SEScoops

9 Takeaways From WWE Money In The Bank 2018

WWE Money in The Bank Feature Image

Written by

Robert Lentini

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WWE Money In The Bank 2018 aired live from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL on June 17th. The Bludgeon Brothers defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Gallows & Anderson on the Kickoff Show. Harper & Rowan retained the titles after planting Luke Gallows with a Powerbomb.

Here are 9 takeaways from WWE Money in the Bank 2018:

The Little Man Defeated The Big Man

Daniel Bryan faced Big Cass in the first match of WWE Money in the Bank. The crowd chanted “Daniel Bryan!” as the two Superstars locked up. Cass drove Bryan to the corner and missed with a right hand. Bryan connected with a few kicks to the legs and followed it up with some punches to the face.

Bryan went for the Heel Hook early but Cass booted Bryan away. Bryan continued to target Cass’ legs with kicks in the corner. Big Cass threw Bryan to the apron and hit him with a shoulder tackle that sent Daniel flying into the barricade surrounding the ring. Cass raised his fist in the air before following Bryan to the outside.

Cass slammed Bryan into the ring apron and tossed him back inside. Back in the ring, Cass took his time with a few jabs to Bryan’s face. Cass dropped an elbow to Bryan’s back and followed it up with another elbow to the chest for a two count.

Daniel battled back with a couple of punches but got caught in a Bear Hug in the center of the ring. Bryan elbowed his way out of the hold but was cut back down with a knee to the ribs. Cass grinned as he stood over Bryan in the corner. Bryan charged at Cass but Cass caught him and planted Bryan with the Deep Six for a near fall.

Cass started taunting Bryan while beating him down in the corner. Cass connected with a Splash and then mocked Bryan by doing the “yes!” chant. Bryan tripped up Cass and he fell face-first into the second turnbuckle. The crowd cheered Bryan on as he connected with some more kicks to Cass’ legs.

Bryan took down Cass with a Dragon Screw and Cass rolled to the ring apron in pain. Daniel joined him and drove Cass’ left knee into the ring apron. Bryan continued to pound on the knee and then slammed it around the ring post.

Bryan connected with a Dropkick to the back off the top rope and then geared up in the corner. Daniel hit two running Dropkicks in the corner and then went for a third. Cass caught him and tried for the Deep Six again but Bryan countered into the Yes Lock. Cass was able to quickly grab the ropes to break the hold.

Daniel knocked Cass to the outside and hit a Dropkick through the ropes. Bryan quickly scaled the turnbuckle and hit a Crossbody off the top rope. The crowd stood up and chanted “yes!” as Bryan slowly made his way back to his feet.

The action returned to the ring with Bryan still in control. Daniel went back to the top but Cass capitalized and crotched Bryan on the turnbuckle. Cass connected with a couple of punches as the crowd chanted “Big Cass sucks!”. Cass joined Bryan on the top rope and planted him with a Fallaway Slam off the top for a two count.

Cass lifted Bryan up and applied the Torture Rack. Cass then slammed Bryan to the canvas for another near fall. Big Cass raised his fist once again and took his time before punching Bryan again in the corner of the ring. The crowd got behind Bryan once again as Daniel dodged a boot and Cass got hung up in the ropes.

Bryan took advantage and delivered a chop block to the back of Cass’ knee. Bryan connected with another chop block and followed it up with some Yes Kicks in the middle of the ring. Cass grabbed Bryan by the throat but Bryan escaped with a Dropkick to the knee. Bryan then hit a Yes Kick to the face and geared up in the corner.

Daniel went for the knee to the face but Cass caught him and slammed him face-first into the mat. Cass followed it up with a big boot to the face and went for the cover but Bryan was able to kick out the last second. Cass smirked and lifted Bryan back up in the Torture Rack.

Bryan escaped and landed on his feet. Daniel sprinted at Cass and connected with the knee to the face. Bryan then locked in the Heel Hook in the center of the ring and Cass screamed in pain. Big Cass tried to make his way to the ropes but couldn’t make it and had no choice but to tap out. After the match, Bryan celebrated on the turnbuckle as the entire crowd chanted “yes!”.

Opinion: I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this match. The feud itself has been poor in my opinion. I thought Big Cass bringing in a little person to poke fun at Bryan’s size was dumb and unoriginal. However, I thought this match was much better than their first encounter at Backlash. I’d still like for this feud to be over and for both Superstars to move on to something more meaningful.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1008490382626377729

Lashley Easily Defeated Sami Zayn

Bobby Lashley battled Sami Zayn tonight at WWE Money in the Bank. Sami Zayn has spent the past few weeks claiming that Lashley was a liar and terrible person. Zayn attacked Lashley on Monday night after Lashley completed an obstacle course that Zayn had set up.

