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WWE has had many epic Premium Live Events thus far in 2024. From huge stadium shows such as WrestleMania 40, Elimination Chamber Perth, and the Royal Rumble to international arena show extravaganzas such as King and Queen of the Ring, Clash at the Castle, and Backlash France, it has been a busy year.
The promotion's next big show is Money in the Bank 2024. This Premium Live Event will be airing live on Saturday, July 6, from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
As is tradition, there will be two Money in the Bank Ladder Matches at the show. Main Event Jey Uso has already qualified for the Men's Ladder Match, and another qualifying match has been announced for RAW. Ilja Dragunov, Braun Strowman, and Bronson Reed will lock horns in a Triple Threat Match next week to earn a spot in the gimmick match.
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While any of the three men could win, The Mad Dragon is arguably the best choice to win. This article will take a look at a handful of reasons why Ilja Dragunov should not only win the Triple Threat Match on RAW but also the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Below are four reasons why Ilja Dragunov must win the 2024 WWE Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
#4. A win would elevate Ilja Dragunov in WWE
Ilja Dragunov is one of many stars who have recently joined WWE's main roster. The likes of Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Lyra Valkyria have all been called up to the main roster this year.
Of the names mentioned so far, Ilja Dragunov is certainly the most intense and could be a threat in the main event picture far sooner than many others. However, for WWE to make him a big deal, The Mad Dragon has to be strongly booked.
Defeating Braun and Bronson would be a big start, but Ilja going on to beat five other performers at a major Premium Live Event would certainly elevate the Russian performer to the very next level.
#3. Ilja Dragunov could do a rare honorable cash-in
The Money in the Bank concept has existed in WWE since 2005. Over the years, there have been some successful cash-in attempts and some failures.
One common theme from the very first Money in the Bank cash-in by Edge to the most recent by Damian Priest is unpredictability. Nearly every time a WWE Superstar has cashed in their Money in the Bank briefcase, they did so out of nowhere, and usually when the champion is vulnerable. Ilja Dragunov could break this habit and offer a rare honorable cash-in.
Instead of waiting to capitalize on a champion when they're beat up, he could take a different route, such as challenging either Damian Priest or Cody Rhodes to a match at a big-time upcoming Premium Live Event. Given Ilja's personality, a straight-up cash-in done with honor seems up his alley and could feel very fresh.
#2. Fans wouldn't see it coming
As noted, Ilja Dragunov is new to Monday Night RAW. He was called up to the brand during the 2024 WWE Draft. Since joining the red brand, the former NXT Champion has delivered banger matches with the likes of Ricochet and Bron Breakker.
Despite his success so far, most WWE fans don't necessarily see Ilja as a main-event player quite yet. As the previous entry emphasized, winning this bout could solidify him as a performer to look out for. Beyond that, however, it would be a big surprise.
Fans wouldn't be shocked to see Jey Uso, LA Knight, Kevin Owens, or Randy Orton win the briefcase, given their history of headlining events or being involved with top guys. Ilja would be a genuine surprise to many, which may be enough reason to pull the trigger.
#1. This could set up Gunther vs. Ilja Dragunov at Bash in Berlin
While Money in the Bank 2024 is WWE's next Premium Live Event, it isn't the only big show of the summer. The Sports Entertainment juggernaut will be hosting SummerSlam and Bash in Berlin in August.
Bash in Berlin is WWE's first-ever Premium Live Event to be held in Germany. If the company plans carefully, the show could host an epic match between The Ring General and The Mad Dragon. Gunther could battle Ilja Dragunov, and they could do so with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
Many believe Gunther will dethrone Damian Priest or Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. Supposing he does, The Mad Dragon should win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and announce a cash-in against The Ring General at Bash in Berlin. The two could have another classic.
