– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has an exclusive gallery of 2014 World Cup models, including former WWE OVW Diva Bobbi Billard.
– After Monday’s WWE RAW from Montreal went off the air, the Wyatt Family entered the ring and attacked John Cena and Roman Reigns. Cena and Reigns quickly fought them off, cleared the ring and celebrated to end the show.
The advertised dark match main event (Cena/Reigns/Ambrose vs. Orton/Wyatt/Rollins) didn’t take place.
– John Cena tweeted the following on Tuesday morning:
Tonight’s episode of Raw took place in Montreal, Canada and featured a total of eleven matches, including a first ever one-on-one meeting between the WWE World Heavyweight champion John Cena and Money in the Bank briefcase holder Seth Rollins.
Canadian icon and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart graced the WWE Universe with his presence and cut a promo. Of course, he brought up the Montreal Screw Job, but it was a nice moment. Also, WWE continued to promote current on-going storylines leading up to Battleground.
Last week’s episode of Raw was one of the best and most exciting in recent history. Did this edition live up to last week’s high standards? Without further ado, here are highlights, lowlights and my random thoughts on the 7/7/2014 edition of Monday Night Raw:
BEST MATCH: The opening bout between the Usos and the Wyatt Family was the best match of the night. There were two other matches that could have stolen the show, but they failed to do so for a couple of reasons. First, Randy Orton and Dean Ambrose gave it their best effort, but it was clear to see that the two didn’t have very much chemistry, at least when it comes to singles action. Also, the Dean Ambrose botch wasn’t a crowd-pleasing moment.
Chris Jericho vs. the Miz could have been special, but the match didn’t last as long as I hoped. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins had the most promise, but they weren’t given enough time to do anything memorable and the obvious interference by Kane and Randy Orton ruined the match for me.
What was your favorite match of the night?
WORST MATCH: AJ Lee/Paige vs. Naomi/Cameron was the worst match of the night. Aside from the main event and the tag team match between the Usos and the Wyatt Family, there weren’t any real standout matches. However, this bout stood out for all the wrong reasons and it was a poor showing amongst the four Divas involved. Bo Dallas vs. El Torito was a close second for the worst match of the night award because at least the crowd was somewhat into it.
The worst segment of the night was the Nikki Bella/Alicia Fox disaster, but I don’t think there was an opening bell and nobody was declared the winner. Therefore, Idon’t consider this to be a match; otherwise, it would have won the award.
UPSET OF THE NIGHT: Kofi Kingston defeating Cesaro was the upset of the night. I know that Kofi defeated Cesaro last week on Raw, but I didn’t expect him to do it again and I don’t think the fans/crowd did either. I see Cesaro winning the Intercontinental Title at Battleground and Kingston falling into obscurity once again, but at least Kofi is living in the moment now.
To quote the great Mike Adamle, Kofi be Jamaican me crazy.
MOST SHOCKING MOMENT: I expected Randy Orton to defeat Dean Ambrose in their match tonight, but I was anticipating Seth Rollins to screw Ambrose over, resulting in Ambrose losing cleanly. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Ambrose has been really hot as of late and Rollins costing him the match would have protected Ambrose a bit more. Also, it would have spiced things up and furthered the Ambrose/Rollins feud.
– It was announced on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW that on this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown, one of the main events of the show will feature Roman Reigns vs. Rusev.
– Triple H posted the following interesting story line related tweet on his official Twitter account during RAW on Monday night:
It’s looking more and more like the rumored Roman Reigns vs. Triple H showdown will be taking place at either the Night Of Champions pay-per-view, or the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view.
Originally, Reigns vs. HHH was scheduled for SummerSlam, however, as previously reported, it’s looking like Reigns vs. Randy Orton is the plan for that show.
WWE is looking to stack the deck at Night Of Champions, as that’s when the initial six-month WWE Network subscriptions expire. As a result, the Reigns-HHH match was likely pushed back in the plans, as to schedule it so that it happens when Network subscriptions are up for renewal.
Additionally, the thought process is that Night Of Champions or Hell In A Cell would be closer to WrestleMania 31, where the idea is to push Reigns into the top baby face spot.
As noted previously, the top four matches planned for this year’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view include Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella.
