WWE Money in the Bank 2017: B/R Expert Match Picks, Predictions and Analysis

The Money in the Bank pay-per-view has long been one of the most anticipated non-Big Four events on the WWE calendar, and this year's event, including a MitB match for the women's division, will create even more excitement among fans.

WWE.com only confirms five bouts as of this writing, but knowing management, we could see something added at the last minute to fill time. Here is a quick rundown of all the matches:

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

Bleacher Report's lineup of contributors will examine each feud and provide predictions for the matches on the Money in the Bank card. Our larger-than-normal group is made up of the following:

• Anthony Mango (@ToeKneeManGo).
• Kevin Berge (@TheBerge_).
• Ryan Dilbert (@RyanDilbert).
• Erik Beaston (@ErikBeaston).
• Tom Clark (@TomClarkBR)
• Jeff Johnson (@JeffJSays).
• Yours truly, Chris Mueller (@BR_Doctor).

Let's go through the matches on the card and attempt to make some logical predictions.

Naomi vs. Lana (Women's Championship)

Q: It's been a long time since Lana had a match on the main roster. What do you think she can contribute to an already competitive women's division the other Superstars can't?

Ryan Dilbert (RD): Early on as Rusev's manager, she was one of the roster's best talkers. She has a great presence and was compelling as The Ravishing Russian. It's unclear what this new incarnation of Lana is all about, but the division is likely about to welcome quite the character.

Prediction: Naomi retains in a clunky match.

Erik Beaston (EB): Lana's character work has been her greatest attribute from the moment she arrived on the main roster in 2014. She may struggle to keep up with Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Naomi and Natalya on SmackDown Live, but her dedication to her character will more than keep her at the forefront of the division.

Prediction: Naomi.

Kevin Berge (KB): Lana is a popular and charismatic performer. While no one can say much for her in the ring yet, few wrestlers on SmackDown or Raw can match up to Lana on the mic or get a better reaction from the crowd. However, this is a time for women's wrestling when Lana cannot get by without putting in strong efforts in the ring. She might as well return to being a manager if she does not show she can wrestle at Money in the Bank.

Prediction: Naomi retains after Lana dominates much of the match.

Jeff Johnson (JJ): Star power. It's no secret Lana's commercial appeal has exponentially grown since her addition to Total Divas and because of movie roles. She augments Rusev's character as an excellent valet (depending on whether that association will continue). Having her on the roster gets fans engaged. If she can work on in-ring technique, and be a decent-to-good performer, she can become a valuable addition to a solid women's division on the Blue Brand.

Prediction: Naomi retains the title in a match that will be surprisingly good. Watch out for an immediate cash in from Ms. Money In The Bank too.

Anthony Mango (AM): At the very least, Lana contributes another name to be thrown in the hat. If she's terrible in the ring, the roster is no worse than when Eva Marie was still active. At least she can break up the monotony of seeing The Welcoming Committee against the three babyfaces on repeat for the next year. At best, Lana's improved enough she can turn into a legitimate star, and if that's the case, it's never a bad thing to add more talent.

Prediction: Naomi retains her title clean.

Tom Clark (TC): Lana's personality would be a different flavor in an already eclectic mix, and she's a natural heel. She should not just blend in but stand out. She will need to do exactly that if she's to be a full-time in-ring worker. She has the potential to be vicious and cold-hearted, which would also help her cause because no one in the SmackDown women's division fits that mold. But if she's not ready to go in the ring, then it will be obvious and she will fail. No amount of personality can make her relevant if the fans decide she's not worth their time at MitB. It will be a test to see what she's capable of, and she has to step up.

Prediction: Naomi retains.

Chris Mueller (CM): Since WWE rebranded the Divas division into the women's division, the idea of a glamorous female wrestler has gone out the window. It's great to see the competitors taken more seriously, but there are women out there who can connect with Lana more than they would with Charlotte or Lynch. Just because she wears high heels and evening gowns doesn't mean we can't take her seriously as a wrestler, especially if she continues to train and improve in the ring.

Prediction: Naomi retains, but the winner of the MITB match will cash in and take the title after Lana attacks the champion following their match.

