Recaps
WWE Money in the Bank 2023: Roman Reigns is Pinned for First Time in 3 1/2 Years; Damian Priest & Iyo Sky MITB Winners
In a red-hot premium live event on Peacock, WWE’s 2023 edition of Money in the Bank from London, England was a wild ride with a series of show-stopping moments and storylines that will keep interest in pro wrestling at an all-time high.
Let’s break this down by saying, Shemar Moore’s (ex-Malcolm, Y&R) line announcing to Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, AMC) that she finally won the Daytime Emmy for Lead Actress, ‘the streak is over’, can apply to a huge moment at MITB. WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns was actually pinned and lost a match for the first-time in over three and a half years! That streak for the dastardly Reigns is now over.
THE USOS vs. ROMAN REIGNS AND SOLO SIKOA
While Reigns was not defending his championship, he was given the three count, when his cousin Jey Uso secured the win in the Bloodline Civil War tag-team match main event.
“Main Event” Jey Uso came of the top rope with a frog splash and pinned his cousin for the first time since December of 2019. This was an absolute epic match with stellar storytelling, all of it would not go over as much as it does without the performances of Reigns, who plays every beat of the story through his looks and motivations and words in and out of the ring, as much as the wrestling action. The loud and boisterous crowd from London’s O2 Arena, chanted “Stand up if you hate Roman Reigns” throughout the match, and like clockwork, the whole place was standing up amplifying the heel heat on Reigns.
In addition, the match left you with questions. Where does the Usos younger brother, Solo Sikoa’s allegiance really lie? Throughout the match, Sikoa’s face, at times, appeared very conflicted as he continued to let Reigns decimate his older brothers. Those that were waiting for a complete turn by Sikoa, hoping he would join forces with his brothers, will have to wait another day. But from the looks of it, that day is coming.
Now, with his entire ‘Bloodline’ on the brink of collapse, his cousin Jey Uso a threat once again to his Universal Championship, and the WWE creatives allowing Reigns to be pinned, it looks to set up a title match between Jey and Roman this August at SummerSlam. Will WWE book that match? Stay tuned. The ‘Bloodline’s’ story has continually paid huge dividends for the WWE with record-high attendance and high television ratings, and there’s more to the story to come.
MEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
In a brilliant move to start the show with the highly competitive men’s Money in the Bank ladder match the field included: Butch, Ricochet, Shisuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Damian Priest and L.A. Knight.
Photo: WWE
Social media superstar and influencer, Logan Paul, who has proven he belongs in the WWE, was not the favorite with the crowd and he played up that fact. However, the one that everyone in London was rooting for, and many at home, was L.A. Knight. This is the guy who has it all, but has never been given the proper push by the WWE. It seemed like this would be his moment to elevate him to where he should be. However, it was not meant to be Knight’s night.
In the post event press conference, Triple H said on L.A. Knight’s loss at Money in the Bank, “I know LA Knight was a massive favorite coming in tonight, continuing that ascent. But great things come to those who wait, right? I think that that rise is just getting started.”
Another very deserving star, Damian Priest, ultimately climbed to the top of the ladder and secured the briefcase which means he now has a shot to win a WWE championship at any time. The moment Priest secured the briefcase, and with his Judgment Day teammate Finn Balor facing Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship later in the night, all eyes were going to be on Priest, if he showed up at ringside to cash in. (More on that below).
There were outstanding bumps and spots throughout the ladder match. One moment occurred when Ricochet summersaulted from the ring slamming Paul off the apron into two tables. The replay seemedto indicate Paul hurt his head, but he actually wound up slicing his shoulder.
WOMEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
As the WWE Universe would say, “This was awesome!” The women’s Money in the Bank ladder match was so creative and featured high-flying spots and double-crosses, that you really did not know which way it was going to go – although the smart money was on Iyo Sky. Competing for the briefcase were: Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus, Bayley, Sky, Zoey Stark and Zelina Vega.
Photo: WWE
During the match, Stark, working alongside “Thank You” Trish Stratus, tried to handcuff Becky Lynch to the ring post, but she only got the cuffs around on one of her wrists. As the decorated Lynch (who has never won Money in the Bank) tries to climb her ladder to victory, Bayley was on the opposite side of her with a ladder trying to beat her to the top. Then, came Iyo Sky’s brilliant thinking! She handcuffed her Damage CTRL mentor, Bayley, and Lynch to each other so they could not use their arms to further climb their ladders, enabling Sky to get to the top and grab the briefcase and become the winner.
The match definitely took its toll on WWE legend, Trish Stratus, 47, as it appears she broke her nose. Vega and Sky provided the jaw-dropping spots throughout the match including powerbombs off the top of the ladder and Sky, taking to the sky, to land on all her opponents outside the ring.
