We are about to have a new Ms. Money in the Bank this Saturday, July 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Seven women are going to put everything on the line to be the first to the top of the ladder in order to grab the briefcase. A briefcase that almost guarantees the holder will win a championship. Over the past several years we have seen five different women become champions off of this win.
So how does the field of competitors look this year? It has a bit of everything. A couple of women who have never been in a MITB match before, a few who have had their fair share of experience, and two who have won the briefcase in the past.
Let’s go over the seven women’s statistics heading into the big event (in order of qualification) –
Lacey Evans
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 1
- Number of wins – 0
- Qualified by defeating – Xia Li
- Chance of winning – Likely
Lacey Evans recently made her return from maternity leave over the past couple of months. Her return itself was booked incredibly bad as WWE couldn’t even decide what brand she should be on. After jumping back and forth between SmackDown and Raw and then back to SmackDown, Evans finally had her return match. Her first match back was against Xia Li to determine who would be the first woman to qualify for the MITB Ladder Match.
Evans had her first MITB Ladder Match in 2020 where it was the cinematic produced bout at the HQ of WWE. This match was won by Asuka.
If Evans’ return was stronger, it would be very likely that she could win this and although there are a couple of women it will likely go to instead she is still a top contender. A win would fit her gimmick however with the match taking place on the weekend of the 4th of July.
Alexa Bliss
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 2
- Number of wins – 1
- Qualified by defeating – Doudrop & Nikki A.S.H.
- Chance of winning – Very Likely
Out of the two previous winners in this year’s match, Alexa would be the more likely double winner. Much like Lacey, Alexa’s return hasn’t been the most groundbreaking, however, unlike Lacey’s she has been a focal point each week on Raw since returning at the beginning of May.
In singles matches, Bliss was on a winning streak up until this past Monday on Raw where she lost to Liv Morgan. Although Alexa wouldn’t need the briefcase to get a title opportunity, having her win this could be a huge boost for her back into the title picture. She hasn’t held a singles title since 2018. Ironically, she hasn’t been champion since when she last cashed in on Nia Jax to become Raw Women’s Champion.
Liv Morgan
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 2
- Number of wins – 0
- Qualified by defeating – Doudrop & Nikki A.S.H.
- Chance of winning – Lower Likely
Oh Liv Morgan. The underdog who never wins the big one. With that being said, she has a middle of the road likelihood of winning this year. Regardless of not being able to pick up the big win, Morgan has been booked solid every week on Raw in 2022. She holds a main event pin over Sonya Deville and singles victories against Rhea Ripley and Alexa Bliss.
Liv perhaps has the most crowd support behind her as well heading into MITB. It would be wise for WWE to finally put Liv fully over. Many fans feel that the 2021 match which was won by Nikki A.S.H should have gone to Liv who was red hot heading into last year’s event.
Raquel Rodriguez
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 0
- Number of wins – 0
- Qualified by defeating – Shayna Baszler
- Chance of winning – Not Likely
Raquel is one of two women in this year’s match who will be entering this ladder match for the first time. When she first was called up to the main roster she was brushed right into matches with Ronda Rousey showing that she could easily be put into the title picture.
She is going to be utilized as the muscle in this match but her winning it isn’t likely as there is no storyline surrounding her heading into this.
Shotzi
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 0
- Number of wins – 0
- Qualified by defeating – Tamina
- Chance of winning – Not Likely
Second woman going into MITB for the first time is Shotzi. She is one that many fans would love to see take the briefcase but her win is not likely. Finally getting some momentum on SmackDown, Shotzi is being seen regularly on TV but it may be too late for her to be considered for the win.
However, if WWE wanted to give the briefcase to a rising start they would give it to Shotzi, I just don’t see them picking someone who could benefit the most from it.
Asuka
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 2
- Number of wins – 1
- Qualified by defeating – Becky Lynch
- Chance of winning – Not Likely
Asuka’s inclusion in the match will just continue her feud with Becky Lynch. Now that Becky has entered the match also that is more evident. Plus having Asuka in any high-profile match is going to be a big win for fans.
Only full advantage to giving the win to Asuka would be for a veteran to hold the briefcase and possible carry it for a bit. Also, giving Asuka an actual chance to cash it in as when she won MITB in 2020, she was given the Raw Women’s Title when Becky went out on maternity leave. When all is said and done though, she is not likely to win this year.
Becky Lynch
- Number of previous MITB appearances – 3
- Number of wins – 0
- Qualified by defeating – Doudrop, Tamina, Shayna Baszler, Xia Li, and Nikki A.S.H.
- Chance of winning – Very Likely
Along with Alexa, Becky has the most chance at winning this year’s MITB. She has the strongest storyline heading in and is in a redemption arc which will partially be fulfilled if she is in possession of the briefcase.
As Becky has been spiraling down and down being further and further away from the championship, one can only assume she is winning here. Only way she doesn’t is if she continues to lose leading to a future redemption.
Becky has the most experience in MITB matches as she has participated in three out of the six that have taken place. Despite this, she has not been in a MITB match since 2018.
With the unique number of seven participants in this year’s match leads to a thought of a surprise eighth entry. The men’s MITB match also has seven so this may not end up happening. However, a return from let’s say a previous MITB winner Bayley may not be a bad idea to give this match the reaction it needs.
Money in the Bank – July 2
- Lacey Evans vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Shotzi vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch – Money in the Bank Ladder Match
- Bianca Belair (c) vs. Carmella – Raw Women’s Title
- Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Natalya – SmackDown Women’s Title
Check back in with Diva Dirt on Saturday for a Money in the Bank Discussion Post to see who will win it this year.
