Early Predictions for Entire WWE Money in the Bank 2018 Match Card
Since its inception in 2010, Money in the Bank has been among WWE's most anticipated events of the year and has been known to feature monumental moments as well as exhilarating in-ring action.
This year's installment, despite the lackluster build and bloated card, looks to continue that tradition. Several championships will be up for grabs in addition to the ever-exciting Money in the Bank ladder matches featuring the stars of SmackDown Live and Raw.
One of the event's top main events will see Roman Reigns and Jinder Mahal settle a score following their recent run-ins on Raw. Additionally, AJ Styles will defend the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing match against Shinsuke Nakamura in what could be the final chapter of their storied rivalry.
It should also be noted that this event will be four hours in length (similar to SummerSlam and the other Big Four shows), which will hopefully allow each match to receive the time it deserves and not be cut short.
The wealth of star power between both brands should make this a must-see pay-per-view and, in theory, better than the abomination that was Backlash in May.
One week ahead of Money in the Bank, let's look at the latest card and offer early predictions for who will reign on the night.
Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn
1 of 10
It's difficult to argue that Bobby Lashley's latest stint with WWE has been anything but a disappointment. He was brought back without a real purpose and the program with Sami Zayn hasn't done either of them any favors.
In fact, the buildup to this bout has featured some of the most cringeworthy segments in recent Raw history. It should be a fun match from an in-ring standpoint with Lashley aiming to annihilate Zayn, but both feel miscast in their current roles.
Those who watched Lashley's work in Impact Wrestling will be well aware of how much better a heel he is than a babyface. Here's hoping it's merely a matter of when, and not if, they turn him.
In the meantime, he and Zayn will have to make the most of the material they are being given.
Considering how lifeless this feud has been, it doesn't matter who wins, but it should be noted Lashley has yet to lose a singles match since returning to the company. It would be odd for his first defeat to come at the hands of Zayn, who can lose constantly and always find a way to bounce back.
Beyond Money in the Bank, it would be in WWE's best interests to move on from this and turn Lashley into the dominant heel he is cut out to be.
Prediction: Bobby Lashley wins
The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Gallows & Anderson (SmackDown Tag Team Championship)
2 of 10
The Bludgeon Brothers have been on quite the tear since reuniting in the SmackDown Live tag team division late last year, destroying every tandem that has stepped up to challenge them.
They took their reign of dominance to the next level at WrestleMania 34 when they won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship from The Usos. Unfortunately, they have been devoid of any real competition ever since.
Although Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows are fresh challengers for Harper and Rowan, they are entering this title match at Money in the Bank with nearly zero momentum. Granted, they recently scored victories over The Usos as well as against Harper in one-on-one action, but they aren't true threats to the tag titles.
It's a fine—albeit unnecessary—addition to a loaded card, but it is bound to be overshadowed by other matches at the event. Let's hope they can exceed expectations and blow fans away from an in-ring standpoint to prevent it being lost in the shuffle.
Don't hold your breath for a surprise title win by The Good Brothers, though. They appear to be The Bludgeon Brothers' latest victims and should be defeated decisively.
Prediction: The Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship
Seth Rollins vs. Elias (Intercontinental Championship)
3 of 10
Over the past year, Elias has turned plenty of heads with his work on Raw and his impressive string of matches against the likes of Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and John Cena.
Despite being one of the best things in WWE at the moment, however, he has yet to hold gold of any kind.
That could change come Money in the Bank when he vies for Seth Rollins' Intercontinental Championship, and there aren't many reasons why he shouldn't walk away with the title. He has been firing on all cylinders lately with his promos and desperately needs that defining victory as an in-ring competitor.
Beating the former two-time WWE champion would solidify him as a top-tier talent on Raw and lead to him having a fun run with the Intercontinental Championship. There wouldn't be a better time to pull the trigger on a title win for him than right now, but Rollins' recent roll can't be denied, either.
Rollins has happily put his gold up for grabs on a weekly basis on Raw and had some thrilling matches with everyone from Finn Balor and The Miz to Mojo Rawley and Jinder Mahal. There are countless other opponents waiting in the wings for him to face, so he should maintain his possession of the prize for a little while longer.