The Usos vs. The New Day (Tag Team Championships)

Q: The Usos have breathed new life into their careers with their recent heel turn. Which other SmackDown duo do you think would benefit from a heel/face turn and why?

(EB): American Alpha needs a jolt of energy and creativity. If that means turning them heel and letting them take out their frustrations on the likes of The New Day, Breezango and The Hype Bros, so be it.

Prediction: The Usos.

(KB): The tag team division has been revitalized recently, but one team has been left out, even with The Hype Bros returning. American Alpha has quickly disappeared from the scene entirely with no explanation. A heel turn for AA would not only balance out the roster but also help Chad Gable and Jason Jordan show their personalities more.

Prediction: The Usos manage to cheat their way just barely to a win.

(JJ): The Usos seized the opportunity to be themselves and fully embrace their heel characters, giving us the best work of their career. Once wrestlers get comfortable in their skin, they can shine as creative loosens the production reins and allows them to sink or swim. American Alpha would serve best as a heel team. The soon to be Emmy/Slammy/Oscar-winning Fashion Police have supplanted them as the No. 2 face tag team on SmackDown Live behind The New Day. I don't know where they've been, but once they return to action, Jordan and Gable should decimate all fan favorites, claiming everyone forgot them and found new favorites to cheer.

Prediction: The Usos retain via classic heel methods, setting up a huge rematch at SummerSlam.

(AM): It has to be The Ascension. Konnor and Viktor have had little to no luck in their entire time on the main roster, and a face turn is worth a shot so long as WWE tries to push them. Turning them and continually jobbing them out and keeping them off television would heal no wounds.

Prediction: The New Day takes the titles.

(TC): The return of Zack Ryder has a lot of fans thinking The Hype Bros are back in business. But Mojo Rawley has proved he has some skills, and his mic work has been impressive. He could overshadow Ryder, which would lead to a heel turn for Zack and dissolution of the duo. Breezango are perfect right where they are, and The Colons are good heels. If anyone is need of a fresh start, it's American Alpha. Jordan and Gable have never quite connected to the fans the way they should, and a heel turn could be the spark they need to get reinvigorated.

Prediction: The New Day wins.

(CM): I know I am in the minority on this, but I think WWE should be doing more with The Ascension, and a face turn might be the team's only chance to recover from a bad debut push. Konnor and Viktor are an imposing force when booked properly. Kids love any character with face paint, so they would get over with the younger crowd quickly.

Prediction: The Usos retain.

(RD): American Alpha needs something to start gaining some traction again. An angry, frustrated side of Chad Gable and Jason Jordan could be interesting, but more than anything, just some airtime would do wonders for them. They remain SmackDown's forgotten squad.

Prediction:  The New Day dethrones The Usos.

Bonus Question 1

Q: What do you think was the greatest MITB cash in of all time? What made the moment so special?

(KB): Not every original is truly better than its sequels, but Edge's cash in was such a classic moment it defined Money in the Bank forever, mirrored countless times thereafter. Edge carried that briefcase for 280 days, longer than anyone else, and no one knew even the day before he cashed in what an opportunity the case truly represented. It solidified the legacy of Money in the Bank and defined Edge's gimmick as the ultimate opportunist.  

(JJ): Dolph Ziggler. He cashed in when his star was the brightest. His nine-month journey, the false starts, the battered briefcase, almost losing it in challenge matches and the rabid fanbase clamoring for his title run made that moment special. Alberto Del Rio didn't stand a chance, and the show off was on top. Honorable mention to Rob Van Dam's cash in at One Night Stand and Seth Rollins for making the longest cash-in run in WWE history at WrestleMania 31.

(AM): I was in the crowd for WrestleMania 29, and it was severely underwhelming. The next night, though, I got to see one of my favorites win the title when Dolph Ziggler defeated Alberto Del Rio, whom I was never fond of. That pretty much made up for a disappointing pay-per-view experience. That is the go-to Raw-after-WrestleMania crowd that started this trend, and the energy was just electric.

(TC): Nothing tops the first one. When Edge cashed in against John Cena, it firmly established him as a top guy and a main event presence. Edge was a success story for the company because he came up through the system, climbed the ladder and reached the top. In essence, the Money in the Bank ladder match represented his WWE career. Winning that made him more than just a novelty act. He became a made man. Fans are accustomed to seeing Mr. Money in the Bank cash in now, but it was an unknown prospect at the time. Edge made it interesting, and he made it fun.