Another match that was originally under consideration for the show is a “Buried Alive” match between Daniel Bryan and Kane. That match is considered unlikely at this point, as it depends on Bryan’s condition, which doesn’t seem to be approving at a rate that would allow him to perform in time for SummerSlam.
It’s been noted in the past as well that WWE will be stacking the deck for Night Of Champions, the pay-per-view following SummerSlam, as that is when they will be needing something big to lure subscribers to the WWE Network, as their six-month subscriptions will be expiring at around that time.
– Darren Young recently noted via social media that he is planning to return soon with a new look and longer hair.
– WWE has confirmed our earlier reports that John Cena would not be part of the upcoming tour of Australia, likely due to filming commitments. Roman Reigns will be replacing Cena on the tour.
There continues to be talk within WWE that Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns will headline WrestleMania 31 next year. The belief is that Lesnar will defeat John Cena to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam, building to the moment that he drops the belt to Reigns as Reigns’ crowning moment as the new top baby face in the company.
While there has been no confirmation that Lesnar is defeating Cena at SummerSlam, the word going around is that it is going to be a big show and that September’s Night Of Champions pay-per-view, which will also feature Lesnar, will be just as big to try and persuade people to renew their expiring six-month WWE Network subscriptions.
Advertising for next Monday’s WWE RAW at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada confirms the recent reports that claimed WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart will be at the show.
Also listed in the advertisement for the show are Chris Jericho, Kane and a six-man tag-team main event of John Cena, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.
The following is the advertisement, sent out in French:
WWE – MONDAY NIGHT RAW
LUNDI 7 JUILLET À 19H30 / CENTRE BELL (Événement télévisé)
QUELQUES BILLETS ENCORE DISPONIBLES
Billets en vente aux guichets du Centre Bell
Commande téléphonique: 1 855 310-2525
Commandez en ligne: www.evenko.ca
Billet: 31,50$ / 46$ / 64,50$ / 87,50$/ 127,75$ (incluant taxes et frais de service)
WWE – MONDAY NIGHT RAW DÉBARQUE À MONTRÉAL !
JOHN CENA, CHAMPION DU MONDE POIDS LOURD DE LA WWE
ROMAN REIGNS et DEAN AMBROSE
VS
RANDY ORTON, BRAY WYATT et SETH ROLLINS
EN PLUS DE :
BRET HART, TRIPLE H, CHRIS JERICHO et DEMON KANE
While it would seem inevitable at some point, and thus obvious, there is already said to be talk within WWE about plans for a reunion of The Shield in late 2015 or early 2016.
The motivation behind the talks was long-term planning, where it was pointed out how successful reunions in the past have done, such as D-Generation X.
The idea is to keep Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins apart as far as any kind of unity from now until then, building to an eventual alignment down the line.
The following is the latest Mick Foley Facebook blog:
“A GOOD NIGHT FOR DEAN
Following the tumultuous reaction he received last night, it’s clear that Dean Ambrose has made a very real connection with the WWE universe. In wrestling, momentum is so vital – I hope WWE does something special with Ambrose.
What would you like to see happen with Ambrose, Rollins and Reigns?
Thanks again for getting me to 1 million likes here on Facebook and for supporting the #HardcoreLegendTour. — with Frans Nthoke.”
The following is the final card for tonight’s WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view:
Money In The Bank Ladder Match (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
– John Cena vs. Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton vs. Cesaro vs. Kane vs. Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio
Money In The Bank Ladder Match (Briefcase For Title Shot Up To One Year)
– Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Bad News Barrett*
WWE Tag-Team Championship
– The Usos (c) vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan
WWE Divas Championship
Paige (c) vs. Naomi
Divas Match (Special Guest Referee: Fandango)
– Summer Rae vs. Layla
Tag-Team Match
– Goldust & Stardust vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel
Singles Match
– Rusev vs. Big E.
* – Barrett suffered a separated shoulder during the SmackDown taping this past Tuesday, however WWE has yet to announce whether or not he has been pulled from his match.
Make sure to join us here later tonight for the absolute best live play-by-play results coverage of the fifth annual WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view!
The WWE’s brightest stars will attempt to cash in at this Sunday’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. Two ladder matches will main event the program, with one being held to declare a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. In addition, former champion Daniel Bryan will address the WWE Universe during the pre-show.
