The show, taped in Biloxi, Mississipi, kicks off with Chris Jericho hosting an episode of “The Highlight Reel” with Dean Ambrose as his guest. As was to be expected, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Alberto Del Rio and Cesaro all interrupt the segment to set up a six-man tag match in the main event.
These guys have more than pulled their weight for the Money in the Bank ladder match on Sunday, and it has the potential to be the best match in the event’s history. It wouldn’t seem logical to have Jericho win, but the rest would either make loads of sense story-wise or would be wildly popular choices. Since Ambrose is the best combination of both of those factors, he seems like the best choice, but fans would also love to see Zayn, Owens or Cesaro bring down the briefcase.
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Kofi Kingston def. Aiden English, Luke Gallows and Big Cass (Fatal Fourway)
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Kofi gets what has to be seen as a big singles win, especially given how dominant Gallows and Cass, in particular, have been booked in the ring.
The World Heavyweight Championship and MITB matches may be the headliners of Sunday’s pay-per-view, alongside the match between John Cena and AJ Styles, but this tag match could be a huge one. The New Day had been a revelation as tag champions, Enzo and Cass are wildly over with the crowd and The Club were champions in Japan before making the jump to the WWE. Further, the Vaudevillains have been holding their own despite seeming like the fourth wheel.
Backstage, we see a conversation between Becky Lynch, Natalya, Dana Brooke and Charlotte about their upcoming tag match on Sunday.
This could turn out to be a match that helps develop the women’s division, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Sasha Banks’ absence from television, along with a lackluster storyline involving Ric Flair, have stalled the momentum built leading into WrestleMania.
Baron Corbin def. Zack Ryder
With Dolph Ziggler on commentary, Corbin gets the completely expected win over the former Intercontinental Champion. That leads to a staredown between Corbin and Ziggler.
Simply put, this match is not an exciting one after a lengthy feud with zero stakes. Especially since most everyone will be expecting Corbin to win as he has for much of the feud, most fans are seemingly just waiting to see what’s next for Corbin. That’s unfortunate given how impressive Ziggler has been in the ring for much of his career.
Rusev def. Kalisto
After the United States champion takes down the former champ, he goes for what has become a tradition of a post-match beating. Sin Cara tries to cut him off, but that just earns him an Accolade for his efforts. Titus O’Neil breaks that up, but Rusev gets away.
The Club and the New Day are up next for a backstage talking segment to set up the next match for the evening.
AJ Styles def. Xavier Woods
Styles picks up the submission win in a rather surprising but fresh matchup.
Xavier Woods has checked off quite a few boxes in the last year or so of action as a tag team champion. He’s been put through a table by the Dudleyz, gotten a Stone Cold Stunner and now he’s had a match with AJ Styles. Having Styles work against the New Day is also a great way to advance his story and get him in the ring without hurting the match with John Cena at MITB.
Charlotte def. Natalya
In non-title action, Charlotte beats one-half of the tag team she’ll face Sunday. Her partner, Dana Brooke, gets in a fight with Becky Lynch at ringside.
Given Monday’s spat between Charlotte and Dana Brooke, the booking seems to suggest that Lynch and Natalya will pick up the win Sunday to set up a title shot, probably for Lynch. If not, there’s always a chance that Sasha Banks could return to get in the picture. Lots more women need to get involved, though, before the expected brand split next month.
Next up is an MITB preview, complete with ladders on display.
Ambrose/Zayn/Cesaro def. Owens/Jericho/Del Rio
Team Heel can’t get along after Del Rio tags in on Owens without KO’s consent, which earns Del Rio a superkick. Owens also superkicks Jericho before catching a Dirty Deeds from Ambrose for the finish. Ambrose stands tall to end the show.
This could be seen as foreshadowing to a victory for Ambrose, and that may need to be the result anyway. Prior to Monday, there were several logical story options heading into the MITB match, but the Ambrose Asylum segment with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins somewhat pushed Ambrose ahead of the others. Of course, Owens would be pure gold with the briefcase in hand, and last year’s victory for Sheamus showed us anything can happen in this match.