Zayn cowardly spent the beginning of the match running away as Lashley stood in the ring. Lashley finally had enough and chased Sami around the ring. Sami raked Lashley’s eyes and then booted him in the face. Lashley fell out of the ring and Sami demanded that the referee quickly started the count.

Lashley quickly got up and Sami drove him into the ring post outside the ring. Zayn then threw Lashley into the ring post on the opposite side of the ring and got back into the ring so that the referee would start counting again. Lashley got back into the ring and Sami stomped on him right away.

Sami continued the beatdown and started talking trash to Lashley. Bobby grabbed Sami’s fist and then decked him with a Clothesline as the crowd groaned. Zayn hit a boot to the face and then climbed up to the top rope. Sami went for a Crossbody but Lashley caught him and planted him with a Fallaway Slam.

Lashley hit a Splash in the corner and then drove his shoulder into Sami’s midsection. Lashley followed it up with a Spinebuster and then held him up in a Vertical Suplex for several seconds before dropping him to the canvas. Lashley followed it up with another Vertical Suplex as some of the crowd cheered.

Bobby stood over Zayn for a moment and then lifted him up with ease in a Torture Rack. Lashley dropped him and then picked him up for a one-handed Vertical Suplex. Lashley placed one hand on Sami’s chest for the easy pinfall victory.

Opinion: Lashley won and hopefully this terrible feud is over. The match itself sucked and it did nothing for Lashley at all. Sami Zayn once again is back to being a joke and I don’t think the majority of the crowd is ever going to give a damn about Lashley. He’s just unbelievably boring and a victory over Sami Zayn isn’t going to change that.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1008494562514436099

Seth Rollins Escaped With The Intercontinental Championship

Seth Rollins defended his Intercontinental Championship against Elias tonight at WWE Money in the Bank. Elias was going to perform a song before the match but wound up calling the crowd scumbags and told them they didn’t deserve a performance.

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The crowd chanted “burn it down!” as Rollins and Elias locked up to start off the match. Rollins controlled the match early and kept Elias on the canvas. Elias battled back to his feet and dropped Seth with a Clothesline. Elias stomped on Rollins a few times but Seth battled back with a flurry of punches to the face.

Rollins decked Elias with a Dropkick that sent him tumbling out of the ring. Rollins connected with a springboard Crossbody on the outside and then followed it up with a chop to Elias’ chest. The action returned to the ring as Rollins hit a springboard Clothesline. Rollins beatdown Elias in the corner but Elias responded with a Clothesline that dropped Seth to the floor outside the ring.

Seth returned to the ring but Elias was waiting for him and stomped him down in the corner. Elias trash talked Seth before slamming him face-first on the ring apron. Elias went for the cover but Seth kicked out at two. Rollins battled to his feet but Elias caught him with a DDT for a near fall.

Elias locked in the Cobra Clutch in the middle of the ring. Rollins escaped and went for a Suplex but Elias blocked it. Elias knocked Rollins to the mat and tried to drop a knee but Seth rolled out of the way. Seth delivered a chop to the chest and then bounced Elias’ face off the top turnbuckle.

Rollins connected with the Slingblade and then Clotheslined Elias out of the ring. Seth followed it up with a Suicide Dive that sent Elias into the barricade. Back in the ring, Rollins hit a Blockbuster off the second rope for a two count. Seth hurt his knee while trying to leap on Elias from the top rope and Elias capitalized with a knee to the face for a two count.

Elias and Rollins traded shots in the center of the ring. Elias hit a boot to the face and Rollins responded with a Superkick for a near fall. Rollins hobbled his way up to the top rope and went for a Frog Splash but Elias got his knees up at the last second. Elias went for the cover but the Intercontinental Champion was able to kick out at the last moment.

Elias then made his way to the top turnbuckle but Rollins caught him with a punch and joined him up there. Elias delivered a few blows to the ribs and knocked Rollins to the canvas. Seth exploded back up to the top rope and planted Elias with a Superplex. Rollins followed it up with the Falcon Arrow for a near fall.

