WWE has just two weeks of TV left to promote the first-ever Money In The Bank pay-per-view to take place after SummerSlam season. This is also the first MITB event to air on ESPN in the United States.
CM Punk has stamped his ticket to Money In The Bank XVII. The veteran Superstar won a Triple Threat MITB qualifier over Gunther and Finn Balor to close this week’s SmackDown.
The Ring General got the upper-hand on Punk after a back-and-forth, then went for the Sleeper but that attempt was interrupted by a Coup de Grace from Balor. Finn then tried crawling back to Gunther to get the win, but Punk beat him, and stole the pin for the win and MITB spot. Gunther seethed at ringside as Balor and Punk shook hands.
The Second City Saint joins Bron Breakker, Penta, Je’Von Evans, and WWE United States Champion Trick Williams as confirmed participants in the Men’s MITB Ladder Match. The final spot will be filled on next Friday’s SmackDown with Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Johnny Gargano.
Friday’s blue brand show from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis also saw Lash Legend earn the chance to work her first-ever MITB Ladder Match. Legend defeated Charlotte Flair and Giulia to advance to the pay-per-view, hitting the Lash Extension on Giulia for the pin to win, robbing The Queen of her chance.
The Boujee Bully joins Lola Vice, Sol Ruca, Jacy Jayne, and Roxanne Perez as official participants in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match. Next week’s SmackDown will feature a Triple Threat to decide the final women’s spot at Money In The Bank with Tiffany Stratton vs. Tatum Paxley vs. Candice LeRae.
Officials are still looking at Penta as the potential winner of the Men’s MITB Ladder Match. This was not the plan as of SummerSlam, but recent performances, including the RAW bout with Roman Reigns, have raised his stock within the company.
WWE’s 17th annual Money In The Bank event will air live from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, October 10. Below is the updated card coming out of SmackDown:
World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. LA Knight
Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Lola Vice vs. Sol Ruca vs. Jacy Jayne vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Lash Legend vs. Tiffany Stratton or Candice LeRae or Tatum Paxley
Men’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Bron Breakker vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Penta vs. Trick Williams vs. CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens or Cody Rhodes or Johnny Gargano
