Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Every year, it's the same. WWE sells the idea of Money in the Bank changing the lives of the wrestling involved, and I buy it. I believe that WWE might actually take some risks especially with a roster that continues to larger with more potential stars than ever before.
Sure, some benefit. Some get a brief boost, but it all comes back to the same stars. It's a cheap trick WWE pulls because no one is a star without WWE already backing them. MITB is a promise rarely fulfilled, and I continue to forget how few actually benefit from the spotlight.
Maybe I'm just cynical because I'm sick of Brock Lesnar.
Sure, some benefit. Some get a brief boost, but it all comes back to the same stars. It's a cheap trick WWE pulls because no one is a star without WWE already backing them. MITB is a promise rarely fulfilled, and I continue to forget how few actually benefit from the spotlight.
Maybe I'm just cynical because I'm sick of Brock Lesnar.
It wouldn't be so hard to deal with Brock Lesnar if he didn't have such a troll laugh.
WWE Money in the Bank 2019
WWE Needs to Get Over Brock Lesnar
Overview: Sami Zayn was injured backstage by an unknown assailant with Triple H expecting it was Braun Strowman and banning him from the arena. In the men's Money in the Bank match, Ali was alone at the end only for Zayn's replacement to finally be revealed as Lesnar charged the ring and took the briefcase.
Analysis: I have finally realized that I'm sick of The Beast Incarnate. Every time he disappears, I am hoping he will never come back. It's not that he's a bad performer. Despite being a poor promo, he's consistently shown he's really good at what matters and knows how to draw heat.
I just find it boring how heavily featured he has been. He goes from long title reign to long title reign to Money in the Bank. I just hope this is a short term reign.
Bayley Deserved to Finally Have a Night Like This
Overview: Bayley managed to win the women's Money in the Bank ladder match by knocking down Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
Later in the night, after Lacey Evans helped Charlotte Flair steal the win and the championship from Becky Lynch, Bayley made the save and defeated The Queen with a diving elbow to become the new SmackDown women's champion.
Analysis: The women's division is in limbo right now. While some are being heavily featured, most are barely appearing, and, when they do, it is hard to tell who is considered a featured star. Bayley suffered from this more than most as one of the most talented on the roster but trapped behind so many others.
She was clearly No. 4 of the Four Horsewomen, and it did not feel like that would change. Hopefully, this is a sign that she is truly moving forward. She is now the top star on SmackDown outside of Charlotte and should remain in that spot. It will be fascinating to see how this all affects Sasha Banks.
Shane McMahon's Sudden Rise to Top Heel Feels Like a Wild Overstep
Overview: The Miz dominated from the opening bell inside the steel cage as Shane McMahon attempted to escape at every opportunity. He barely even got in a shot in this match, but he managed to get just far enough past the wall to fall out of shirt to the floor to win.
On Raw, Shane turned to Roman Reigns, announcing he would fight him at WWE Super ShowDown, before showcasing his new bodyguard Drew McIntyre who he helped defeat Miz. On SmackDown, Shane tried to help Elias beat Reigns, but The Drifter still went down to a Spear before McIntyre Claymore kicked The Big Dog.
Analysis: In short bursts, I enjoy watching Shane O'Mac. He's the type of performer that is entertaining because he just does not know what not to do. However, he's a boring heel especially when he is overexposed. He and Miz are good together, but even that's pushing its limits with all the cheap finishes.
He and Reigns are a dull pairing, and I truly hope their match is a one-off on WWE Super ShowDown because I'm not watching that show and can therefore never watch them wrestle.
Conclusion
Money in the Bank was filled with quality wrestling and memorable moments though it also was dominated by awkward booking with far too many short matches. The highlights were massive. The low points were boring. Brock Lesnar was a frustrating ending as always.
Overview: Sami Zayn was injured backstage by an unknown assailant with Triple H expecting it was Braun Strowman and banning him from the arena. In the men's Money in the Bank match, Ali was alone at the end only for Zayn's replacement to finally be revealed as Lesnar charged the ring and took the briefcase.
Analysis: I have finally realized that I'm sick of The Beast Incarnate. Every time he disappears, I am hoping he will never come back. It's not that he's a bad performer. Despite being a poor promo, he's consistently shown he's really good at what matters and knows how to draw heat.
I just find it boring how heavily featured he has been. He goes from long title reign to long title reign to Money in the Bank. I just hope this is a short term reign.