Seth started stomping on the mat as the crowd chanted “burn it down!”. Rollins went for the stomp but Elias rolled out of the ring. Rollins went for a Suicide Dive but Elias caught him and launched him into the barricade, the ring post and then the steel steps. Elias rolled Rollins back into the ring and connected with an Elbow Drop off the top rope for a two count.

The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” as both Superstars slowly got back up. Rollins blocked Drift Away by grabbing onto the ropes. Elias got pissed off and started punching the hell out of Seth in the corner. Elias perched Rollins up on the top turnbuckle and hit a chop to his chest. Rollins escaped through Elias’ legs and went for the Buckle Bomb but Seth’s knee gave out. Seth countered the Drift Away into a roll-up for a two count. Rollins then rolled up Elias once again and grabbed Elias’ tights for leverage for the pinfall victory.

Opinion: This match was excellent and I’m ready for a rematch. This has been one of the only feuds on the main roster that has been enjoyable. Seth had to cheat to win this match and retain his title. Elias looked awesome tonight and it is hard not to be impressed with him. Elias is great on the microphone and in the ring. He is the real deal and has a tremendous future in WWE. Rollins has already established himself as one of the best in WWE and it would have been too soon for him to drop the IC Title.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1008500608859598853

Alexa Bliss Won The Women’s MITB Ladder Match

Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Ember Moon, Lana, Natalya, Naomi, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair competed in the women’s MITB Ladder Match. The winner of the match earned a contract that they could cash in for a title shot over the next year.

The match started out in a brawl and Becky Lynch was the only one left in the ring. Charlotte threw Ember into the timekeeper’s area as Lynch Dropkicked anyone who tried to bring a ladder in the ring. Becky got out of the ring to grab a ladder but walked right into a Cannonball from Moon off the barricade. Ember then launched Natalya into the steel steps and brought a ladder into the ring.

Naomi got into the ring but Moon decked her with a Dropkick. Banks brought another ladder into the ring but Ember knocked her down with an Enziguri. Ember then hit a springboard Crossbody and Banks landed on the ladder.

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Lana got in the ring and knocked Moon to the mat. Lana grabbed the ladder and bashed Ember in the knees with it. Lana then hit the X-Factor on Moon and Ember landed face-first on the ladder. Lana brought a larger ladder int he ring and threw it towards Natalya.

Natalya avoided the ladder and Body Slammed Lana onto it. Naomi got into the ring but Natalya slammed her and Naomi landed in a spit on the ladder. Natalya then Dropkicked Naomi in the face and threw her to the outside.

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Charlotte got into the ring and took out Natalya. Becky and Charlotte then got in a tug of war over the ladder in the middle of the ring. Naomi leaped onto the ladder and hit a flying Clothesline to Natalya. Naomi then Dropkicked the ladder which sent Lynch and Charlotte to the outside. Naomi then hit Bliss with a Crossbody on the outside of the ring. Naomi then connected with a Blockbuster off the ring apron on Sasha Banks.

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Ember Moon, Naomi, and Becky Lynch then battled in the ring. Moom and Naomi teamed up and sent Lynch to the corner. Becky tried to scale the ladder as Moon and Naomi battled over it. That didn’t work out to well as Becky was sent to the corner and the ladder slammed onto her. Naomi and Moon then Dropkicked Lynch out of the ring.

Naomi and Ember then traded kicks in the ring. Moon slammed Naomi back-first into the ladder with a Hip Toss. Banks brought another ladder into the ring and set it up in between the ropes. Banks slammed Naomi into the ring post and set her up on the ladder. Banks then placed Lana on top of Naomi and connected with Double Knees onto both of them.

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Banks started climbing a ladder but Charlotte dragged her down. They both tried to climb the ladder at the same time and wound up trading punches. Both Superstars fell back down to the canvas and then made their way back up to their feet. Banks escaped a Suplex but fell victim to a Neckbreaker from Charlotte.

Flair set up the ladder between the ropes again and lifted Banks up. Sasha escaped onto the ladder in the middle of the ring and started climbing. Charlotte followed her up and Natalya grabbed Charlotte and pulled her down. Becky shoved the ladder and Sasha landed on Charlotte Natalya.

Becky started to climb up but Alexa dragged her down and punched her in the face. Bliss started climbing but Banks brought her back down to the mat. Banks and Bliss started climbing towards the contract above the ring. Becky dragged Bliss down and joined Banks at the top of the ladder.

Lana set up a larger ladder next to them and started climbing. Naomi joined Lana on the bigger ladder and then Natalya pulled Banks down. Banks returned the favor and started climbing again. Natalya then Powerbombed Banks into the ladder and Becky fell to the corner of the ring.