Here are my predictions for this Sunday’s event.
Summer Rae vs. Layla (Fandango Guest Referee)
I was never the biggest Fandango supporter, but I definitely thought he would be doing something bigger than referring a divas match a year ago. He has regressed over the past year and lost a lot of momentum. This will likely be the bathroom break match of the night, and Fandango will play a major role in the outcome, of course. Summer Rae will win this one by either rejoining Fandango or using him to influence the outcome of the contest before abandoning him.
Winner: Summer Rae by pinfall
Rusev vs. Big E
These guys performed well together at last month’s Payback, even though they were given less than four minutes total. They will hopefully get a little more time during this one, allowing both superstars to showcase their strengths.
I think Rusev will ultimately win this one, but Big E will also look strong during the match. Big E cut a passionate promo on last week’s Raw, so it appears the WWE wants to showcase him a bit more. Both guys will look good, but Rusev will force Big E to tap out in the end.
Winner: Rusev by submission
Stardust and Goldust vs. Ryback and Curtis Axel
The Rhodes Brothers storyline has been moving slowly over the past few months. It first looked as if the two brothers were going to feud with one another, with Cody searching for an adequate replacement because he felt Goldust deserved better.
He eventually rebranded himself as Stardust and the two have been on a winning streak ever since. They will continue to look strong on Sunday, picking up the win after Cody hits his Diamond Dust finisher on Curtis Axel.
Early advertising for the WWE Battleground pay-per-view, which is the next show following Sunday’s Money In The Bank, has been released in the local Tampa market and may have already spoiled two of the matches planned for the show.
According to the ads in Tampa, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton and Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose will be taking place at Battleground.
Also advertised to appear at Battleground are John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Kane, RVD, Sheamus, Cesaro, Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, Bad News Barrett and Kofi Kingston.
– Roman Reigns new solo theme song is now available on iTunes. For those interested, the song is called “The Truth Reigns.”
– As noted earlier today, this day marks the 12-year anniversary of John Cena’s WWE television debut on SmackDown, where he accepted an open challenge from Kurt Angle. Cena tweeted the following earlier today about the big milestone:
The following are highlights of a new Digital Spy interview with Alberto Del Rio:
How much do you enjoy a ladder match compared to other matches? “No – I don’t really enjoy them because they’re painful! But it’s part of the game, and in this case, if you want to be WWE World Heavyweight Champion you have to accept the challenge and prepare yourself and your body for a lot of pain on Sunday.”
Roman Reigns is going to be there – what did you think about the break-up of The Shield? “I don’t really think about The Shield, but I can tell you something – Roman Reigns is a great competitor. He’s strong, fast. I would say he is the new rising star for the WWE.
“He’s going to a great competitor that night, but unfortunately he’s going to be in the ring with Alberto Del Rio, so I don’t think he’s going to win the title.”
There’s been a lot of mumbling about the return of Brock Lesnar – if you win on Sunday, how would you feel if Brock goes after you? “We all know who Brock Lesnar is and how dangerous he can be, but he’s no different to any other competitor in WWE.
“All the people, all the wrestlers in WWE are great fighters, great wrestlers, so it doesn’t really matter who you need to face when you’re the champion. That’s the reason someone is the champion… to face everybody in the world.”
It was another Heyman Guy, CM Punk, who took the title from you at Survivor Series in 2011 – do you think he’ll come back to the company any time soon? “Yeah, of course. He’ll be back soon. I don’t know when, but he’ll back.”
A lot of people were recently released from the company including some great guys. You’ve been around a long time now – is it harder than ever to stay successful? “It’s always hard. Wrestling is no different from any other job – you need to bring your best every single day because there’s people behind you trying to take your job. You can see that everywhere, not only in wrestling.
“That’s the reason you have to be in shape all the time, you have to try to bring something different every time you’re in the ring and you need to make yourself and your opponent good every single time, so you can keep up with the game.”
When you one day retire, what do you want the legacy of Alberto Del Rio to be? “Everybody knows I’m a hard worker and they know that regardless of if you like me or not, I’m going to bring the best matches every single night, because I have pride for this business, I love this business.
“It was passed to me by my grandfather and my father. That will be my legacy: somebody who gave everything in the ring every single night.”
