion. WWE will be busy assigning these dudes their summer jobs, but someone is bound to be neglected.
Regardless, this list of names is quite promising, and should be considered as the future of the company.
prevnextNo Respect for Roman
Here's a list of things chanted during Roman Reigns' match with Jinder Mahal:
"You both suck!"
"Rusev Day!"
"CM Punk!"
"Let's go Cena! Cena sucks!"
"This is awful!"
"This is boring!"
"NXT!"
"Johnny Wrestling!"
On some nights, Mahal vs. Reigns will work. However, this is yet another example of a crowd hijacking a Roman Reigns match. Chicago was rough, but Brooklyn will be far worse.
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