Charlotte dragged Natalya down and booted her in the face as Moon and Lana battled on the top of the ladder. Charlotte Powerbombed Ember into the ladder set up in the corner. Charlotte then pulled Lana down and threw her out of the ring. Flair grabbed Bliss for a Powerbomb but Alexa countered into a Powerbomb of her own.

Alexa shoved Lana out of the way and started climbing. Lana dragged her down and started climbing. Bliss brought her down and slapped Lana in the face. Lana connected with a boot to the side of the head and knocked Bliss to the canvas. Lana then locked in The Accolade on Alexa in the middle of the ring before making her way back up the ladder.

Naomi springboarded onto the ladder and knocked Lana to the canvas. Naomi had her hand on the briefcase but Becky stopped her at the last second and brought her to the mat. Becky knocked Naomi out of the ring and positioned the ladder under the briefcase. Charlotte joined Becky at the top and the two traded punches. Alexa pushed the ladder over and knocked them both to the mat.

Charlotte hit Alexa Bliss with a Spear and started climbing up the ladder. Sasha Banks dragged her down and connected with a Backstabber. Naomi slammed Banks into the ladder and started climbing. Lana brought her down and slammed Naomi into the ladder.

Lana made her way up the ladder but Natalya brought her down with an Electric Chair Drop. Natalya started to climb but Moon took her out. Ember started to climb but Charlotte stopped her and Speared her into the ladder in the corner. Charlotte tried to Spear Becky but Lynch caught her and planted her with an Exploder Suplex.

Becky set up the ladder under the contract and started climbing. Bliss tipped the ladder over and Becky slammed face-first into the ladder in the corner of the ring. Alexa Bliss then climbed to the top and grabbed the briefcase to win the match.

Opinion: The match itself was awesome. I would have preferred that anyone else won this match. It is nothing against Alexa Bliss, I was just hoping to see something new in the division. I don’t have any interest in heel Alexa Bliss becoming RAW Women’s Champion again any time soon. That doesn’t take away from the fact that this match was very entertaining and everyone in it did an awesome job. I just found the ending disappointing because it means more of the same on RAW.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1008508974918926336

The Crowd Rejected The Mahal & Reigns Match

Roman Reigns faced Jinder Mahal tonight at WWE Money in the Bank. Mahal brought out Sunil Singh in a wheelchair before the match.

Reigns controlled the match early as the crowd chanted “CM Punk!”. Roman planted Mahal with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Jinder rolled out of the ring to regroup with Sunil on the outside as the crowd chanted “boring!”. Roman followed Mahal to the outside and hit him with a punch to the face.

Roman went for the Drive-By but Mahal got out of the way. Sunil leaped out fo the wheelchair and shoved Reigns into the ring post as the referee wasn’t paying attention. Mahal threw Roman into the barricade as the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!”.

Jinder brought Roman back into the ring and applied a Chin Lock as the crowd chant “this is awful!”. Reigns broke free but Mahal threw him into the turnbuckle. Jinder dropped a couple elbows for a two count. Mahal followed it up with some stomps and poses to taunt the crowd.

Mahal went back to the Chin Lock as the crowd chanted “delete!”. Roman finally battled back with a series of Clotheslines. The crowd showed their disinterest in the match by doing the wave. Jinder hit a knee to the face for a two count.

Reigns escaped the Khallas and booted Jinder in the face for a two count. Roman geared up for the Superman Punch but Mahal avoided it. Jinder planted Roman with a Gutbuster for a two count. Roman blocked the Khallas and hit the Superman Punch for a two count. Jinder blocked Roman’s Spear with a kick to the face and then threw Reigns into the ring post.

The crowd chanted “Velveteen” as Roman battled back once again. Reigns hit Jinder with the Drive-By and threw Mahal into the ring. Sunil once again got off the wheelchair and tried to shove Roman into the ring post. Reigns blocked it and hit Sunil with a Superman Punch.

Roman hit Sunil with a Superman Punch and then hit Mahal with one on the apron. Reigns then dropped Sunil with a Spear on the outside and made his way back into the ring. Mahal went for a roll-up but Roman kicked out. Reigns then hit Jinder with a Spear for the pinfall victory.

Opinion: The crowd completely rejected this match and that won’t stop going forward. The negativity will only get worse for Roman Reigns if he finds himself back in the Universal Championship picture.

