Carmella in Waiting; When Should Ms. Money in the Bank Cash In?

Carmella continues to slide her finger close to the trigger, but it's not yet time for her to fire her weapon. She shouldn't cash in her Money in the Bank contract until the spring has arrived and the WrestleMania fireworks have all faded. 

WWE wants us to believe The Princess of Staten Island is on the verge of using that golden briefcase she carries with her and lifts proudly every Tuesday night. But that's a tease to build anticipation, to remind us of Carmella's presence. The company knows waiting is the best option for now.

On Tuesday's SmackDown, it looked as if Carmella was done biding her time.

The Riott Squad ambushed Charlotte Flair in the ring. The Queen had been talking about how Sunday's Royal Rumble pay-per-view played out and what was ahead for WrestleMania 34. She soon found herself in a one-on-three dogfight, though.

The Riott Squad pounced and the champion lay prone in the ring, motionless and vulnerable.

Carmella rushed in with the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. But she inadvertently kicked the referee out of the ring before he could make the impromptu title match official. Flair escaped with her title, and Carmella retreated.

It's smart of WWE to script moments like these. They get the fans riled up, ready to see something dramatic go down. And they remind us how dangerous Carmella because she is armed with that Money in the Bank contract.

Tim Fiorvanti of ESPN.com, for one, is a fan of this strategy:

But when should we see the real deal? When should Carmella actually get her crack at a wounded titleholder?

The short answer is after WrestleMania on April 8.

Asuka's Royal Rumble win allows her to choose whichever champion she would like to challenge at The Show of Shows. If she goes with Flair, Carmella will need to step aside. Asuka vs. Flair is a money match worthy of a massive stage.

The same is true for a possible Ronda Rousey vs. Flair bout. Even if it's Stephanie McMahon fighting for the title at WrestleMania, WWE is better off with The Queen as champ.

Flair is a bigger name than Carmella, a better marquee-match performer, more of a WrestleMania-caliber talent. Carmella may get there, but she's not at that level. It's best then to wait until Flair has had her showcase bout to let Ms. Money in the Bank do her thing. 

She has until June before the contract she earned in a ladder match last year expires, but the ideal spot would be in the aftermath of the biggest show of the year.

The company should mirror how WWE handled Dolph Ziggler's cash-in after WrestleMania 29. A night after the mega-show, The Showoff came running down the aisle to take advantage of a hobbled Alberto Del Rio. It remains one of the most memorable cash-ins in WWE history in large part because of the reaction.

The post-WrestleMania crowd is a collection of passionate, diehard fans. They are there to party, to let loose, to be loud. 

Giving Carmella that kind of audience is a recipe for a lasting image.

She can crush Flair in the midst of a celebration. She can attempt to end Asuka's streak once and for all. Or if Rousey is champ at that point, Carmella can instigate a rivalry with the crossover star that would be a game-changer for her.

Carmella fans may be growing impatient, but a more electric version of her crowning moment is coming. And at this point, what's another 60 days or so?