Why the Raw Championship Money in the Bank Match is a Great Idea

So Monday night I was watching Raw and heard the announcement by the board of directors that only former WWE champions are going to be entered in this match. I will admit much like the vast majority of people I was dumbfounded by this match. As everyone will generally agree the MITB match is something that has been used to help get the guys on the mid-card level who are possibly ready to move on to main event status that opportunity. But was that always the case? Past winners like Edge, Rob Van Dam and Kane were recognized as potential contenders and may have had opportunity at a title without holding a briefcase. However for the likes CM Punk, Jack Swagger, The Miz, and Daniel Bryan this was a springboard to something better if only for a short time.

So why put only past champions in the Raw title match? It dawned on me the day after the announcement the 1,000th episode of Raw. This monumental event is happening just one week after the pay per view. What better draw for the show then to have a match with two big main event talents going for the title, and depending on who wins it, there are different ways to use this title shot. We could have the same story we have had since day one. Money in the Bank Winner cashes in title on champion who has just won a gruelling match or had been attacked by someone else. Or do what only Rob Van Dam has done, request a match at a specific time.

People are also complaining that there are only four people in this match. We still have three weeks until this pay per view and have people yet to return. Mysterio suspension is over and the Miz could be done filming the Marine 3 by then. They could have six entrants by then and let’s not forget at this time Alberto Del Rio doesn’t have a match for Money in the Bank.

So let’s look at the four actual and possibly six participants

John Cena: MITB matches 0. Like it or not he is the golden boy, this generations superhero. He has done things other wrestlers have not and he has a huge following. But, he has no experience in MITB and limited ladder match experience that I am aware of. But this is the WWE and he could be cashing in a briefcase.

Big Show: MITB matches 1, wins 0. A giant who has been destroying WWE competitors on screen on a regular basis. But can he climb a ladder? In his previous MITB match he had a reinforced ladder made; don’t be surprised to see that make an appearance again. Right now WWE is marketing him to be a force to be reckoned with. Remember it took six superstars to stop him from escaping the cage at No Way Out. The similarity here is this match is not one on one, and is no disqualification. Could Brodus Clay interfere again? Zack Ryder is not in a MITB match there is lots of potential to keep Big Show from winning. But a monster heel with an iron clad contract and a free title shot. Then add in the fact he had a 90 second title reign before having a briefcase cashed in on him. This could be a recipe for disaster for the whoever is the WWE champion.

Jericho: MITB matches 3, wins 0. This match was his idea, he has been in three of these matches and came close to winning one. Yes he has commitments to Fozzy and may not be around much. But of the people in this match he may be the most well-rounded. He is cunning and plays the psychological game like no one else. Could he take an opportunity created by the other competitors and win his first MITB.

Kane: MITB matches 5, Wins 1. Kane has the most experience in MITB and has won it once. He is the biggest competitor to have won this match. Kane has the second shortest WWE champion title reign of those on the current WWE roster. Before counting him out remember, Kane is deceptively agile for a man his size and when you add in his strength he is a definite contender. True he will be retiring soon but could he possibly have one more title run in him?

Mysterio: MITB matches 1, Wins 0. Probably a long shot to win this title but he could be entered based on holding the title for about 2 hours last summer. He is entertaining in MITB matches and had he not had his mask ripped off during last year’s event he may have won.

Miz: Money in the bank matches 2, wins 1. The Miz has been in a slump in 2012 and probably doesn’t deserve mention in this list. But the most must see superstar in the WWE is currently filming a movie and what better way to promote another WWE studios film than to have the star wearing gold.

Alberto Del Rio: MITB matches 1, Wins 1. If Del Rio is not involved in yet another match with Sheamus and or Ziggler don’t be surprised to see him find a way into this match.

Remember there have been as many as 10 people in a MITB match so 7 is not out of the question.
Also let’s not forget the WWE superstars of the past that have been showing up lately on RAW could there be a surprise at this pay per view? Don’t count the WWE out of this match yet there is still time.

I also like the idea of having an old champion carrying the briefcase as then there is a chance someone could try to cash it in and finally lose. People either love or hate the way these title shots are cashed in but remember no one has lost when they have tried to cash in. But if Cena were for example to win MITB and then lose to Punk later and not have that opportunity anymore would anyone really be that upset?