Ellsworth Returned & Helped Carmella Retain

Carmella defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Asuka tonight at WWE Money in the Bank. Carmella moonwalked across the ring to avoid Asuka to start off the match. Carmella then moonwalked on the ring apron while taunting Asuka.

Carmella got back in the ring and slapped Asuka in the face. Asuka responded with a Hip Attack and then a couple of slaps to Carmella in the corner. Asuka brought Carmella to the ring apron and draped her over the middle rope. Asuka connected with a series of boots to the face and then a Hip Attack that sent Carmella to the floor outside the ring.

Carmella grabbed her title and started walking away but Asuka connected with Double Knees off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Carmella connected with a kick to the face for a two count. She followed it up with a knee to the ribs and then perched Asuka on the top turnbuckle.

Asuka went for a Dropkick off the top but Carmella got out of the way. Asuka caught Carmella’s kick attempt and applied a Knee Bar. Carmella quickly grabbed the bottom rope to break the hold and then dropped Asuka with an elbow to the face. Carmella started slapping Asuka in the face and Asuka responded with a Dropkick.

Asuka connected with a couple of kicks and then a German Suplex. Asuka then hit a Hip Attack for a two count. Asuka went for another Hip Attack but Carmella got out of the way and Asuka crashed to the floor outside the ring. Asuka made her way up to the ring apron but Carmella booted her in the hand and she fell back to the floor.

Carmella followed it up with a Suicide Dive and then brought Asuka into the ring for a near fall. Carmella threw a tantrum and blamed the referee for Asuka kicking out. Asuka got up and rolled up Carmella for a two count. Asuka delivered a kick to the face and someone with an Asuka mask hopped up on the ring apron.

Asuka was confused and just staring at the masked person. Carmella rolled up Asuka for a two count and Asuka started walking towards the person on the ring apron. Ellsworth then took off the mask and the crowd cheered. Carmella then booted Asuka in the face to win the match. Ellsworth then started dancing around the ring and celebrating with Carmella.

Opinion: Well, everyone already knew this was going to happen. WWE has completely ruined Asuka on the main roster and it doesn’t make any sense to me. It also doesn’t make sense why WWE would bring back Carmella and Ellsworth. It wasn’t entertaining the first time around. Instead of creating new storylines and ideas, WWE is recycling ones that didn’t work and sucked to begin with.

AJ Styles Was The Last Man Standing

AJ Styles defended the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing Match against Shinsuke Nakamura at WWE Money in the Bank. Styles and Nakamura locked up to start off the match. Styles dropped Nakamura with a Dropkick and then hit a chop to the chest. AJ bounced Nakamura’s face off the turnbuckle and then brought him to the canvas.

Styles booted Nakamura in the back and then connected with a punch to the face. AJ hit Shinsuke with a Backbreaker and then a knee to the ribs. Nakamura battled back with an elbow to the face but Styles shrugged it off and threw Shinsuke out of the ring. AJ then delivered a Phenomenal Forearm to Nakamura outside the ring.

Shinsuke got up at the count of 5 and Styles immediately launched him into the barricade next to the entrance ramp. Nakamura got right back up and planted AJ with a Suplex on the entrance ramp. AJ got up at 6 and Nakamura brought Styles back to the ring. Shinsuke delivered a knee to the face on the ring apron and then followed it up with a stomp off the steel steps.

Back in the ring, Nakamura dropped a knee across AJ’s face and casually kicked him in the face. Nakamura stalked AJ to the ropes and elbowed him in the face and then booted him in the midsection. Styles stumbled before falling to the canvas and the referee started counting.

AJ got up at 6 and Nakamura shoved his boot in Styles’ face in the corner for Bad Vibrations. Styles got up and started punching Nakamura in the face. Nakamura connected with a spin kick that knocked AJ back to the mat. AJ quickly got back up and Nakamura draped him across the top rope.

Shinsuke hit a running knee to the midsection of Styles that sent him tumbling to the floor outside the ring. Nakamura followed Styles to the outside and walked into a punch to the face. Shinsuke shrugged it off and bounced AJ’s face off the steel steps. Shinsuke pressed AJ’s head up against the steps and shoved his boot on his face.

Nakamura threw AJ over the barricade and the battle spilled into the crowd. Shinsuke connected with another knee to the ribs but AJ battled back with a forearm to the face. Styles booted Nakamura in the face a couple of times and then threw him back over the barricade to the ringside area.

