WWE Money in the Bank 2011: GSM's Picks, Preview and Potential for Each Match

In less than 24 hours, WWE presents its second annual Money in the Bank pay-per-view, live from Chicago, Illinois. Around this time last year, there was much criticism regarding the new July event, due to the infamous Money in the Bank Ladder Match being pulled from its rightful home, WrestleMania.

Surprisingly, the innovative show turned out for the best, containing numerous awesome matches and historical moments all night long. It was the same show that we saw The Miz finally elevate himself to main event status, while Kane's dreams once again came true in capturing the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship.

This year, I have high hopes for the event can provide, as a strong card with suspenseful rivalries is the perfect formula to generate pay-per-view buys. The card is jam-packed with intriguing contests all around, so picking a victor for each bout will be tough, which is exactly what we're looking for,

Here, I will analyze the preview, predictions, and potential of each scheduled match, and my take on how the overall show looks to perform. With anticipation higher than ever, one can only hope WWE can deliver that can quite possibly be known as Show of the Year.

Visit my Web site at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter @SAVE_US_GSM. 

Kelly Kelly vs. Brie Bella (Divas Championship)

Preview

Since the 2011 WWE Draft, WWE has been determined on making Kelly Kelly the star of the Divas division, beginning with her anticipated encounters with the debuting Kharma. Due to Kharma's pregnancy and immediate removal from the active roster, Kelly was then put in a in subsequent feud with the Bellas instead.

Two months ago, Kelly pinned Brie on an episode of RAW to secure herself a championship match at that Sunday's Over the Limit pay-per-view, where she was unsuccessful. It wasn't until a month later where Kelly finally won her first Divas Championship from Brie on the All Star edition of Monday Night RAW.

Since then, the bleached-blonde Diva has found an ally in Eve Torres to fend herself off against the Lay-Cool-like tactics of the beautiful Bella twins.

Prediction

I'd rather have Beth Phoenix, Gail Kim, or hell, even Eve as the current Divas Champion since they all have above par wrestling skills, but Kelly Kelly is no doubt the most over Diva there is in the company today. She's worked five years to get where she's at, so I congratulate her in improving immensely.

It's painfully obvious how much the creative team is attempting to make the Bella twins into the next Lay-Cool, a gimmick which has run its course. They get little to no heat often, so I see no reason why they should regain the championship.

Potential

Of all the Divas present on the RAW roster, these two were the best WWE can come up with to put in a title match? Their in-ring skills are painful to watch, and their matches are usually over within 120 seconds. Much like their Over the Limit bout, I expect this one to be over in a similar quick fashion.

Final Prediction: Kelly Kelly retains the Divas Championship

SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Preview

Most of the participants in the SmackDown version of the deadly Money in the Bank Ladder Match having a score to settle, adding more prestige to the contest. Cody Rhodes and Daniel Bryan have found themselves engaged in a rivalry, trading victories over the past few weeks.

In addition, all three former members of the Corre will collide, all vying for the right to say they can shine on their own. With Kane's history in this specific match, could we see the Big Red Monster claim the briefcase once again?

Prediction

The Money in the Bank Ladder Match is definitely my favorite stipulation given that anything can happen, and this version of the contest is no exception. Each Superstar involved has a different scenario for winning the briefcase, making it that much more difficult to predict a victor.

Kane is out of the question seeing he won last year's match, and the fact that he can contend for the World Title without the briefcase after what transpired on SmackDown. Personally, I believe Heath Slater is a terrible heel and wrester as a whole, and Justin Gabriel is just fresh off a face turn, so don't expect either to walk out victorious.

Sin Cara really needs to work on his botching wrestling skills before he can get a real push, and Daniel Bryan just doesn't have the mic work to be considered World Championship material. Cody Rhodes is a true rising star, and I'd have no problem with him winning it, but I think he needs some more work before he can be considered a real threat.

My two favorites to win the contest are Wade Barrett and the former WWE Champion Sheamus, as both would have perfect story-lines if they were to come out victorious. Sheamus can easily cash in on either Orton or Christian, but I'd much rather have Barrett who really deserves a run with the titile.