After Sky’s recent performances, including at WWE Backlash in Puerto Rico against Bianca Belair, it was only a matter of time before she got her big push. Now the question becomes, which WWE women’s champ will she cash in on?
LIV MORGAN AND RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ VS. RHONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER
In the “WTF” moment of the entire show, Shayna Baszler out of nowhere turned on her tag team partner Rhonda Rousey during their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. If you went away from your screens or blinked, you may have missed this turn of events. After going ballistic on her partner, Baszler walked out on the match, leaving a vulnerable Rousey to easily get pinned by Rodriguez.
Photo: WWE
Morgan and Rodriguez regain the tag championships they lost. Where does this go from here? Most likely, Rousey vs. Baslzer at SummerSlam, but we just are on sure of what are the motivations for Shayna to beat down Rhonda.
JOHN CENA MAKES A SURPRISE APPEARANCE
In a shocker, and a major moment of the night, 16-time WWE champion, John Cena came out to the ring to the adoring crowd and propped up London as a potential home for WrestleMania, much to the delight of the over 19,000 in attendance.
Cena shared, “I want the world to know that you are under-appreciated. I’m here to try to bring WrestleMania to London.” While the pop was deafening, this has to be something in the works for the superstar to say that. The first open WrestleMania would be 2025, since WrestleMania is booked for Philadelphia in 2024. With AEW about to sellout Wembley Stadium this August with their first massive stadium show, it’s clear that WWE went on the offense to bring an even bigger moment to London town.
Photo: WWE
To give Cena a foe during his segment, Grayson Waller came out to talk trash to Cena and to say that WrestleMania should come to Australia not London. Eventually, Waller attacked Cena, but Cena got the upper hand with his ‘attitude adjustment’ before his time in the ring ended.
Just having Cena show up was massive for fans young and old at O2 Arena. Reports indicated that John was already in London filming a movie so it was easy to get him to come across time and give some love to the London WWE Universe.
SETH ‘FREAKIN’ ROLLINS VS. FINN BALOR
In this WWE World Championship match, Balor had an ax to grind against Rollins. Ultimately, this match was really about furthering another storyline rather than this match itself.
Damian Priest, fresh off winning the Money in the Bank ladder match, came out to the ring ten minutes into the match-up. As many had hoped, would this be the moment that Priest would cash in on Rollins if he was weakened by Balor, or would he swerve his Judgement Day buddy, Finn Balor, if Balor got the victory? What did happen was Priest brought the intimation factor to ringside with his MITB briefcase in hand.
Photo: WWE
Ultimately, Damian did not cash in. Instead, he faked like he would as Balor went to the top rope for his finisher the coup de grace, but he was distracted by Priest and fumbled the move. Rollins was then able to knock Balor off the top rope and hit him with his patented curb stomp and secure the win.
There will be more dissension between Priest and Balor in the weeks to come. Will Priest leave the Judgement Day? Will one or the other cost each other a title opportunity? More to come.
In other key moments ….
GUNTHER VS. MATT RIDDLE
While it looked once again that Gunther was dominant in his win vs. Matt Riddle to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship, the real threat to his title arrived on the scene when Drew McIntrye returned to action after months away and his contract negotiations still underway. In the ring, McIntrye challenged Gunther and landed a Claymore to Gunther’s face for good measure. It was at WrestleMania 39 that Gunther, McIntrye and Sheamus were involved in that triple-threat match for the title, that many believed was one of the best of WrestleMania weekend in Los Angeles.
CODY RHODES VS. DOMINIK MYSTERIO
Rhodes secured an easy win here over Mysterio, and now he is on to continue to ‘finish the story’. We would assume, next up, the third match-up with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, before returning to his quest for the WWE Universal Championship currently held by Roman Reigns.
This card had everything and we have to give it a solid “A”. Following Money in the Bank, Michael Fairman and pro wrestling reporter, Luis Ruiz went on to You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for another edition of their What’s Up? Wrestling series to give their thoughts and reactions immediately following the premium live event on Peacock. You can catch that below.
So, what did you think of WWE’s Money in the Bank 2023? What were your favorite moments? Let us know in the comment section.
Recaps
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
After a decade in WWE, Sami Zayn is finally living his dream, at least for now, as the new Undisputed WWE champion.
In an absolute stunning ending to the Saturday, June 27 Night of Champions PLE streaming on ESPN live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes to win the triple-threat match over Rhodes and Gunther. The crowd was mostly behind Zayn given his Syrian-descent, but who was born in Canada.
Cody Rhodes’ third WWE title reign has come to an end, Gunther took his frustration out on his own loss on WWE SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, backstage after the match, which led to an altercation leading everyone to speculate Aldis will come out of ring retirement to face Gunther at August’s SummerSlam. Meanwhile, the future for Rhodes is less clear. Will this be the time that he finally turns heel? