Ranking The Men’s MITB Participants

Since Money in the Bank’s inception in 2005, superstars of Raw and SmackDown have been willing to take the ultimate risk for a chance at glory. With this year’s field stacked from top to bottom, such risks may be necessary. Only four men have experienced unsuccessful cash-ins, while one man has even lost the contract. It’s time to evaluate the men’s field of eight and see who’ll probably be making the glorious climb to the top.

8. Randy Orton

He’s the most solidified gatekeeper on the roster, entering the “attraction match” phase of his career. As a former 13-time world champion, he’s still a credible threat to any opponent, yet can suffer defeats without losing face. While there is probably a 14th world title reign somewhere in the future, it won’t come via a cash-in, at least not this time around. It just speaks volume to how stacked the field is when Orton is least likely to win.

7. Mustafa Ali

Unlike the women’s match, you can’t pinpoint a dark horse in this match that easily. But you can make a case for Ali. Considering that he was supposed to be in Kofi’s position during the run to WrestleMania before injuries took him out, this could be his ticket back into the title picture. This has all the potential of making up for what was supposed to be Elimination Chamber. It may not end with victory, but certainly a newfound respect for the former 205 Live star.

6. Ricochet

It will be his major outing as a singles star on the main roster. The former NXT North American Champion finds himself in a unique position. He is considered a rookie on the main roster, which could result in some taking him lightly. Truly one of a kind, Ricochet will be putting on a show that will leave an impact no matter the result.

5. Finn Balor

Since double champs are all the rage right now, Balor could very well be waiting in the wings. It will be poetic justice if he is able to win because he had to wait two years just for a rematch for a title he never lost. There could be different plans in store for the current IC champ, but none bigger if he is able to win.

4. Drew McIntyre

It doesn’t even feel like the same year while talking about McIntyre. At one time considered to beat Brock Lesnar, he has been relegated to Roman Reigns’ first win back. Now it seems MITB is a stepping stone towards gaining back momentum he had in the build to the Royal Rumble. Reigns is on SmackDown and AJ Styles seems to be turning heel, so the path is there for McIntyre to be in position to challenge Seth Rollins at SummerSlam.

3. Andrade

Andrade could be the biggest beneficiary of winning the briefcase. We know during his time as NXT Champion that he can put on consistently excellent title matches. His series with Rey Mysterio on SmackDown proved a change of scenery won’t affect that. In recent years, with the exception of Carmella, MITB cash-ins have been quick, but Andrade could be the one who can hold on to it for over 250 days.

2. Baron Corbin

Ugh, yes this has to be addressed and in the words of the great Scott Steiner, “I would hang myself then shoot myself.” Corbin has to be considered one of the favorites – it’s the most WWE thing they can do. Considering the amount of carnage, the slimy bastard could very well get the briefcase and win a championship shinier than his head. It’s just not the right risk to take at this time. Nobody wanted to see Corbin retire Kurt Angle, and they sure as hell don’t want to see him with the briefcase again.

1. Braun Strowman

While it would be a year and a half later than everybody wanted, this could be Strowman’s summer of dominance. With the Big Dog on SmackDown, a potential heel turn in Seth Rollins or AJ Styles leaves the door open for the Monster Among Men to fill the void. What SummerSlam was supposed to be for Reigns last year could be Strowman’s destiny this year.