Bayley Deserved to Finally Have a Night Like This
Overview: Bayley managed to win the women's Money in the Bank ladder match by knocking down Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
Later in the night, after Lacey Evans helped Charlotte Flair steal the win and the championship from Becky Lynch, Bayley made the save and defeated The Queen with a diving elbow to become the new SmackDown women's champion.
Analysis: The women's division is in limbo right now. While some are being heavily featured, most are barely appearing, and, when they do, it is hard to tell who is considered a featured star. Bayley suffered from this more than most as one of the most talented on the roster but trapped behind so many others.
She was clearly No. 4 of the Four Horsewomen, and it did not feel like that would change. Hopefully, this is a sign that she is truly moving forward. She is now the top star on SmackDown outside of Charlotte and should remain in that spot. It will be fascinating to see how this all affects Sasha Banks.
Shane McMahon's Sudden Rise to Top Heel Feels Like a Wild Overstep
Overview: The Miz dominated from the opening bell inside the steel cage as Shane McMahon attempted to escape at every opportunity. He barely even got in a shot in this match, but he managed to get just far enough past the wall to fall out of shirt to the floor to win.
On Raw, Shane turned to Roman Reigns, announcing he would fight him at WWE Super ShowDown, before showcasing his new bodyguard Drew McIntyre who he helped defeat Miz. On SmackDown, Shane tried to help Elias beat Reigns, but The Drifter still went down to a Spear before McIntyre Claymore kicked The Big Dog.
Analysis: In short bursts, I enjoy watching Shane O'Mac. He's the type of performer that is entertaining because he just does not know what not to do. However, he's a boring heel especially when he is overexposed. He and Miz are good together, but even that's pushing its limits with all the cheap finishes.
He and Reigns are a dull pairing, and I truly hope their match is a one-off on WWE Super ShowDown because I'm not watching that show and can therefore never watch them wrestle.
Conclusion
Money in the Bank was filled with quality wrestling and memorable moments though it also was dominated by awkward booking with far too many short matches. The highlights were massive. The low points were boring. Brock Lesnar was a frustrating ending as always.
Grade: B
And suddenly Kofi's worst fears were realized. He was back in a feud with Dolph Ziggler.
Monday Night Raw May 20, 2019
The 24/7 Championship Can Be a Great Concept for a Bloated Roster or Fail Spectacularly
Overview: Mick Foley announced the newest WWE champions, the 24/7 Championship, which was on the line at all times and available to all WWE performers, then allowed anyone to become the first champion by grabbing the title. Titus O'Neil beat the rush to take the title, but Robert Roode rolled him up on the stage to take the title.
As Roode looked poised to escape Raw with the title, R-Truth hit him in the parking lot and got the pinfall, leaving the show with the championship.
Analysis: I was hoping that Foley would be bringing back the Hardcore Championship with his announcement, and he basically did. The reason the 24/7 Championship works right now is that the roster is bloated, and it is a complete departure from the other titles. It's already far more interesting than the US and IC titles.
Will it work out long term? Probably not because WWE can't make any concept work long term, but I think it has potential as a comedy title that can let underused stars shine. Truth and Heath Slater both stand out as veterans who will do well with the title, and I expect a few newer stars to emerge with this concept as well for the short term.
Cesaro's Fresh Start Should Include a True Test of How Big He Can Be
Overview: Cesaro taunted Ricochet into a match despite a back injury he sustained in the Money in the Bank ladder match. The Swiss Superman came out with a brand new entrance and theme, and he proceeded to dominate an injured Ricochet, winning with a backbreaker to set up a Neutralizer.
Analysis: Few stars have proven themselves more clearly in quiet fashion than Cesaro in recent years. His work with Sheamus has gone under the radar but been consistentlt excellent. To an extent, he was help extending The Celtic Warrior's career, and the two were great together.
While Cesaro was consistently overhyped early in his career, he is a ridiculously impressive and capable performer. Moreover, he has grown as an entertainer. He may never be an elite star, but he feels like he can be one of WWE's top heels now. I want him to at least get a chance in that role.
Conclusion
This show started slow and ended slow, and there was some solid wrestling in the middle. While The Usos vs. The Revival and The Miz vs. Drew McIntyre were genuinely quality TV matches, there was too much dead air and useless talking segments on this show. It was fairly typical Raw.
Overview: Mick Foley announced the newest WWE champions, the 24/7 Championship, which was on the line at all times and available to all WWE performers, then allowed anyone to become the first champion by grabbing the title. Titus O'Neil beat the rush to take the title, but Robert Roode rolled him up on the stage to take the title.
As Roode looked poised to escape Raw with the title, R-Truth hit him in the parking lot and got the pinfall, leaving the show with the championship.
Analysis: I was hoping that Foley would be bringing back the Hardcore Championship with his announcement, and he basically did. The reason the 24/7 Championship works right now is that the roster is bloated, and it is a complete departure from the other titles. It's already far more interesting than the US and IC titles.
Will it work out long term? Probably not because WWE can't make any concept work long term, but I think it has potential as a comedy title that can let underused stars shine. Truth and Heath Slater both stand out as veterans who will do well with the title, and I expect a few newer stars to emerge with this concept as well for the short term.
Cesaro's Fresh Start Should Include a True Test of How Big He Can Be
Overview: Cesaro taunted Ricochet into a match despite a back injury he sustained in the Money in the Bank ladder match. The Swiss Superman came out with a brand new entrance and theme, and he proceeded to dominate an injured Ricochet, winning with a backbreaker to set up a Neutralizer.
Analysis: Few stars have proven themselves more clearly in quiet fashion than Cesaro in recent years. His work with Sheamus has gone under the radar but been consistentlt excellent. To an extent, he was help extending The Celtic Warrior's career, and the two were great together.
While Cesaro was consistently overhyped early in his career, he is a ridiculously impressive and capable performer. Moreover, he has grown as an entertainer. He may never be an elite star, but he feels like he can be one of WWE's top heels now. I want him to at least get a chance in that role.
Conclusion
This show started slow and ended slow, and there was some solid wrestling in the middle. While The Usos vs. The Revival and The Miz vs. Drew McIntyre were genuinely quality TV matches, there was too much dead air and useless talking segments on this show. It was fairly typical Raw.
Grade: C-
SmackDown Live May 21, 2019
Dolph Ziggler Continues to Miss His Own Potential
Overview: After Kofi Kingston put down Sami Zayn with a Trouble in Paradise, Paul Heyman arrived to distract the champion before Dolph Ziggler struck. He assaulted Kofi bad enough that he had to be stretchered out with Kofi getting off the stretcher for his own pride on the stage.
Later in the night, The Showoff admitted that he regretted his actions, but his jealousy had overtaken him. He felt Kofi had taken his opportunity, and he was now going to take his spot at WWE Super ShowDown.
Analysis: This was a great isolated segment and return segment for Ziggler. His attack and especially his impressively nuanced promo were well done, but this whole situation screams of the same sad usage of Ziggler for the past decade. He's been in this position so many times.
Since multiple stars are not going to Saudi Arabia, he dropped all his plans to come back for a one-off match where he loses to Kofi and disappears again. It's sad seeing him continue to miss the fact that he could be much bigger than he is, stuck in a handshake agreement with WWE rather than actual contract.
Ali Might Be in Line for the Push He Rightfully Deserves
Overview: Ali was the last man standing at Money in the Bank but still left without the title. He rebounded in a physically intense match with current No. 1 contender Andrade, taking him down with an inside cradle to take a surprise three count.
Analysis: I may be reading too much into his recent booking as well as rumors about him being considered to win the briefcase before the Lesnar plan materialized, but I genuinely think WWE is seeing the light with Ali. He's one of the best in the business right now and just needs this one opportunity to shine.
Conclusion
This was a perfectly fine show as a whole though it was wildly out of order. Kofi vs. Zayn and everything with Ziggler should have main evented. Roman Reigns vs. Elias should just go back to being on Raw because it does not feel like a SmackDown rivalry. Also, more time needs to be spent on the depth of this roster.
Overview: After Kofi Kingston put down Sami Zayn with a Trouble in Paradise, Paul Heyman arrived to distract the champion before Dolph Ziggler struck. He assaulted Kofi bad enough that he had to be stretchered out with Kofi getting off the stretcher for his own pride on the stage.
Later in the night, The Showoff admitted that he regretted his actions, but his jealousy had overtaken him. He felt Kofi had taken his opportunity, and he was now going to take his spot at WWE Super ShowDown.
Analysis: This was a great isolated segment and return segment for Ziggler. His attack and especially his impressively nuanced promo were well done, but this whole situation screams of the same sad usage of Ziggler for the past decade. He's been in this position so many times.
Since multiple stars are not going to Saudi Arabia, he dropped all his plans to come back for a one-off match where he loses to Kofi and disappears again. It's sad seeing him continue to miss the fact that he could be much bigger than he is, stuck in a handshake agreement with WWE rather than actual contract.