Styles hopped onto the barricade but Shinsuke swept his legs out and AJ crashed to the floor. Nakamura smashed AJ’s face into the steps once again and continued to casually boot him in the face. Back in the ring, AJ hit the Pele Kick and sent Nakamura to the corner. Shinsuke hit a boot to the face and leaped off the second rope towards Styles. AJ was ready and hit Nakamura with a Dropkick and both Superstars crashed to the canvas.

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They both got up and AJ connected with a Clothesline and then a Splash in the corner. Styles followed it up with a Faceplant and both Superstars were once again down. AJ was the first one up and set Nakamura up for the Styles Clash. Nakamura backed away and missed with a low blow attempt. AJ then barely connected with the Pele Kick but Nakamura got up right away and connected with a reverse Exploder Suplex.

Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but AJ hopped up and hit a forearm to the face. AJ connected with a Neckbreaker and then another forearm. AJ went for the Phenomenal Forearm but Nakamura countered with a boot to the face that knocked Styles to the outside.

Nakamura followed him out there and threw Styles into the barricade. Shinsuke then dropped AJ on the barricade and cleared off the announce table. Nakamura slammed AJ onto the table but the table didn’t break. Nakamura cleared off the remaining two announce tables and charged at Styles. Shinsuke connected with the Kinshasa on the table and the referee started counting. AJ got up at the last second and the match continued.

Shinsuke hit a few more knees to the ribs and rolled Styles back into the ring. Nakamura brought out a table from under the ring and slid it into the ring. Styles slowly made his way back up as Shinsuke set up the table. Nakamura perched Styles up on the top rope and joined him up there.

Nakamura went for a Suplex but AJ escaped between Shinsuke’s legs. Styles went for a Powerbomb but Shinsuke fought him off. The table was knocked on its side and Shinsuke slammed AJ ribs-first into the side of the table. Nakamura then set up the table in the corner of the ring.

AJ got back up and Nakamura launched him through the table in the corner of the ring and the referee started counting. Styles got up at 9 and Nakamura couldn’t believe it. Nakamura removed the padding to expose the metal ring on the turnbuckle. Shinsuke then hit a boot to the back of the head and draped AJ across the top rope. Shinsuke went for the running knee but AJ got out of the way and Nakamura slammed his own knee into the exposed turnbuckle.

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AJ then targetted Shinsuke’s knee with a couple of strikes as dueling “AJ Styles!” and “Nakamura!” chants broke out in the crowd. Styles then locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. AJ broke the hold and Nakamura hobbled to his feet at the count of 8. AJ booted his knee again and Shinsuke collapsed to the canvas and rolled out of the ring.

Styles immediately exited the ring and grabbed a steel chair from the timekeeper’s area. Styles blasted Nakamura in the back of the knee and then struck Nakamura in the shoulder with the chair. AJ hit Nakamura in the knee with the chair and Nakamura begged for mercy. Styles went to hit him with the chair once again and Nakamura hit him with a low blow. Styles collapsed in pain and dropped the steel chair as the referee started counting.

AJ got up at the last second and Shinsuke greeted him with a Kinshasa to the face. The referee started counting as both Superstars were down. Nakamura was the first up and AJ once again got up at the last second. Nakamura then brought AJ to the announce table and lifted him onto his shoulders. Nakamura’s knee gave out and AJ shoved Shinsuke off and he landed on the steel steps. Styles then hit a Phenomenal Forearm off the table and quickly got back up. AJ then planted Nakamura with the Styles Clash off the steel steps and the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”.

Shinsuke somehow was able to get up at the last second and leaned up against the announce table. Nakamura told Styles to come on and AJ obliged with a kick to the groin. AJ went back into the ring and pulled down his elbow pad. Styles then hit an absolutely ridiculous Phenomenal Forearm and both Superstars crashed through the announce table. AJ Styles got up and was the last man standing. AJ Styles is still the WWE Champion.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1008532542885105665

Opinion: We finally got to see the Nakamura and Styles match that we deserved and it was absolutely phenomenal. This was easily the best match of the night so far and it will be interesting to see which SmackDown Superstar is up next to challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Championship.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1008533078497689600

Alexa Bliss Cashed In & Is The New RAW Women’s Champion

Nia Jax defended her RAW Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey tonight at WWE Money in the Bank.

Nia started off the match in control and immediately drove Rousey to the corner of the ring. Jax threw Ronda across the ring and connected with a Splash in the opposite corner. Rousey avoided a second Splash and Ronda connected with a flurry of jabs in the corner.

