WWE Money in the Bank 2017 match card and predictions

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Naomi (c) vs Lana

Build: This feud started last week on SmackDown when Lana made her debut. Lana demanded to be added to the women’s MITB ladder match. Naomi laughed at her and cracked a few jokes at her expense. Lana then said she wanted to face Naomi for the title. SmackDown commissioner stated that title shots needed to be earned and Lana threw a tantrum and left the ring. Later that night, Lana interfered in Naomi’s match and tripped her up on the ring apron.

The feud escalated last night on SmackDown. Lana hasn’t gotten over Naomi insulting her and once again got involved in Naomi’s match. Last night on SmackDown, Naomi defeated Tamina while Lana watched the match at ringside. After the match, Lana snuck up behind Naomi and slammed her to the mat. Lana then raised the SmackDown Women’s Championship in the air while standing over Naomi.

Prediction: I would be stunned if Lana defeated Naomi this Sunday at Money in the Bank. Lana hasn’t proven herself on the main roster as a wrestler yet. While it would certainly be impressive if Lana won the SmackDown Women’s Championship, it would make Naomi look very weak. The best case scenario here is that Lana and Naomi put on a great match. Naomi retains the title but Lana shows that she can hang with her in the ring.

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs New Day

Build: The New Day made their SmackDown debut in late May. They switched brands during WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up, but an injury to Kofi Kingston delayed their debut. Upon arriving to SmackDown, New Day immediately set their sights on The Usos and their SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The Usos and New Day have been cutting promos on each other for the last few weeks. Last night on SmackDown, New Day teamed up with Breezango to face The Colons and The Usos. Xavier Woods scored the victory for New Day and Breezango after hitting Primo with a Double Stomp off the top rope.

Prediction: I expect this feud to continue after Money in the Bank. I’ve enjoyed The Usos reign with the SmackDown Tag Team Championships and think it will continue for a bit. I see The Usos picking up a victory this Sunday, but ultimately dropping the titles to the New Day at SummerSlam.

Men’s MITB Ladder Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler vs AJ Styles 

Build: All six of these Superstars will be battling for a shot at the WWE Championship at any time of their choosing. United States Champion Kevin Owens was originally left out of this match. Owens demanded to be added to this match and SmackDown commissioner made him the sixth participant. Last week on SmackDown, Baron Corbin attacked Shinsuke Nakamura after his victory over Kevin Owens. SmackDown went off the air with Corbin standing tall after planting Nakamura with the End of Days. On last night’s SmackDown, Shinsuke Nakamura closed out SmackDown by hitting Corbin with a Kinshasa and grabbing the MITB briefcase that was suspended above the ring.

Prediction: I think it would feel rushed if Shinsuke Nakamura won the briefcase this Sunday. Kevin Owens is the current United States Champion and it wouldn’t make sense for him to win the match. AJ Styles doesn’t need the briefcase at all, as he is a former WWE Champion and will most likely recapture the title again in the future anyway. Both Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn would make sense to win this match. Corbin seems like the most likely choice to to win this match. I think the match will come down to Zayn and Corbin battling on the top of the ladder. Corbin will get the upper-hand and grab the briefcase as Sami Zayn once again comes up short.

Women’s MITB Ladder Match: Charlotte Flair vs Carmella vs Tamina vs Natalya vs Becky Lynch

Build: Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Tamina and Carmella will make history at Money in the Bank as they compete in the first ever Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Charlotte has been beaten down several times by Tamina, Natalya and Carmella since joining the SmackDown roster during the Superstar Shake-Up. Charlotte has been built up as the biggest threat to Naomi’s SmackDown Women’s Championship. Charlotte defeated Natalya last night on SmackDown. Tamina lost her match against Naomi last night on SmackDown. Becky Lynch and Carmella were both shown watching Charlotte’s match against Natalya last night.

Prediction: Even though she is being booked as a dominant force in the SmackDown women’s division, Charlotte Flair is the last Superstar I would pick to win this match. I think a heel will win this match and I think that heel is going to be Carmella. I wouldn’t be surprised if James Ellsworth and his non-existent chin get involved in this match as well.

WWE Championship Match: Jinder Mahal (c) vs Randy Orton

Build: Jinder Mahal defeated Randy Orton to capture the WWE Championship at Backlash. Since then, Mahal has cut several promos bragging about defeating Orton and bashing the WWE Universe for not respecting him. Last night on SmackDown, Mahal made things personal and stated that he was going to dismantle Randy Orton in front of his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, at Money in the Bank. Orton then snuck up behind Mahal and delivered an RKO. WWE Money in the Bank will take place in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis.

Prediction: Continuing with the theme of heels winning big matches, I expect Jinder Mahal to defeat Randy Orton and retain his WWE Championship. Hometown matches haven’t gone well for WWE Superstars lately, Bayley recently lost her RAW Women’s Championship to Alexa Bliss in her hometown of San Jose at Payback. I’m sure Mahal will have help from the Singh Brothers in this match and it will eventually become too much for Randy Orton to overcome. Mahal revealed on SmackDown that Orton’s father, Cowboy Bob Orton, will be in the front row for this match. Hopefully, Mahal gets in his face and does something to get the entire crowd to hate him during this match.

What are your Money in the Bank 2017 predictions? Share yours in the comments below.