Ali Might Be in Line for the Push He Rightfully Deserves
Overview: Ali was the last man standing at Money in the Bank but still left without the title. He rebounded in a physically intense match with current No. 1 contender Andrade, taking him down with an inside cradle to take a surprise three count.
Analysis: I may be reading too much into his recent booking as well as rumors about him being considered to win the briefcase before the Lesnar plan materialized, but I genuinely think WWE is seeing the light with Ali. He's one of the best in the business right now and just needs this one opportunity to shine.
Conclusion
This was a perfectly fine show as a whole though it was wildly out of order. Kofi vs. Zayn and everything with Ziggler should have main evented. Roman Reigns vs. Elias should just go back to being on Raw because it does not feel like a SmackDown rivalry. Also, more time needs to be spent on the depth of this roster.
Grade: B-
Look into your future, Dream, and remember you don't want to go to the main roster as much as you think you do.
205 Live May 21, 2019
Akira Tozawa Has Quietly Become the Biggest Star Left in 205 Live
Overview: In a Fatal 5-Way to see who was ready to next step up to Tony Nese, Akira Tozawa defeated the field of The Brian Kendrick, Mike Kanellis, Ariya Daivari, and Oney Lorcan to emerge with the victory thanks to a roll up on Daivari.
Analysis: With the big 3 gone, it feels like 205 Live is lacking for top stars, but one man that has survived the transition is Tozawa. He continues to feel like a top guy in the division. While Nese holds the title, he might be the biggest talent on the roster right now. I'll gladly watch him battle with Nese.
Overview: In a Fatal 5-Way to see who was ready to next step up to Tony Nese, Akira Tozawa defeated the field of The Brian Kendrick, Mike Kanellis, Ariya Daivari, and Oney Lorcan to emerge with the victory thanks to a roll up on Daivari.
Analysis: With the big 3 gone, it feels like 205 Live is lacking for top stars, but one man that has survived the transition is Tozawa. He continues to feel like a top guy in the division. While Nese holds the title, he might be the biggest talent on the roster right now. I'll gladly watch him battle with Nese.
NXT and NXT UK May 22, 2019
Tyler Breeze is Back Where He Belongs, a Promotion That Respects Him
Overview: Tyler Breeze interrupted The Velveteen Dream to announce he had truly returned to NXT, and he was going to be taken down the imposter who had taken his spot and would soon capture the NXT North American Championship. Breeze leveled Dream with a punch, and it was later announced the two would fight at NXT TakeOver.
Analysis: There are a lot of stars who have been much better served in NXT than on the main roster, and Breeze may be number one. An absolute star on the developmental brand, he has been criminally underused on the main roster even though he has often overdelivered whenever he was given the spotlight.
I look forward to seeing what he can do back in NXT. I wouldn't mind Fandango joining him once healthy as well as the two deserve more of a spotlight than they have ever been given.
WALTER Hopefully Can Finally Make Everyone Pay Attention to How Good Fabian Aichner and Martel Bartel Are
Overview: In a battle that has raged on from NXT TakeOver, WALTER fought Pete Dunne for the NXT UK Championship. While The Bruiserweight fought with all the fervor that made him a champion for so long, he was not quite able to put down the man who dethroned him with Fabian Aichner and Martel Bartel getting involved to help him take down the former champion with a powerbomb.
Analysis: The NXT tag team division has never been short for talent, but it often feels short on stars. Aichner and Bartel exemplified this as incredible wrestlers who have overshined their post with every opportunity, but they don't get even a small spotlight.
That seems to be changing thanks to their alliance with WALTER. The trio should be a big deal in NXT UK. While I'm not sure the limited roster needs two heel stables (with Gallus still also around), I eagerly await these talented stars working together to rise above their limited spotlight.
Overview: Tyler Breeze interrupted The Velveteen Dream to announce he had truly returned to NXT, and he was going to be taken down the imposter who had taken his spot and would soon capture the NXT North American Championship. Breeze leveled Dream with a punch, and it was later announced the two would fight at NXT TakeOver.
Analysis: There are a lot of stars who have been much better served in NXT than on the main roster, and Breeze may be number one. An absolute star on the developmental brand, he has been criminally underused on the main roster even though he has often overdelivered whenever he was given the spotlight.
I look forward to seeing what he can do back in NXT. I wouldn't mind Fandango joining him once healthy as well as the two deserve more of a spotlight than they have ever been given.