Jax battled back with a headbutt that knocked Rousey back to the corner of the ring. Nia hit another Splash and then lifted Rousey onto her shoulders. Ronda countered and brought Nia down to the mat. Rousey tried to lock in the Arm Bar but Jax blocked it.

Nia lifted Ronda up but Rousey wouldn’t let go. Nia was then able to lift Ronda up and planted her with a Powerbomb. Ronda got back up but stumbled and fell out of the ring and the referee began his count. Nia followed her out of the ring and swung Rousey into the barricade.

Jax brought Rousey back into the ring and went for the cover but Rousey kicked out at two. Jax lifted Ronda above her shoulders and dropped her face-first to the canvas for a near fall.

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Rousey locked in a Guillotine in the middle of the ring then went for a roll-up but Nia just slammed Ronda to the mat with ease. Nia got Rousey in a Bear Hug in the center of the ring. Ronda broke free but was quickly planted with a Samoan Drop. Nia went for the cover but Rousey was able to kick out at two. Jax then went for a Leg Drop but Ronda rolled out of the way and Nia crashed to the mat.

Nia charged at Ronda in the corner but Rousey once again dodged it and Jax hit shoulder-first into the ring post. Rousey locked in the Arm Bar over the top rope but had to break the hold before a 5 count. Ronda broke the hold at 4 and then fell back out of the ring. Rousey quickly got back up on the apron and made her way up the turnbuckles as the crowd cheered. Ronda connected with a Crossbody but Nia was able to kick out at two.

Ronda got fired up and connected with a knee to the face. Rousey then hit a Judo Throw on Nia for a two count. Jax went for a roll-up but Rousey kicked out at two. Ronda then Rock Bottomed Jax and then went for the Arm Bar again. Ronda was about to apply the hold but Alexa Bliss interfered and hit Rousey with the MITB briefcase.

Bliss then hit Jax with the briefcase and threw Rousey into the ring post. Bliss then struck Ronda with the briefcase again and threw her over the announce table. Alexa got back in the ring and hit Jax with the briefcase a couple more times. Bliss then cashed in her contract for a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship.

Bliss booted Nia in the knee and planted her with a DDT. Alexa slammed Nia’s arm into the canvas and made her way to the top rope. Alexa then hit Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory to become the new RAW Women’s Champion.

Opinion: Well, I certainly didn’t see that coming. I figured that someone would interfere in this match but I was surprised that Bliss cashed in so quickly. I was expecting Natalya to get involved because she was a big part of the Rousey & Jax storyline. As for the match between Rousey and Jax, it was way better than I thought it was going to be. Rousey once again performed well in the ring and Jax had one of her better matches on the main roster tonight.

I wasn’t a fan of Bliss winning the women’s MITB Ladder Match, but I’m glad she cashed in right away. I didn’t want to see Bliss parading around with the briefcase forever like we just saw Carmella do. She now has a target on her back because she pissed off both Rousey and Nia Jax tonight. Alexa Bliss is once again on the top of the RAW women’s division and is now a 5-time champion. I hope this reign doesn’t last long because I’m very bored with her as a heel champion.

Braun Strowman Won The Men’s MITB Ladder Match

Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Rusev, The Miz, Bobby Roode, Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens, and Kofi Kingston competed in the men’s MITB Ladder Match. The winner of the match will earn a contract to cash in for a title match within a year.

The match started out with a brawl and Strowman planted Balor with a Side Slam. Strowman then connected with a Splash on Miz and Roode in the corner. Braun leveled Owens with a Clothesline and was already the only Superstar left in the ring. The crowd chanted “get these hands!” as Braun grabbed a ladder and brought it into the ring.

Samoa Joe attacked Braun from behind and then Kofi hit a Clothesline off the barricade to Strowman. Owens charged at Braun on the entrance ramp but Strowman leveled him with a Clothesline. Miz, Roode, Rusev, and Balor all teamed up and hit Strowman with a ladder. Everyone started piling ladders on Braun on the entrance ramp and Miz snuck his way back down to the ring.

The Miz set up the ladder in the ring and started climbing but Samoa Joe sprinted to the ring and shoved the ladder over. Joe knocked Rusev off the ring apron and then hit Miz with the ladder in the corner of the ring. Kofi hit Joe with Trouble in Paradise and then Dropkicked the ladder into The Miz. Kofi followed it up with a Boom Drop to Miz while the ladder was still on top of him.