Even in defeat, though, Elias should have a breakout performance on this pay-per-view.
Prediction: Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental Championship
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Carmella vs. Asuka (SmackDown Women's Championship)
4 of 10
Although Carmella is a fresh face in the SmackDown Women's Championship picture, her run as titleholder has left a lot to be desired. Her promos have been passable, but she proved in her Backlash bout against Charlotte Flair that her in-ring work is not where it should be.
Then again, that was only one outing and perhaps she'll surprise fans with a strong showing at Money in the Bank. Her opponent will be Asuka, so there is a slim chance The Empress of Tomorrow can carry Carmella to a competent contest.
As far as the outcome goes, this match could go either way. As noted, Carmella is just getting her feet wet in her current role, but Asuka would be a much more compelling choice as champion. Plus, a title victory at Money in the Bank would set up a rematch between the Japanese and Charlotte Flair in time for SummerSlam on August 19.
This program is only just getting started, so it's safe to assume Carmella will be holding on to the gold for at least one more month. Of course, Asuka should not be losing in clean fashion to The Princess of Staten Island, so a disqualification finish or a fluke loss would seem to make the most sense.
Carmella's days as SmackDown Women's champion are undoubtedly numbered, but she will somehow survive Asuka's onslaught at Money in the Bank and live to fight another day.
Prediction: Carmella retains the SmackDown Women's Championship
Nia Jax vs. Ronda Rousey (Raw Women's Championship)
5 of 10
In such a short span of time, WWE has managed to ruin any momentum Ronda Rousey may have had coming out of her grand WrestleMania win two months ago.
Thankfully, crowds still treat her like the star she is, but the buildup to her bout with Nia Jax at Money in the Bank has been less than stellar, to say the least.
Rousey's mic work has always been a question mark, but the way Jax has alternated between being a babyface and a heel has been confusing. The poor character development of both women in this program has been disappointing, but that doesn't mean they can't contest a better-than-expected match on June 17.
It can be argued Rousey getting an opportunity at the title in her debut singles match is a bit premature, but it does provide for an interesting situation if she wins. Regardless of whether she's ready for a run with the championship, Natalya could dethrone her in a matter of minutes if she captures the Money in the Bank briefcase earlier in the evening.
Admittedly, that would be the most predictable route to take and would mean Rousey getting pinned so quickly into her WWE stint. That shouldn't happen any time soon, but a non-finish of some sort is the way to go here in order to protect the former UFC star and keep the belt on Jax.
Rousey's chase for the championship shouldn't culminate until after she suffers a setback or two—only then will her inevitable title victory mean the most it possibly can.
Prediction: Nia Jax retains the Raw Women's Championship
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
6 of 10
Daniel Bryan's return to the ring at WrestleMania 34 left fans excited for the many matches he could have with the talent of tomorrow. Unfortunately, Big Cass wasn't exactly who the majority had in mind for The Beard's first feud back, and it has been fairly lame so far.
Their initial encounter at Backlash failed to impress, and nothing they have done in the past month has changed people's minds about Cass. He simply isn't the star WWE views him as and having him beat up a former world champion a few times won't change that.
The former SmackDown Live general manager feels wasted in this rivalry with Cass, which is why it should end once and for all at Money in the Bank. Nothing would be as logical as Bryan beating his opponent by submission before moving on to more important matters.
That said, I fear WWE doesn't plan for this program to wrap up any time soon, at least not until Extreme Rules on July 15. There, they will likely clash in a stipulation match of some sort and Bryan can score the deciding victory.
The Chicago crowd will not be happy with the result of this matchup, but that won't stop WWE from doing it.
Prediction: Big Cass wins
Roman Reigns vs. Jinder Mahal
7 of 10
Roman Reigns' rough year has seen him fall short of winning the Royal Rumble match as well as the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34 and the Greatest Royal Rumble.
Despite many fans continuing to boo him out of buildings, WWE seems adamant about making him the top babyface in the company.
The booking of Reigns lately hasn't helped matters, and if officials hope he will be cheered against Jinder Mahal at Money in the Bank, they could be in a rude awakening.