WALTER Hopefully Can Finally Make Everyone Pay Attention to How Good Fabian Aichner and Martel Bartel Are
Overview: In a battle that has raged on from NXT TakeOver, WALTER fought Pete Dunne for the NXT UK Championship. While The Bruiserweight fought with all the fervor that made him a champion for so long, he was not quite able to put down the man who dethroned him with Fabian Aichner and Martel Bartel getting involved to help him take down the former champion with a powerbomb.
Analysis: The NXT tag team division has never been short for talent, but it often feels short on stars. Aichner and Bartel exemplified this as incredible wrestlers who have overshined their post with every opportunity, but they don't get even a small spotlight.
That seems to be changing thanks to their alliance with WALTER. The trio should be a big deal in NXT UK. While I'm not sure the limited roster needs two heel stables (with Gallus still also around), I eagerly await these talented stars working together to rise above their limited spotlight.
These two are like the same person, but only one is emotionally empathetic for minority groups which is why he's world champion.
Match of the Week
Universal Champion Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles, WWE Money in the Bank 2019 (Rating: 9.5/10)
Good wrestlers showing how good they are at wrestling is generally fairly boring. Sure, Rollins and Styles are great at what they do, but the build up never really got past both wanting to be the better man. Somehow, they overcame this by just being really good at wrestling.
The back-and-forth offense in this contest was astounding. The sequences were among the smoothest I have seen all year. Moreover, these two avoided the frustrating trope of overusing finishers for nearfalls. They made each impact count so that when one hit his finisher, it was clear the better man had already won.
I expect this match may come off a bit forgettable down the stretch due to the limited story, but it is certainly quality nonetheless. These two are likely do better (which is obviously a high bar) though if they can build more around their work.
Honorable Mention: WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Kevin Owens, WWE Money in the Bank 2019 (Rating: 9.25/10)
I was skeptical of this contest going. Few of KO's matches have truly stood out in his main roster run with so many bogged down by his insistence on working the typical WWE heel style. He slows the match down to a crawl to get generic heat, and he could have done that here.
Instead, he used his best attributes in this fight. He moved quickly and hit hard. The way he brutalized Kofi while never actually slowing the attack was brilliant and made it easy to feel just how bad a position the WWE champion was in.
While the fans were worn out from the long show and did not give this contest the attention it fully deserved, the two men involved put their all into a fantastic match that should be among their best all year.
Honorable Mention: NXT UK Champion WALTER vs. Pete Dunne, NXT UK May 22 (Rating: 9/10)
While this was not up to the level of their TakeOver bout, it was still a fantastic war between two heavy hitters. They brought all they had and made the most of the opportunity. While the cheap finish spoiled the contest a bit, it added more depth to a simple rivalry going forward.
The best in NXT UK battling is what this brand needs. It needs people to pay attention, and everyone should be paying attention when these two fight. Few wrestling pairs are more impressive to behold.
Good wrestlers showing how good they are at wrestling is generally fairly boring. Sure, Rollins and Styles are great at what they do, but the build up never really got past both wanting to be the better man. Somehow, they overcame this by just being really good at wrestling.
The back-and-forth offense in this contest was astounding. The sequences were among the smoothest I have seen all year. Moreover, these two avoided the frustrating trope of overusing finishers for nearfalls. They made each impact count so that when one hit his finisher, it was clear the better man had already won.
I expect this match may come off a bit forgettable down the stretch due to the limited story, but it is certainly quality nonetheless. These two are likely do better (which is obviously a high bar) though if they can build more around their work.
Honorable Mention: WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Kevin Owens, WWE Money in the Bank 2019 (Rating: 9.25/10)
I was skeptical of this contest going. Few of KO's matches have truly stood out in his main roster run with so many bogged down by his insistence on working the typical WWE heel style. He slows the match down to a crawl to get generic heat, and he could have done that here.
Instead, he used his best attributes in this fight. He moved quickly and hit hard. The way he brutalized Kofi while never actually slowing the attack was brilliant and made it easy to feel just how bad a position the WWE champion was in.
While the fans were worn out from the long show and did not give this contest the attention it fully deserved, the two men involved put their all into a fantastic match that should be among their best all year.
Honorable Mention: NXT UK Champion WALTER vs. Pete Dunne, NXT UK May 22 (Rating: 9/10)
While this was not up to the level of their TakeOver bout, it was still a fantastic war between two heavy hitters. They brought all they had and made the most of the opportunity. While the cheap finish spoiled the contest a bit, it added more depth to a simple rivalry going forward.
The best in NXT UK battling is what this brand needs. It needs people to pay attention, and everyone should be paying attention when these two fight. Few wrestling pairs are more impressive to behold.
