The Future Of Money in The Bank

By now, most readers have probably seen the WWE release for 2010 PPVs. There are a number of new names. In continuing their attempts to re-brand a number of shows with feature gimmick matches i.e. Royal Rumble, TLC and Elimination Chamber. The latest of which has picked up on the most recent gimmick creation, the wildly popular Money in the Bank match that has become a Wrestlemania tradition. Money in the Bank the PPV is schedule for July, which begs the question: How will this affect the match?

It’s fairly clear that the match will now be pulled from the Wrestlemania line-up, which is a real shame. It gave the Wrestlemania undercard a real showcase each year, often taking one of the first few slots on the show before the main events, frequently stealing the show. Heck, I’d wager that Shelton Benjamin wouldn’t have a job anymore if it weren’t for this match where he routinely brings the crowd to their feet with an innovative, death-defying dive.

On a positive note, though, this may be great for the match as it will now take center stage and allow for better build. To be honest, the match has taken a back seat during the Wrestlemania run-up to all of the major storylines. For example, can you see WWE dedicating much air-time to an undercard ladder match when there are 4 huge matches to build: Cena-Batista, Taker-HBK, Jericho-Edge, HHH-Sheamus.

The Money in the Bank match, while always a crowd-pleaser, has never come with much storyline. It’s often “I’m going to win,” followed by a “No, I’m going to win,” before a third, fourth, fifth party come in and state claim to the No. 1 contendership. 

With Money in the Bank now slated as THE featured attraction of a show, which will hopefully be THE main event, it will give the match and thus the briefcase that much more weight. In the past, when Edge, Punk, Kennedy pulled down the briefcase, it was an afterthought on Wrestlemania. It happened in the middle, or even the very beginning of the show. It was quickly passed over in favor of the high-profile singles matches. By putting it on as the main event of its namesake PPV, with the final and lasting image of the night being the new No. 1 Contender grasping the briefcase, it takes more prominence. It truly creates a new star. It will have the same impact as the King of the Ring used to when the tournament winner was crowned.

So between now and July, WWE has some decisions to make. Who will be featured in the Money in the Bank match? Will it be used as a boost for the mid-card or will it feature some current main eventers trying to secure a title shot, anytime, any place?

In this writer’s opinion, it should remain a springboard for the upper midcard. This means competitors such as the Miz, John Morrison, Christian, Zeke, Drew McIntyre and R-Truth should be in the match. If booked correctly, this match could be developed with storylines running against one another across brands and each could be built so that they are one big win away from breaking through the glass ceiling.