(CM): I was going to answer with Daniel Bryan, but then I looked at the list of all the people who have cashed in and realized The Miz had a more satisfying victory. He may have cashed in on an injured Randy Orton, but he did it without attacking him first. It looked like he would be the first person to be unsuccessful in his attempt to cash in the contract, but then he won and the roof was blown off the arena. Seeing him slam his fist into the mat in celebration of all his hard work leading to this one huge moment was something special to witness. The expression on his face was one of pure joy, but the meme born out of the angry girl in the crowd scowling at him was even better.

(RD): Dolph Ziggler's in 2013 will always stand out for me because it was the culmination of a long, meandering journey. Heel or not, so many fans were rooting for Ziggler. He was a workhorse who hadn't gotten proper recognition. No one else went from being a caddie to a cheerleader to world champion. And having his moment in front of the wild post-WrestleMania crowd made it all the more memorable.

(EB): Dolph Ziggler's in New Jersey in 2013. I should probably preface this by admitting Ziggler is my favorite wrestler, so watching him hit the ring and hand over the briefcase was a moment I had anticipated for a long time. The manner in which he and Alberto Del Rio manipulated the audience, teasing the idea of Ziggler failing in his attempt to wrest the title away from the second-generation star, was a thing of beauty.

What made it so special, though, was the emotion that poured from everyone involved as the referee's hand slapped the mat for the third time and Ziggler was awarded the title. Everyone from Ziggler to AJ Lee to Big E had tears in their eyes, and the thunderous ovation of the fans inside the IZOD Center helped make for an unforgettable moment.

Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

Q: Putting aside his quick rise to the top, how would you say Mahal has been performing as WWE champion, and what could he do to get people to take him more seriously?

(JJ): Jinder Mahal has done what he's supposed to do: anger the fans, troll Orton and make his WWE reign a spectacle. Orton hasn't been as involved with him since he lost the title at Backlash, and the WWE Universe is in the information phase of the Mahal title run. They're trying to find reasons to care, and Mahal should give them more. Interfere in matches, get on commentary during a No. 1 contender's match, shoot more vignettes. Usually, the champ's storylines write themselves, but for Jinder, he needs a bit more.

Prediction: Mahal retains the WWE Championship, setting up a possible SummerSlam match with "The Free Agent" John Cena.

(AM): I was rooting for him, but frankly, I'm disappointed. Every promo he's cut has been the exact same thing. By now, not only is it boring to listen to as far as the repetition goes, but it's also boring to hear his lazy delivery as well. Either Mahal isn't being given the freedom to spread his wings or he just doesn't have the character within him to be more than a face-value xenophobia heel.

Prediction: Orton wins back the belt and they have a rubber match at Battleground.

(TC): Mahal is living the dream, and it's obvious he's putting forth a good effort. He's got a mean streak that comes through, and he has the look of a legitimately dangerous man. He's similar to Mark Henry in the respect that it's clear he has what it takes to succeed, but he seems to be missing something. Henry had The Hall of Pain, which helped him get over during his world title run in 2011. If Mahal could find something that sets him apart from the WWE Championship—and from the fact he's been rushed in—he should begin to click with fans more than he has to this point.

Prediction: Mahal retains.

(CM): The moment Mahal stopped trashing the United States and started talking about being its savior, he became a lot more interesting. He is doing everything a good heel champion should be doing, and it has led him to more fan heat than anyone else on the roster in a short time. For someone who was thrust into this role, he has adjusted well.

Prediction: Mahal retains.

(RD): He's done a decent job overall. He needs some more standout matches to prove he's not a mediocre talent pushed into a marquee spot. So far, he doesn't have an in-ring opus.

Prediction: Mahal retains, putting on a strong performance in the process.

(EB): Other than maybe speaking with greater authority on the mic, I don't think Mahal has to do anything to get people to take him more seriously. That lies with WWE Creative and what appears to be a complete and utter inability to effectively build new stars. Booking Mahal to struggle against a lower-card babyface like Mojo Rawley and having him resort to raking his eyes to set up the win is not the way to get audiences to accept The Maharaja as a credible champion.