Potential

As stated by Michael Cole a few days ago, only two of the eight competitors have had prior experience in this type of menacing contest. However, it's the new faces who have the potential to really make their presence known with some breath-taking maneuvers.

Justin Gabriel, Sin Cara, Cody Rhodes, and Daniel Bryan are the easy favorites to pull off some awesome spots, so expect an exciting bout with an intriguing mix of styles.

Final Prediction: Wade Barrett wins the SmackDown Money in the Bank briefcase 

Randy Orton vs. Christian (World Heavyweight Championship)

Preview

Three months ago, Christian finally won his first World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alberto Del Rio in a Ladder Match at Extreme Rules. However, his Cinderella story came to an abrupt end five days later on SmackDown, losing the title to the newest draftee, Randy Orton.

Christian immediately invoked his rematch clause at Over the Limit pay-per-view three weeks later, but came up short of regaining the gold. Out of frustration, Captain Charisma would turn his back on the WWE Universe in an attempt to be given one last chance, but was unsuccessful after a questionable referee decision.

Prediction

WWE made a mistake by not giving Christian the World Title back at Capitol Punishment, which has not cooled off the feud and his subsequent heel turn in the process. Christian and Orton are capable of much more than what they've pulled off in the last few weeks, so I see this rivalry running until SummerSlam next month.

With Sheamus next in line for contention, I wouldn't be surprised to see Orton go over here and further bury Christian given WWE's predictable booking. I'm hopeful that Christian can somehow pull off a victory, more than likely using some dirty tactics, to walk out a two-time World Champion.

Potential

There is no doubt that these two will have an awesome match as always, but might unfortunately be overshadowed by the hot WWE Championship Match later in the night. Christian has done an excellent job in building Orton's frustration to the point that the Viper could intentionally disqualify himself just to make Christian suffer, so expect for the suspense to be running high.

Final Prediction: Christian wins the World Heavyweight Championship 

Big Show vs. Mark Henry

Preview

Last month, Big Show made an appearance on SmackDown to promote his feud with Alberto Del Rio, knocking Mark Henry unconscious during his visit. At Capitol Punishment two days later, Henry would receive his revenge by attacking Show and putting him through a commentating table before his match Del Rio, which he subsequently lost due to the prior attack.

Over the last few weeks, Henry has targeted the World's Largest Athlete in a series of attacks, which have including backstage ambushes, being tackled off a stage, and even being put through a wall of the brutal steel cage.

Prediction

This feud has certainly compelled me recently with Henry's rejuvenated aggression, so congrats to WWE for actually intriguing me in a rivalry between two giants. I believe the immovable object vs. unstoppable force tag matches this perfectly, but it worries me that WWE may not deliver in their match following all the big hype and terrific promos done.

Obviously, neither Big Show nor Mark Henry are known for five-star matches, and will more than likely not be able to entertain the live crowd in attendance if the contest were to go down. I've heard speculation regarding a brawl going down prior to the match in order for the bout not to occur, similar to Jeff Jarrett and Sting's brawl at last year's Sacrifice event.

Nonetheless, I surely hope this two can pull off something in order to keep the rivalry going. I predict it to run until SummerSlam, so hopefully the two can keep the feud hot for the time being.

Potential

As stated before, their size doesn't allow them to put on high impact, exciting matches, but may be able to mix with their similar chemistry. However, Henry's bout with Kane a few weeks ago on SmackDown surprised me on how well they did, but I don't have high hopes for these two tonight.

Final Prediction: Big Show defeats Mark Henry 

RAW Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Preview

Last year's Money in the Bank Ladder Match was filled with numerous top stars, including Edge, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, and John Morrison that made the match worth watching. With those main event names now gone, it's up to the young, rising stars of the WWE to exceed the standards and set the bar for something amazing.

Prediction

Much like SmackDown's version of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, there are numerous possibilities for each participant involved. I do not see either Miz or Jack Swagger pulling a Punk and winning the briefcase for a second time, as Miz can get a title shot without it and Swagger is in mid-card hell at this point.

Obviously, Rey Mysterio shouldn't win due to already being a former World Champion and being in the twilight of his career, while Truth is mostly filler and shouldn't be given another title shot just yet. I'd love to see Evan Bourne walk out as the winner, but sadly, it's unlikely due to his lack of mic skills.