To be fair, their rivalry hasn't been too terrible, but it's basically a placeholder before The Big Dog re-enters the Universal title picture. Mahal hardly benefits from the feud because it's apparent he won't win in Chicago, whereas Reigns needs real character advancement in order to change how the audience feels about him.
The crowd reaction to this match will be interesting because it could be a scenario where those in attendance either reject both men or don't react at all. Since it doesn't matter who wins, it will be difficult for fans to invest in the outcome.
Reigns should be considered the safe bet to emerge victorious, but this match is painfully pointless and hopefully won't take up too much time on the show.
Prediction: Roman Reigns wins
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Last Man Standing Match for WWE Championship)
8 of 10
The general consensus among the WWE Universe regarding this rivalry seems to be that it has run its course. After all, they have been at odds since before WrestleMania 34, and it doesn't help that their battles in the ring and on the mic have largely underwhelmed.
However, Nakamura should be praised for his recent heel work. He has come across as much more comfortable in that role than he did as a babyface in WWE, and therefore he should be rewarded with a title win at Money in the Bank.
In theory, Nakamura becoming WWE champion at the event would make sense considering he has fallen short of beating Styles on several occasions this year. Another high-profile loss could do significant damage to his momentum, but whether officials really want to invest in The Artist as the top guy on SmackDown Live is the question.
Ultimately, I fear WWE doesn't wish to get behind Nakamura as champion, regardless of whether he's a heel or a face. Otherwise, he would have won the belt by now, so it looks like this rivalry will reach its end in Chicago with Styles retaining his title.
From there, The Phenomenal One can transition into a program with Samoa Joe, which has been teased since The Destroyer's arrival on the blue brand.
Prediction: AJ Styles retains the WWE Championship
Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
9 of 10
For the first time, the relatively new women's Money in the Bank Ladder match will feature Superstars from both brands, and what an incredible array of talent it is.
Charlotte Flair, Ember Moon, Lana, Naomi, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Natalya and Sasha Banks will be among those battling for the briefcase on June 17.
What makes this match especially exciting is that almost all of them have a story in place for why they should capture the contract. That said, Charlotte and Bliss have had their time in the spotlight and Lana is far from ready, so that should immediately rule out the three of them.
As fine a choice as Naomi would be, she feels lost in the SmackDown Live women's division right now. Granted, the same can be said for Lynch, but the Irish Lass Kicker is long overdue for a push and this could be her ticket back to title contention.
Natalya winning would allow her to cash in on Ronda Rousey later in the evening, but that's too predictable. Meanwhile, Moon has plenty of potential to break out eventually, but it could be too soon for her to be chasing a championship.
Lastly, Banks as Ms. Money in the Bank would make for an interesting dynamic between her and Bayley, but she can vie for a championship at any point without having to cash in a contract. Thus, Lynch would be the best possible choice to emerge victorious.
Prediction: Becky Lynch becomes Ms. Money in the Bank
Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
10 of 10
Don't let the above graphic fool you: Only eight of those 10 men will be competing in this year's men's Money in the Bank Ladder match, as The New Day has yet to choose which member from their faction will represent them in the bout.
No matter who it is (I predict it will be Big E), they are perhaps the least likely to become Mr. Money in the Bank, next to Rusev and the directionless Bobby Roode.
Kevin Owens also shouldn't be looked at as a strong candidate to capture the contract since he doesn't need it, but Finn Balor could benefit big time from a Money in the Bank victory.
In the end, though, it comes down to The Miz and Samoa Joe. Both men have proved with their work in 2018 that they belong in the main event scene on SmackDown Live and should be holding world championship gold before the year is through.
Of the two, I tend to lean toward Joe, if only because Miz had his time as Mr. Money in the Bank in 2010. Besides, he should be busy with Daniel Bryan for the foreseeable future and can contend for the WWE Championship down the line.
As previously noted, Joe should be primed for a program with AJ Styles coming out of the PPV, and it would make total sense for him to cash in the contract on Styles following what is sure to be a brutal Last Man Standing match (assuming Styles and Nakamura close out the evening).
Prediction: Samoa Joe becomes Mr. Money in the Bank
Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is an Endicott College alumnus and aspiring journalist. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.
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