Prediction: Mahal.

(KB): While it would have been nice for WWE to more naturally build up to Mahal's reign, he has quickly filled the main event role. It is easy to look at him and see a main eventer through his presentation and presence. Mahal just has to continue to improve as a performer on the mic and in the ring to prove worthy of his position. Few will question his spot once he puts on a couple memorable matches.

Prediction: Mahal finds a way to overcome Orton with the help of the Singh Brothers.

Bonus Question 2

Q: Five matches is a little light for a PPV, so WWE will likely add one or two more the night of the show. Book one more match for Money in the Bank and explain why it would be good for the event.

(AM): Sadly, no effort was put in developing something for Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. Nor American Alpha, Tye Dillinger or others. However, some time was dedicated to The Fashion Police's feud with The Colons, and for them not to have a match on the card—at least on the pre-show—seems like a gross oversight. If the Kickoff has no matches on it, few people will feel the need to tune in, but with that match, there's at least some comedic value that can lighten the mood after 45 minutes of unnecessary recaps and video packages.

(TC): Breezango should be on the card and will likely show up in a backstage spot. But a match against The Singh Brothers would be interesting, as it could mean Jinder Mahal is on his own for his title contest with Randy Orton. Mahal doesn't necessarily need to be alone, as heels ordinarily cheat as much as possible, but it would get a newer team competing in the tag team division.

(CM): Capitalizing on the momentum Breezango have built in recent weeks is the best option. Their feud with The Colons is secondary to the Fashion Police segments, but Primo and Epico are the best options for opponents. 

(RD): I wouldn't mind seeing one more Harper vs. Rowan slugfest to wrap up their feud. The two former Wyatt Family members have good chemistry together. They just haven't had enough story to go with their bouts. This would be a good chance to create a newsworthy moment for either man with either Rowan injuring Harper or Harper sending Rowan crashing through the security barricade.

(EB): Breezango vs. The Colons, if only because the two teams have been intertwined over the past few weeks. While it is unlikely to matter in the long run, Tyler Breeze and Fandango as The Fashion Police, and Fashion Files, are red-hot.

(KB): Mojo Rawley vs. Ryder vs. Dillinger vs. Harper vs. Rowan for a United States Championship opportunity. The U.S. title should be defended soon after Money in the Bank with KO no longer preoccupied with the ladder match. What better way to set up a big match for SmackDown Live than have a No. 1 contender's match between all the potential rising stars? Commissioner Shane McMahon can book the match on the Kickoff after he is confronted by Zack and Mojo, looking for a tag title shot, to test whether both want to remain a team or go solo. This gets most of the missing wrestlers on the card in a match with major stakes.

(JJ): Fashion Police vs. The Colons because they could shoot a live Fashion Files and open the show with some good comedy and solid wrestling.

Men's Money in the Bank

Q: Which Superstar who wasn't included from the SmackDown roster do you think should have been in the MitB match this year and why?

(TC): Luke Harper seemed to be on his way to big things in WWE, but since Orton's feud with Bray Wyatt ended, that's not been the case. Harper and Rowan have good matches, but they can't work each other forever. Harper would have been a good fit here because he's always the wild card. He's good enough to win, but it's never clear whether WWE is willing to pull the trigger on him. The irony is Shinsuke Nakamura, though he is a world-class talent, has the possibility of perhaps not connecting like he should. This match may or may not help him in the long run.

Prediction: Ziggler wins.

(CM): I got lucky by being the only person to predict Mahal would win the title on the most recent predictions panel, so I am going to go for another long shot and picking Zayn. He is one of the most talented wrestlers on the roster, but he hasn't been booked to his potential. Having him win MitB would kickstart his main event career like it did for Bryan, The Miz and so many others.

Prediction: Zayn wins.

(RD): Tye Dillinger. He remains undefeated since joining the Blue Brand a la Nakamura. He's a fresh commodity who could use the boost of the kind of moments born from these matches. Instead, he's poised to not be a part of the show at all.

Prediction: Corbin begins his megapush by grabbing the briefcase.