Another Superstar who falls in this category is Kofi Kingston, who probably deserve the victory more than anyone else in this match. Given his recent push, Alex Riley is among my top picks to win, but he needs more time to blossom in order to be considered World Title material. I'm going to have to go with the majority on this one and choose Alberto Del Rio as the predicable winner, but I hope not.

Potential

Unlike last year, I see the RAW side edging out SmackDown in being the more exciting match given the experience in the match. Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, and Evan Bourne will certainly be the ones to watch here, while the rest will hopefully also be given a chance to shine.

Final Prediction: Alberto Del Rio wins the Money in the Bank briefcase 

John Cena vs. CM Punk (WWE Championship)

Preview

John Cena and CM Punk go a long way back before this summer, dating back to their back-to-back matches that were contested on RAW towards the end of 2009, both of which were won by Cena. It wasn't until a year later that Punk exacted his revenge by taking over the Nexus and making Cena his primary enemy, defeating him on three separate occasions before pinning him in a match on RAW last month.

The Straightedge Superstar won contender-ship for the prestigious WWE Championship by defeating Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat, before announcing that he would depart from the WWE following his championship bout at Money in the Bank pay-per-view. His title match was nearly a pipe dream following his controversial shoot promo three weeks ago on RAW, before being reinstated and exchanging words with the Champ and the Chairman just this past Monday.

Prediction

The possibilities are endless as to how this highly anticipated title match is going down, especially with the event being showcased in Punk's hometown of Chicago, Illinois. With Cena's career at stake, is it possible we see the entire Nexus story-line in rewind?

It's heavily believed that Punk will indeed be departing following tonight, but it would be the right move by having him walk out with the WWE Championship and creating some controversy in the process. On a side note, the Second City Savior is currently being advertised for tomorrow's RAW, which has me thinking that Punk may make one more appearance.

Another big possibility is a speculated double turn, with Cena getting help from an interfering Mr. McMahon to retain the title and his job, turning heel in the process. When the smoke clears, my gut feeling says that Punk walks out victorious, only having to lose his belt to the fresh RAW Money in the Bank winner.

Potential

Without a doubt, this will be Match of the Night, given their history, chemistry, and all the buzz both men have generated over the past few weeks. I expect a hostile Chicago crowd, which will no doubt add to the awesome atmosphere of the match.

As far as the bout itself goes, these two have contested solid matches before, and this time around, I expect no less. I predict an appearance from McMahon at ring-side, a slight possibility of any Nexus members attempting to aid their leader, and a rare wish that Colt Cabana could somehow involve himself.

These two have the potential to tear the house down, so I surely hope WWE doesn't drop the ball with something predictable, tacky, or an illogical swerve just to add an extra surprise.

Final Prediction: CM Punk wins the WWE Championship, only to lose it to the RAW Money in the Bank winner 

Conclusion

Although there have been some bright PPV moments this year, I thoroughly believe this year's Money in the Bank event could outlast them all and may rightfully be known as Show of the Year. It's more than often that WWE drops the ball on high hope shows such as WrestleMania 27, so fingers crossed none of the matches scheduled are victims of over-booked finishes.

Speaking of the card, I have reason to believe WWE will hold an unannounced WWE Tag Team Championship match with Michael McGillicutty and David Otunga defending against the Usos following their victory over the champs on this week's WWE Superstars. A match such as this would be an easy filler before a title match and get the crowd pumping if the belts were to change hands.

Overall, the innovative show has the potential to be exciting, memorable and worth watching, with all the possible twists, turns and surprises making the event that much more suspenseful. I, for one, will be tuning in tonight to the intense action. I suggest you do the same.

All the buzz, controversy and mainstream publicity has led up to this, with every match holding some sort of excitement factor to it. With a highly anticipated show in WWE's hands, one can only hope they don't let it go to waste.

Thanks for reading and make sure to comment with your thoughts and predictions on tonight's show. Enjoy the attached awesome promo and tonight's show, Bleachers. GSM out.

Visit my Web site at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter @SAVE_US_GSM.