The "Money in the Bank" concept is a really, really cool one. It has spawned other versions in other companies, and has made for some interesting moments in the WWE. However, in my humbled opinion, over the past few years with the two briefcases, the concept became a bit watered down. Now with one title (or is it still two?) and one briefcase, hopefully, the case should seem more valuable.
As for tonight's Money in the Bank (A really terrible name when you think about it) pay-per-view, in all honesty, it was decent. Yes, decent. Okay. Not terrible, but not great. I enjoyed several matches, but there seemed to be some content on here that really made me wonder ponder how much wasted time WWE has in their programming every week. Regardless, here are some quick thoughts on last night's show:
- It seems I say it every pay-per-view now, and I'll say it again, the WWE has a really cool concept with the panel table inside the arena giving it a sports-like, big time feel. I just wish there was more time devoted to it, and less dopey people on the panel. Although, Alex Riley is really good in the role.
- It seems the usually organized WWE has been flipping and flubbing a bit lately on things they do so well. The latest adjustment, new music - again - for Rowan and Harper. At least they get ir right by fixing it. As always, when it comes to these tings, WWE always does it right.
- I really enjoyed the Usos vs. Harper and Rowan. Honestly, it was my favorite match of the night. Moreso that the two MITB matches. Both teams really add a dynamic to the WWE tag-team division. The Usos are charismatic and Harper/Rowan look to finally be branching off from Bray Wyatt in a powerhouse tag-team ordeal, of course with the occasional suicide dive, or two, by Harper. The Usos were throwing superkicks in this match like they were the Young Bucks, and Harper showed the world agin that he has a promising singles career in his future. But before we jump that far ahead, I wouldn't mid seeing these guys get after it a few more times in the future over the tag titles.
- Paige and Naomi aren't actually bad wrestlers. However, to be honest, I don't watch "Total Divas" and I really haven't been into the ordeal with Cameron or anything really involving the Divas. Though, I will say this, Paige hasn't had much depth to her character or appearance since dethroning AJ Lee. Yes, she's won, and in a variety of ways, but that's been about it.
- Anyone else wouldn't be surprised if other cable carriers drop WWE pay-per-views soon? Especially as much as the WWE were pushing "The Network" last night? I like the idea of the Network, and I don't really regret the six-month commitment, but I just haven't used it as much as I thought I would. Wonder if anyone else feels the same way?
Sometimes I feel like WWE falls in love with one guy until the next act comes along they want to get over. Simply forgetting everyone else.
— Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) June 30, 2014
- No idea why Adam Rose and Damien Sandow had a match on this card. I'll touch more on this in a bit. But what happened to Sandow? He had such promise. Who pulled the plug on him?
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| This was insane!! (Courtesy: WWE.com) |
- I enjoyed the first MITB ladder for the briefcase quite a bit. There were some cool spots (that superplex by Ambrose!!!), some great moments, and I liked the dynamic of Ambrose and Rollins in the match. However, I wasn't too keen on the Kane interruption and overall finish. Nonetheless, should be interesting to see a budding heel carry the briefcase again.
One last thing, I often wonder if Kofi Kingston feels hes stuck in the mud. The guy seems to have the thickest glass ceiling there is. Whether you're a fan or not, you have to feel bad for the guy as the WWE only throws him into these matches for the sheer sake of his athleticism. Poor Kofi.
Sometimes when matches like this end up on ppv, I wonder what WWE does with the 8 hours of programming they have per week.
— Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) June 30, 2014
- Goldust and Stardust vs. Rybaxel (such an awful name by the way) is much like Adam Rose and Damien Sandow earlier - why is this happening? Why is this match occurring? For a company with so many hours of programming a week, this pay-per-view really opened my eyes in how much wasted time and nothingness there is going on in the WWE. TNA and ROH, regardless of some of their faults, maximize their programming in order to make sure their PPVs are filled with meaningful matches, or at the very least, matches that will entertain. They have to. This just felt like something we will see tonight on Raw, and you know what, we just might. That's sad.
The truth is, only the WWE can get away with "Stardust". Honestly, not feeling this whole ordeal. #MITB2014
— Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) June 30, 2014
As for Stardust, I'm really not a fan. I actually think the idea is ridiculous. Just my opinion. It takes away from the historic character that is Goldust and well, what happened to, and what's wrong with just Cody Rhodes? It wasn't too long ago the Rhodes brothers were stealing the show (Remember this?). I don't know. I guess it's not my cup of tea. That's cool.
- I actually ended up really enjoying the Big E vs. Rusev match. Could we lump it in with the other "Raw-filler" stuff? Probably. But at least these two have some type of backstory which adds to this match. I love the whole "Ivan Drago" gimmick for Rusev, and the dude throws a mean kick. Also, I'm not sure who OK'd Big E talking like "Reverend Brown" from Coming to America, but I'm glad they did. It's stupid, and probably won't help his career, but for the time being, I find it insanely hilarious. Poor Big E.
The WWE really does get behind you (Fandango, Ziggler, Sandow, Big E, Adam Rose, and now Rusev) and then just randomly move on. Rusev beware! Rusev machka!
- No comment on Summer Rae vs. Lalya. More Raw filler not worthy of paid television.
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| Really cool, but...very dangerous! (Courtesy: WWE.com) |
- The final MITB was alright. Not looking to be a harsh critic, as all seven men really got after it, but the match seemed, at least to me, lethargic. The moments of each attempting to climb felt a bit contrived and facetious, especially when it was a little predictable with Cena walking out as champ (again!). Some of the innovation with the ladders were cool, and I'm always game for an innovative RKO spot, but I would've liked less people. Again, just me. Just bloggin'.
I totally get where things are headed with a Summerslam showdown of Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. It's a big fight for a big pay-per-view, for sure. I don't blame Cena at all either. I just feel like sometimes when a hot act gets injured (Bryan or CM Punk), or things take a dip financially, the WWE heads back to the status quo - Cena as champ. But I'm sure I am not saying anything any wrestling fan isn't thinking after last night.
Money in the Bank wasn't great. In fact, if you asked me to rank this months shows from the big 3, this would be last. However, it did provide entertainment and I wasn't overly bored with it. Barring a few good matches, I simply walked away from the product with a feel of "eh, same ole, same ole" especially when you consider another Cena reign and the fluff we got in between.
Nonetheless, I am looking forward to how Summerslam begins to take form in the long, long, long run. Go figure.