Roman Reigns, going by the name Solo Sikoa, teamed up with Damian Priest and Iyo Sky to emerge victorious in the Money in the Bank (MITB) ladder match.
WWE Money in the Bank 2023 delivered another unforgettable international pay-per-view experience, featuring notable moments such as the return of Drew McIntyre, the surprising appearance of John Cena, and Roman Reigns’ first pinfall loss since 2019.
Money in the Bank showcased a stunning twist by Shayna Baszler, as she turned on Ronda Rousey during their match and shockingly cost them the women’s tag team titles.
Although this decision might seem illogical on the surface, it stems from Baszler and Rousey’s desire to feud with each other. This unexpected turn of events could rejuvenate both Baszler and Rousey as prominent singles competitors, even if it poses challenges for the women’s tag team division.
The event also saw Iyo Sky emerge as Ms. Money in the Bank, capturing the women’s briefcase after handcuffing Bayley and Becky Lynch together and climbing the ladder with the support of the passionate London crowd. Sky’s ascent to prominence began at Backlash, where she engaged in a fantastic match against Bianca Belair. WWE’s decision to fully embrace her push at Money in the Bank proves to be a smart move, capitalizing on her growing popularity.
Drew McIntyre’s return was a standout moment as well. After reported disagreements between McIntyre and WWE over creative and contractual matters, his comeback generated an uproarious reaction from the London crowd. McIntyre made an impactful statement by delivering a Claymore kick to Gunther, who had just defended his Intercontinental Championship against Matt Riddle. This triumphant return indicates that McIntyre is committed to WWE for the foreseeable future, dispelling rumors of his potential departure.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between the Finn Balor and Seth Rollins failed to live up to expectations. Despite the duo’s proven chemistry in the past, their encounter at Money in the Bank lacked the intensity and excitement of their previous encounters. Furthermore, the match concluded abruptly due to a potential distraction from Damian Priest and a single Stomp from Rollins, leaving it feeling like an ordinary TV match and diminishing the significance of the world title.
John Cena’s comeback at Money in the Bank was another major highlight. Returning for the first time since WrestleMania 39, Cena made a significant announcement that he was actively pursuing the idea of bringing WrestleMania to London, creating waves of excitement among WWE fans. The possibility of hosting WrestleMania in the UK has become a tantalizing prospect, generating immense buzz and adding to the event’s newsworthiness.
While Damian Priest’s victory in the men’s Money in the Bank match was impressive, it raised eyebrows considering the overwhelming support for LA Knight from the London audience. Knight’s popularity has surged organically, making his exclusion from the briefcase victory a questionable booking decision. Although WWE management sees Priest as a top-tier star, the crowd’s fervent desire for Knight to win indicates a missed opportunity in capitalizing on his momentum.
The most significant moment of the night occurred when Roman Reigns suffered his first pinfall loss since December 2019. In a riveting Bloodline Civil War match, Reigns was pinned by his cousin Jey Uso, defying expectations and delivering a shocking upset. This outcome injects fresh intrigue into their long-running saga and opens up a multitude of captivating storylines for the future. The stage is set for a potential clash between Jey