Owens got back in the action and leveled Kingston with a Superkick. Owens made his way up the ladder and Balor joined him at the top. Balor knocked Owens down but Kevin brought Balor back to the mat with him. Balor hit a Double Stomp to Owens’ chest and then started climbing again.

Roode brought Balor down and slammed Finn’s face into the ladder. Roode tried to climb but Balor prevented it. Finn knocked Roode out of the ring with a Dropkick and turned around into a ladder to the ribs courtesy of Kevin Owens.

Owens set up the ladder against the top rope but Finn threw him out of the ring. Owens dragged Balor to the outside and hit him with a Superkick. Balor fell on the announce table and Owens brought a ladder towards the table. Owens hopped up on the ring apron and started climbing to the top.

Back in the ring, Rusev started climbing the ladder and Owens hopped back down and stopped Rusev. Rusev then planted Owens with a Fallaway Slam onto the ladder that was propped up against the top rope. Joe decked Rusev with an Enziguri in the corner and turned around into a flying Clothesline off the top rope from Kofi Kingston.

Kofi tossed Miz out of the ring and climbed to the top rope. Kingston then leaped onto everyone besides Strowman and Balor on the outside. They all caught him and then Balor sprinted into the ring and flipped onto everyone. Balor grabbed a ladder from the entrance ramp and started to bring it towards the ring.

Strowman crawled out from under the ladder and attacked Balor and Roode. Braun leveled Kofi with a shoulder tackle but fell victim to a flying forearm through the ropes from Samoa Joe. Owens hit Braun with a Superkick and then Rusev booted Strowman with the Machka Kick.

Owens set up a table on the entrance ramp right below an absurdly large ladder. Rusev and Owens brought Braun towards the table but he started to fight back. Joe snuck up behind Strowman and locked in the Coquina Clutch. Owens Superkicked Braun in the face while he was still in the Coquina Clutch. Joe told Owens to get his ass up the ladder and Kevin obliged. Owens climbed to the top of the ridiculously tall ladder but Braun fought his way off the ladder.

Kevin Owens pleaded with Braun to stop as Braun climbed up the other side of the ladder. Strowman dragged Owens to the top of the ladder and started shouting at him. Braun threw Owens off the top of the giant ladder and Kevin crashed through a couple of tables below as the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”.

Braun slammed Kofi onto a pile of ladders and then bulldozed his way through a ladder that Balor and Roode were carrying. The Miz looked scared as hell as he tried to climb up the ladder in the ring. Strowman caught him and slammed him to the canvas. Joe bashed Braun in the back with the ladder and then Clotheslined Braun out of the ring. Balor Dropkicked Strowman over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area.

Balor and Roode got into the ring and attacked Joe. Roode then launched Balor into the ring post and Joe planted Roode with a Uranage. Rusev and Joe then battled in the ring. Joe charged at Rusev but Rusev ducked and Joe went flying out of the ring. Kofi got back into the ring and walked into a boot to the face from Rusev.

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Rusev locked in the Accolade on Roode and Kingston at the same time. Miz tried to hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Rusev from behind but Rusev fought him off. Rusev tried to get all three of them in the Accolade but Joe locked in the Coquina Clutch on Rusev from behind. Rusev broke free and booted Joe in the face. Rusev then set up the ladder under the briefcase and started his climb.

The Miz tipped the ladder over and Rusev landed throat-first across the top rope. Miz started climbing towards the briefcase but Kingston quickly scaled up the other side and blasted Miz in the ribs. Kofi reached for the briefcase but Miz hit him with a couple of punches. Roode shoved the ladder over and then Balor hit Roode with a Slingblade.

Balor climbed the ladder that was set up next to the announce table outside the ring and hit Roode with an insane Coup de Grace on Roode in the ring. Balor started climbing but Braun grabbed him and bounced Finn’s face off the ladder. Strowman then hit Joe with a Powerslam and delivered another one to The Miz.

Strowman and Balor started climbing the ladder. Kofi springboarded onto Strowman’s back but Braun continued to climb. Braun knocked Balor to the canvas and then threw Kofi off his back and to the mat. Strowman then grabbed the briefcase and won the men’s MITB Ladder Match.

Opinion: The right Superstar won this match. Braun Strowman has been insanely popular with the WWE Universe for some time now and it is about time that he challenges for the Universal Championship. I’m all for a match between Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar again. It sounds much better than sitting through another bout between Reigns and Lesnar.

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The show certainly had some flaws but overall I thought it was an entertaining PPV. What did you think of WWE Money in the Bank 2018? Let us know in the comments below.

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