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United States Champion Logan Paul ambushed his rival LA Knight after The Megastar got involved in a brawl with Santos Escobar. SmackDown General Manager, taking notice of the situation, booked the 3 stars in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifying match.
The Maverick, however, doesn't want to share the ring with Knight. Paul has repeatedly denied The Megastar's challenge for the US Championship. Therefore, he could opt out of the MITB qualifier out of disdain for his rival.
But, the US Champion is an influential person. He could bribe a fellow SmackDown star to take his spot in the qualifier. By having someone else fight on his behalf, Paul could avoid Knight yet still make it to the MITB ladder match.
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On that note, let's look at 4 such SmackDown stars who could be bribed by Logan Paul to fight on his behalf in the Money in the Bank qualifying match.
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#4 and #3. A-Town Down Under has helped Logan Paul before
When Logan Paul was outnumbered and overwhelmed in his WrestleMania feud with KO and Randy Orton, A-Town Down Under, Austin Theory, and Grayson Waller, proved to be valuable allies. The reigning WWE Tag Team Champions took a lot of punishment from The Maverick's opponents.
Considering their friendly association, Paul could call upon A-Town Down for another favor. If the US Champion is extra lucky, he could have both Theory and Waller added to the qualifier to prevent Knight from advancing.
The other option would see either of the Tag Team Champions entering the bout. Naturally, if Paul selects one partner over the second, it would add to the growing tensions between Theory and Waller.
On the contrary, The Maverick could try keeping them on the same page as payment for helping him qualify.
#2. Baron Corbin
In 2021, WWE ran an intriguing storyline with Baron Corbin, which saw him deliver some stellar character work. Corbin lost his crown to Shinsuke Nakamura, setting his life into a downward spiral that resulted in him losing a fortune.
However, The Lone Wolf turned his life around and became Happy Corbin. 2 years later, the former US Champion has moved on from the character. Unfortunately, despite a few mini-pushes, he has not done much lately, but that could change if Logan Paul exploits his past.
The Maverick, aware of Corbin's struggles in the past, could offer the SmackDown star a great deal of financial security if the Lone Wolf fights on his behalf in the MITB qualifying match.
This could translate into a meaningful and productive alliance between the two, similar to the arrangement The Miz had with Bronson Reed last year.
#1. AJ Styles
Despite faking retirement, AJ Styles came off a failed WWE Championship pursuit. The Phenomenal One would be looking for redemption, and the process could begin by striking a deal with Logan Paul.
Fans are well aware of Styles' history with LA Knight: the two fought relentlessly over the last few months, which included a singles match at WrestleMania XL. Therefore, Paul and Styles could be united by a common enemy in The Megastar.
Styles could revive his rivalry with Knight and defeat him and Escobar to allow Paul to progress into the MITB ladder match. In return, The Maverick could offer the veteran a US Title shot.
