WWE Money in the Bank 2017: Updated Match Card, Predictions for Biggest Stars

WWE Money in the Bank is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling pay-per-views of the year, and the 2017 edition promises to be no different.

In fact, it has all the hallmarks of being one of the most exciting editions in years.

The line-up for the marquee Money in the Bank features an array of talent, the kind that is perhaps the main reason SmackDown Live is the go-to brand when it comes to entertainment and intrigue as things stand.

Beyond the ladder match, there are championships aplenty being defended, and with this being a big step on the road to SummerSlam, it's bound to be a night where there is plenty of action.

Here's a look at the final match card for Sunday's Money in the Bank, as well as a look at what the night could have in store for some of the show's biggest names.

Updated Match Card

Following the go-home edition of SmackDown Live on Tuesday, WWE has confirmed the following matches for Money in the Bank:

• Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Carmella (Money in the Bank match for WWE SmackDown Women's Championship match contract)
• The Usos (c) vs. The New Day (WWE Tag Team Championships)
• Naomi (c) vs. Lana (WWE SmackDown Women's Championship)
• Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)
• Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Money in the Bank match for championship match contract)
  

As yet, there is no word on what matches could be added to the pre-show. Expect to see the likes of Breezango competing at the very least.

Charlotte Flair

Right now, it's difficult to work out which way Charlotte Flair's character is going to go on SmackDown Live.

She did briefly turn babyface and has been working as one for the past few weeks, but The Queen is undoubtedly a better fit to being a heel.

She's perhaps the obvious favorite to win the first-ever women's Money in the Bank match this weekend, and if she does claim the briefcase, it will set minds racing as to when she could cash it in.

Does she bide her time and wait for a heel champion to get the title, or does she turn heel herself and pull the trigger sooner, rather than later?

That discussion is perhaps for another day, because she has to actually win the match first and foremost. But as mentioned, she is the clear favorite in the eyes of a lot of fans, and it would make sense to put her in the title picture again in the near future.

Expect Charlotte to prevail.

Jinder Mahal

If someone predicted a year ago, or even a couple of months ago, that Jinder Mahal would be defending the WWE Championship at a major pay-per-view, they would have been laughed at.

That is, in essence, the level of shock fans were dealing with when Mahal won the belt from Randy Orton at Backlash last month.

And as he prepares for his first official defense on pay-per-view, don't expect the Mahal fairytale to end anytime soon.

With John Cena preparing for a comeback in the next few weeks, he looks an obvious fit to take on Mahal's anti-American gimmick.

So that means Mahal will get past Orton this weekend, and he will be odds-on to remain champion for a few more weeks yet.

Shinsuke Nakamura

It will come as no surprise to most WWE fans to learn that Shinsuke Nakamura is yet to taste defeat on the main roster.

In fact, Nakamura's last defeat was over three months ago, when Bobby Roode beat him at NXT TakeOver: Orlando, per ProFightDB.

So what are the chances of that run extending beyond this weekend? At first glance, very good indeed.

Nakamura was the one standing tall on SmackDown Live on Tuesday night, sitting atop the ladder and holding the Money in the Bank briefcase he will be aiming to win this Sunday at the pay-per-view.

That can usually suggest something quite the opposite, but this weekend, the odds on Nakamura winning look very healthy indeed.

In fact, Randall Ortman at Cageside Seats reported earlier this week that Nakamura is the likely winner as things stand.

So back that as the probable outcome.