The following are highlights of a recent RVAMag.com interview with Dean Ambrose:
Money In The Bank is this Sunday night and you’re in the traditional match alongside six other wrestlers. What kind of thoughts or reservations do you have going into this match, especially considering ladder match pioneers like Edge and Matt Hardy have been so vocal about the long-term damages from them?
You know, it’s one of those things where a lot is at stake and you might have to take a big risk to get up that ladder. There’s a lot in play. Lots of metal, high heights, and a lot of players in the game. It’s a very unpredictable situation. You just have to go into with no fear and no reservations. You just have to go for it. You got to pick your spots and be smart though. Once you’re in front of that crowd, those lights go up, you see the briefcase hanging, and you feel the adrenaline; all your fears disappear. If you have fears in your head, that’s when you’re going to get hurt. You got to let that stuff leave your head, otherwise it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. You can be smart, but just don’t hesitate. It’s like Patrick Swayze said in Point Break. “Fear causes hesitation and hesitation causes your worst fears to come true.”
Now, three weeks ago, Seth Rollins turned on you and judging by the recent TV, it looks like you and Roman Reigns are no longer partnering together. What did you think about the turn and how it was done?
You never know what’s going to happen on Monday Night RAW. You always got to to tune in because anything can happen and the same things goes for us when we show up each Monday night. You never know what’s lurking around the corner or what twist they’re going to throw your way. The cool thing is The Shield never started going on the downslide. We went out at our absolute apex with a clean sweep of Evolution, one of the most decorated and dominate stables of all time. The cool thing to take away is that we did go out on a high point whereas other groups don’t and I take a lot of pride in that. We’re all still three of the best performers in the company and are still always going to carry that mindset and that work ethic and be that symbol of excellence. That becomes part of your psyche and you want to go out there every night, bust your ass, put on the best show possible, and refuse to be out-done by anyone. You’re still going to see that from us. You won’t see us working together in the classic Shield way, but all three of us with all of our egos and aspirations and desire are still going to be on your TV making our way up top. It’s an exciting time for the fans.
With Reigns being booked as WWE’s next big star and Rollins aligned with Triple H, are you worried at all about getting lost in the shuffle like so many other superstars are lately?
Nope.
Pretty confident, huh?
I’ve got confidence for miles and miles every day I wake up. If you know anything about me or anything about my history, if I’m backed into a corner, I will put my head down and swing and bite and scratch and crawl and throw punches until my arms fall off. I get where I want to go whether anyone likes it or not. I’ve made a career and life out of proving people wrong and making people eat their words. I get where I want to go and get what I want. It’s not always a typical storybook because it’s Dean Ambrose – it’s not going to be. It might get ugly and might not always be the prettiest. I might have some scratches and bruises, but I’m going to get to where I want. You know, it can be really easy to listen to people. I’m a guy – I don’t listen to things or to the little things that is. The gossip or comments of public perception. All that matters is the crowd. I know who I am and I know what I do and I know how hard I’ve worked to get here. You never know which way the road is going to turn. I think the top guys wake up every day in the morning and look at themselves and say, “I’m a top guy, I’m a world beater, and no one’s going to stop me from getting what I want.” I do the same and I feel the same and have for a long time.
To finish up, who in the locker room are you closest with?
Roman Reigns. He’s still my best friend, my buddy, and travelling partner. Me and Roman are tight. We’ve had on our differences on TV and we get into each our faces because we’re two alpha males so we’ll butt heads, but that’s why we love each other. We’re brothers and push each other and still got each other’s back. For Roman, he’s a super-charismatic, loveable, soulful guy that can be a beacon for everyone in the locker room which I think is just really good right now.
The following are highlights of a recent Between The Ropes interview with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin:
Which WWE star would have the least difficult time on “The Broken Skull Challenge”: “I think Seth Rollins and Antonio Cesaro might be able to get through the course. But you know, they would have to get through the challenges first and had the competitions and then take on the course. It would be (laughs) very interesting to see Seth Rollins compete against Antonio Cesaro at the Broken Skull Challenge.”
