The WWE Money in the Bank PLE is one of the most exciting yearly events. It combines the exhilaration of a ladder match with the hopes that a favored star will win and get a push. The winner receives a contract to cash in for a title shot, any time, any place. SmackDown had the first qualifier, featuring one men’s and one women’s match. On one hand, they finally gave the audience what they wanted, but on the other, they are burying one of their best in-ring talents.
The first qualifier was a triple-threat between Chelsea Green, Michin, and Alexa Bliss. WWE fans disappointed in the booking since her return can now rejoice. Bliss picked up the pinfall victory by first hitting Green with an Abigail DDT, to advance to the ladder match. Management had to get her in the event to appease the masses, but her work could use some sharpening. Perhaps women’s wrestling has come a long way in the last few years, but she looks small and weak. Her moveset hits soft, and there’s no direction for her returning character.
The first qualifying match for the men was a triple-threat featuring Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Rey Fenix. The first and biggest takeaway was the incompetent booking of Fenix, who took the pin. WWE is booking him like another luchador jobber, and not as one of the best in the world.
For those fans who stick to this company, this man is a legendary luchador with a moveset to match. Not only is Fenix high-flying and athletic, but he also ensures the style doesn’t appear soft. After losing for the sake of Chad Gable‘s comedy angle at WrestleMania, the best high-flyer in the company will now miss a great chance to show the world what he’s capable of.
The pinfall victory instead went to the least athletic and talented wrestler in the match. They didn’t even book it to protect Fenix, or even in an exciting way. Sikoa hit both opponents with his Samoan Spike finisher and then pinned the new hire clean. WWE is burying one of the best in the world to advance The Bloodline storyline. Fans were already speculating on the greatness of The Lucha Bro in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Neither winner stands out as a candidate to win the contract. The time and athleticism of Bliss have come and gone. It’s hard to understand why Sikoa needs to be in the ladder match. He hasn’t improved to a main event calibre, but gets plenty of shine with The Bloodline, including new faction mate JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb). It’s early, but one can only hope for stars capable of more in such an iconic match.
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