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Money in The Bank got off to a great start with TakeOver last night. The action was intense and set the stage for the pay-per-view to follow. I must admit that whether or not the decisions were justified, I was entertained by Money in the Bank. As long as the show was, there was enough to keep me entertained across the entire duration.
In this article, I will present my best and worst. Bear in mind that this is my personal opinion and yours can differ from mine. I invite you to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts about the show you just witnessed right now.
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After the slump that followed the Greatest Royal Rumble, things really seem to be picking up with Money in the Bank.
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In any case, this is what I thought of the show.
#1 Best: A slow and steady slugfest
Styles vs. Nakamura was not an all guns blazing contest like Ciampa vs. Gargano was at TakeOver. It was a slow and methodical match that told an incredible story of two men that dislike one another. It was a battle of the minds as much as it was a truly physical contest.
Ultimately, in my opinion, AJ Styles channelled months of frustration into the low blow that eventually led to his win. Also, the Styles Clash to the floor was a sight to behold and cherish. I thought that this was the best match that the two men have had thus far.
While AJ Styles will move on to his next challenger, I wonder where Shinsuke Nakamura goes from here. I do hope he's kept in the mix because his heel character is rather interesting.
#1 Worst: Braun Strowman's MITB win
Braun Strowman is one of the more popular babyfaces in the current WWE roster right now. He has a lot of steam and one expects him to win a Universal Championship down the line. Somehow, I am not convinced that he really needed a Money in the Bank contract. Because of his size and physique, I imagine he'll often be in the Universal Championship picture.
Someone like a Finn Balor, Kevin Owens or The Miz could have used the contract far better. Also, because both of the winners hailed from RAW, it showcases SmackDown Live as the inferior brand. I'm not sure WWE wants to do that right now. Especially in light of their billion dollar deal!
#2 Best: The return
James Ellsworth made his debut as enhancement talent but got himself over to such a degree that he was brought on board as a SmackDown Live superstar thereafter. Sadly, he was released late last year much to the dismay of the WWE Universe. Because of his immense popularity, he has been brought back again.
I thought that Ellsworth playing mind games with Asuka was a great way to have Carmella pick up a win, without making Asuka look weak. Carmella is a brand new champion. It would be far too early to take the strap off her without giving her a chance.
Carmella has grown in confidence as a character and as a performer. Her interactions with Ellsworth should be very interesting, going forward!
#2 Worst: Bobby Lashley
This is not a knock against Bobby Lashley. I thought his TNA run was very entertaining. Maybe he just doesn't have any real chemistry with Sami Zayn at all. Maybe the program he's booked in is just not happening.
Somehow, he's not the man we thought he once was. I can't imagine him dethroning the Beast Incarnate. He did not receive any reaction when he came out and somehow his finisher too, felt flat indeed.
#3 Best: Rollins burns it down again
Seth Rollins and Elias put on a clinic this week. I loved the story Rollins told through the match, with his injured knee. I loved the fact that there were near falls that had the crowd on edge. At the end of the day, The Kingslayer won and judging by how much excitement exists around him right now, it was the right call.
I'm sure Elias impressed everyone at Money in the Bank. Great things are due for this talented young man. I'm sure he'll be a Champion someday soon.
#3 Worst: Jonathan Coachman
Jonathan Coachman was so bad on commentary that Corey Graves actually asked him on air, how he was still employed by the company. We all heard Michael Cole's shocked reaction when he heard Coachman's remarks during the Rousey vs. Jax match. I had much the same reaction watching the action on the WWE Network!
Booker T seemed like a breath of fresh air during the WWE Kickoff Show. At least he can be funny and entertaining at times.
#4 Best/worst: The crowd
Chicago really brought it! I thought the level of energy they maintained through the night made Money in the Bank a really fun experience. There's hardly an audience around the globe with the kind of fire that Chicago has. Hats off to them!
However, they did turn on Reigns vs. Mahal with just as much venom. For the few of us that were genuinely interested in the match, it was genuinely quite a dampener. And the match in itself wasn't really too bad!
Oh well, what can one do?
#4 Best/worst: The cash in
I thought Alexa Bliss cashing in on the same night was a pretty nice touch. It prevented Ronda Rousey from holding Championship gold way too fast. One knows how fast the IWC turns on you if you're pushed too fast. It also protected both women as they were spent.
Alexa Bliss and Ronda Rousey can have a great program. Bliss has the promo skills that Ronda Rousey lacks. Rousey has the legit background that Alexa Bliss lacks.
I did think that Bliss was a little sloppy during the actual MITB match though. It felt like she missed her cue even though Becky Lynch was atop the ladder waiting to claim her briefcase?
Leave a comment and let me know what you thought of Money in the Bank 2018!
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