Next mainstream star in WWE: “Whew, that’s a great question. There’s three guys who have big superstars written on them. I think Bray Wyatt is one of them, Cesaro is one of them, but when I got to mention the guy your asking for is Roman Reigns. He happens to be related to The Rock. Good looking kid, damn good worker in the ring, I want to know some more about his promos. But man, if I got to look at the roster right now and say whose my next megastar, his name is Roman Reigns.”
With eight superstars in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship ladder match and seven in the Money in the Bank contract ladder match, the future is very intriguing.
With eight superstars in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship ladder match and seven in the Money in the Bank contract ladder match, the future is very intriguing.
Someone is walking out of Boston with the WWE World Heavyweight title. Whoever wins has to be careful though. Because lurking behind them will be someone else with the Money in the Bank briefcase. The two winners of these matches will have a microscope on them. Many of these stars have a long history with each other. From the three members of The Shield to Attitude Era stars like Kane and Rob Van Dam, WWE fans could see some fantastic feuds come from the outcomes of these matches.
At Money in the Bank 2010, Kane won the briefcase and become the first and only superstar to cash in that very same night. History could repeat itself this year, except this time the title can change more times. The WWE World Heavyweight title will change at least once since it is currently vacant. However, it could change twice in the same night if the Money in the Bank winner cashes in like Kane did four years ago. This would expedite a feud between superstars in each match.
With that said, here are seven fantastic and intriguing feuds that could begin thanks to the outcomes of the two ladder matches at Money in the Bank 2014.
– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart is scheduled to appear on the upcoming July 7th episode of RAW from Montreal.
– Roman Reigns was interviewed by Renee Young on the RAW Backstage Pass show on the WWE Network. Reigns commented on Kane being added to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match this Sunday at Money in the Bank. He Kane’s involvement means nothing to him. It doesn’t matter who else is in the match, because he’s leaving Money in the Bank as the new champion.
– Here are this week’s RAW Fallout videos:
Stephanie McMahon leaves after being embarrassed by Vickie Guerrero.
Bad News Barrett talks about his successful Intercontinental Championship defense against Dolph Ziggler.
Dean Ambrose discusses being put in the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match.
Roman Reigns sat in with the Sports Junkies and Chad Dukes this morning on 106.7 The Fan.
Reigns said that WWE is “a little bit old school now.” “When people talk about the past time of wrestling and how the guys used to be and there’s all these little stories here and there. I like to think that we shine in that regard. We’re a different breed, the new guys coming up.”
He also talked about characters becoming stale and how it’s imperative talents be able to evolve. When asked specifically about The Miz, he said there was still a chance for him to excel in WWE.
“He had a nice run and he was doing the things he did. He headlined a WrestleMania. He also, he has different ties and crossover connections with what he did before he started wrestling… With any character or any performer there’s always a chance to change yourself, to evolve, to be different, to show something new. I think that anybody who is feeling like they’re stale, if they need to revamp… if they can do that, then there’s respect in that.”
The full interview, including video of the segment, is available on the station’s website at Washington.CBSLocal.com.
One week from today, WWE’s annual Money in the Bank pay-per-view will be held in Boston, Massachusetts. The event has quickly become one of the most anticipated programs of the year, as it provides exciting action and sets up the storyline for months by allowing a WWE superstar to stalk his prey while holding a contract for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.
There will be two Money in the Bank ladder matches this year. One will be held for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and the other will be a traditional contest for a shot at the title. The first contest will feature perennial title contenders such as John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Alberto Del Rio, as well as up-and-coming stars such as Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, and Cesaro.
It seems like John Cena is once again the favorite to leave Boston as the champ.
The second ladder match will feature Seth Rollins, with the rest of the lineup to be determined in a series of qualifying matches. Thus far, only three matches have been announced for the entire pay-per-view, and with only one week left before the event, one has to wonder how the WWE will tie everything together in such a brief period.
Other than the two ladder matches, a matchup between the Usos and Luke Harper and Erick Rowan of the Wyatt family is the only confirmed contest on the card. It seems apparent that Dean Ambrose will be one of the participants in the traditional ladder match. Potential options also include those who did not qualify for the championship ladder match, including Bad News Barrett, Dolph Ziggler, and Rob Van Dam.
