5 Theories on why Braun Strowman was replaced by Sami Zayn in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Sami Zayn replaced Braun Strowman in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match.
Sami Zayn replaced Braun Strowman in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match.

WWE go-home edition of Raw before Money in the Bank took place in London, England. Every year WWE brings both of their live shows for the overseas fans. Many big moments occurred tonight, and perhaps the biggest development was Braun Strowman losing his spot in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match.

Shane McMahon added a Falls Count Anywhere stipulation to the main event match featuring Strowman and Sami Zayn, with the former's spot in the ladder match at stake. With some help from Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre, Zayn pinned Strowman.

So, here are five theories why Braun Strowman was replaced by Sami Zayn in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match...


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#1 Backstage Heat

Braun Strowman could have backstage heat.
Braun Strowman could have backstage heat.

There were rumors that Braun Strowman had backstage heat after he forgot few of his spots in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 35. Although he won the match, backstage officials were not happy. This could be why WWE removed him from the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match.

This isn't the first time Strowman is suffering due to similar reasons - there have been various past incidents which resulted in Strowman being pushed down the card. But it has to be worrying for Strowman who is supported by all of his fans. and yet has not been able to break through to the main event level.


#2 Working through an injury

Braun Strowman could be suffering a minor injury.
Braun Strowman could be suffering a minor injury.

It was rumored last year that Braun Strowman was suffering through some knee issues, which could be attributed to his massive frame and intense style of wrestling; in the past, there have been many giants who have had issues with their knees due to their size. Unfortunate injuries have cost Strowman momentum quite a few times.

Last December, Strowman suffered a minor elbow injury, which led to WWE writing him off from WWE television via a storyline attack from Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin. Thus, it is plausible that he is carrying some sort of minor injury, which would logically prompt WWE to replace him in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match, to prevent any aggravation of said injury.

#3 WWE doesn't intend to push him to the main event scene

Braun Strowman's push could have stopped.
Braun Strowman's push could have stopped.

Last year, Braun Strowman won the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match and cashed in inside Hell in a Cell against Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The match ended in a no-contest after interference from Brock Lesnar. Later on, Strowman lost to Lesnar for the vacant Universal Title at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.

It seems that WWE isn't currently interested in pushing The Monster Among Men to the main event scene. There are rumblings that Vince McMahon - who once wanted to push him as a main event star - now views him as a "walking mascot". This could be another reason why he is no longer part of the MITB ladder match.


#4 Possible heel turn

Braun Strowman could be turning heel.
Braun Strowman could be turning heel.

Braun Strowman turned heel during his feud with Universal Champion Roman Reigns last year. He formed an alliance with Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre to face The Shield. Sadly, after Reigns was diagnosed with leukemia, the company needed a top babyface, so they turned Strowman face once again for his feud with The Beast Brock Lesnar.

With Reigns back to WWE, there is a good chance Strowman is going to embrace his heel persona soon. Actually, his heel turn was what made him a huge star during his run in 2017. So becoming a dominant heel could help re-build Strowman. Perhaps losing his spot in the ladder match can spark this turn and give his character direction for the coming months.


#5 Sami Zayn is a reliable option

Sami Zayn going for a high dive at WrestleMania 32.
Sami Zayn going for a high dive at WrestleMania 32.

It is no big secret that ladder matches involve a lot of pace and agility; even though giants provide some brutality, it is more common to include high-flyers. Sami Zayn may not be flying around like 205 Live stars, but still, he is one of the most thrilling in-ring performers in WWE. At WrestleMania 32, Zayn was quite a few noticeably dangerous spots in the Intercontinental Title Ladder match, for instance.

While Strowman would not hurt the match by being in it, Zayn's style meshes well with the group partaking in the MITB ladder match this year; two big men Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre are already involved in the match. The inclusion of Zayn very likely means he and RIcochet will provide the high-flying action in the match.

Whatever the reason, we hope Strowman rebounds from this quickly and regains momentum.

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Edited by Duncan W. Lievi (Dhruva Verma)
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