(EB): Big E. I know it is a left-field pick, but the powerhouse of The New Day could have brought some fun, strength-based spots to the match that will likely be lacking given the field. It also would have elevated the star power of New Day, giving all three competitors in the trio something to do rather than seeing two of them compete for tag team gold while the other stands by at ringside.

Prediction: Corbin.

(KB): Every Money in the Bank match should have one wrestler who feels like the underdog, not just in story but in position on the card, and this match lacks that with a perfect candidate in Harper. He was on the precipice of a main event run going into WrestleMania yet has almost disappeared since. He would have been a great dark horse, not even mentioning his impressive showings in previous ladder matches.

Prediction: Corbin steals the win out from under Zayn.

(JJ): Handsome Rusev! This would have been a perfect opportunity to debut him on SD Live and capitalize on the buzz for his return. Lana and Rusev on the same PPV? That's money. I'd like to see him replace Nakamura, as I don't want WWE giving away AJ Styles vs. Nakamura too early. That's a WrestleMania match waiting to happen.

Prediction: Big Banter Baron Corbin gets the briefcase and an immediate push to the top, cashing it in and winning the WWE title at a later date.

(AM): Rusev! As much as I think it's a shame Harper and Rowan aren't involved, and I like Dillinger and want to see him succeed, Rusev had two videos promoting the idea of a title match for him at Money in the Bank, yet he's nowhere to be seen. One quick promo from McMahon to say he isn't giving him a title shot but can give him the opportunity to earn one would suffice, and Rusev would be back in the game.

Prediction: Baron Corbin.

Women's Money in the Bank

Q: Forget past booking, betting odds and logic. Which one of the six women in the match do you want to see win the MitB briefcase the most based solely on personal opinion and why?

(CM): Becky Lynch is one of my favorite WWE Superstars, so it wouldn't feel right to pick anyone but her. I expect a heel to win and cash in the same night against Naomi, but a Lynch victory would make me the happiest.

Prediction: Tamina wins and cashes in to become champion.

(RD): Lynch. It would be intriguing to see her character shift based on having that briefcase in her hand. She could begin to grow more opportunistic and ruthless, her heart darkened by the power of Money in the Bank. There's quite the story to tell there, and she would thrive as its star.

Prediction: Carmella becomes the first-ever Ms. Money in the Bank.

(EB): Lynch. Arguably the best worker on the SmackDown women's roster, her title run was cut short when WWE Creative saw the rising Alexa Bliss gaining momentum last December and put the title on her. Since then, The Lass Kicker has been shoved to the background, neither a priority nor an afterthought. She's just...there. A win at Money in the Bank would reignite her Straight Fire and allow her to enjoy a renewed push.

Prediction: Carmella.

(KB): I've been a big fan of Lynch since she debuted on the main roster, taking a huge step forward from her time in NXT quickly. She always looks to be putting in the most effort of anyone in a match, and her title reign, which was supposed to solidify her status in WWE, was cut short for the sake of Bliss' quick rise. I would like to see her get the title reign she has worked for, and I think she will.

Prediction: Lynch knocks Charlotte off the ladder and captures the briefcase, turning heel soon after when she cashes in on Naomi.

(JJ): Charlotte. She's a classic heel who doesn't even need the briefcase. With that contract in her possession, she could impose her will on the entire division. The storylines would always have her in the background, and everyone would be waiting to see when Charlotte will cash in and collect the title.

Prediction: Charlotte becomes Ms. Money In The Bank.

(AM): I would love to see Tamina win it. I've been over Charlotte for well over a year, Lynch had her title reign, Natalya isn't high on my radar and Carmella still has improvements to make. Meanwhile, Tamina has never been given the opportunity to have a run with a title and to show what she has to offer. It finally happened for Naomi, and it should happen for Tamina as well.

Prediction: Carmella wins.

(TC): Tamina has spent the majority of her WWE career as a shadow behind one woman after another. She is the one who deserves this win because she has the most potential to become not only a great heel but a solid champion. Where Nia Jax is rough around the edges and may not be developing the way WWE had hoped she would, Tamina is ready. The only thing she needs is a mouthpiece, which is not necessarily a must-have for her. Charlotte versus Tamina could be a great feud, but it begins with a Tamina victory at Money in the Bank.

Prediction: Tamina wins.