The two ladder matches will soak up a large portion of the roster, meaning the midcard will have to pick up some slack in order to fill up the three hours of airtime. Rumored contests include Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs. RybAxel, Rusev vs. Big E, and a Divas Championship match involving Paige and all or part of the Funkadactyls.
WWE has released all-new entrance videos for Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. Reigns’ theme is a remix of the original theme song of The Shield.
Comment below and tell us which song you like the best.
The WWE dog pound is a lot emptier after the dissolution of the Hounds of Justice. Since leaving the Shield, Seth Rollins has adopted new entrance music and wardrobe, trading in his Shield garb for attire that resembles something Catwoman would sport.
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, although still affiliated, have also distanced themselves from one another. Ambrose debuted new ring gear, now wearing a pair of jeans and a white tank top. It appears that the only member of the Shield who will continue to wear the riot gear the group has become synonymous with will be Roman Reigns.
Reigns found a way to gain entry into the Money in the Bank main event. Does he have a chance to come out victorious?
Speaking of Reigns, he is also the only member of the Shield who will compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the next pay-per-view. Although it seems unlikely that Reigns, a man who has never held a singles title in the WWE, would win the championship, he has to be considered one of the favorites after looking at his competition.
In my opinion, the best way to further the feud between Reigns and Triple H would be to have the Game screw Reigns out of victory at Money in the Bank, possibly by helping Randy Orton secure the title once more.
Reigns has not seemed too interested in exacting revenge from former partner Seth Rollins, instead allowing Dean Ambrose to handle the situation. This has set up a storyline between the two, with Rollins and Ambrose attacking one another on multiple occasions over the past few weeks.
This week on Main Event, Seth Rollins announced that there would be a second ladder match at this month’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view, this one a traditional ladder match for a title shot. Rollins also announced that he would be the first entrant in the contest.
Thus far, no other competitors have been announced for the match, but with Rollins and Ambrose feuding, it seems obvious that Dean will be one of the superstars vying for a title contract next Sunday. If handled correctly, Ambrose and Rollins could pull off one of the greatest feuds in recent history.
The main event for the June 29th WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view will be the ladder match for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, which features John Cena, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Cesaro, Bray Wyatt and Alberto Del Rio. As noted recently, Cena or Reigns (and Cesaro as a long-shot) will likely come out on top, as the winner is the likely candidate for Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.
Also confirmed for the 6/29 PPV is a WWE Tag-Team Championship match with The Usos defending against Luke Harper and Erick Rowan of The Wyatt Family.
The second ladder match, which was made official recently and will be for the usual Money In The Bank briefcase, as of right now only features Seth Rollins. Additional names rumored for the match include Dean Ambrose, Big E., Rob Van Dam, Bo Dallas, as well as Bad News Barrett and Dolph Ziggler, the latter two of which will either be part of that match or in an Intercontinental Championship match with each other.
Additionally, the direction for the WWE Divas Championship match at Money In The Bank seems to be Paige defending against Naomi of The Funkadactyls.
The plans for the top of the card for this year’s SummerSlam have reportedly been finalized in recent weeks. While obviously things can — and usually do — change a hundred times between now and then, especially in the case of a big show like SummerSlam, the company has apparently decided on the key directions they want to go for this year’s big summer event.
Originally the plans called for a Daniel Bryan vs. Brock Lesnar match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the show, however with Bryan’s neck injury and uncertain in-ring future, that idea is said to be off the table.
As things stand now, Lesnar will still challenge for the title upon returning, with the idea that Lesnar — coming off ending Undertaker’s streak — going for the title will make the belt seem more important.
The most likely scenario for SummerSlam would be Lesnar challenging whomever wins the title at the 6/29 Money In The Bank pay-per-view. With that being the plan, it’s expected that a top baby face — likely John Cena or Roman Reigns — ends up winning the title at the pay-per-view in two weeks.
There is a long shot that Cesaro could win the title, seeing is how there’s been a long-standing plan for Lesnar and Cesaro — the two “Paul Heyman Guys” — to eventually collide with each other. While there haven’t been any indications that the company plans on turning Cesaro into a face anytime soon, it is considered a possibility considering the built-in story line.
It should be noted that Heyman, when referring to the Money In The Bank ladder match for the title on 6/29, said it was a “spoiler” that Cesaro would win, the same word he used when promising fans that Lesnar would break Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania XXX.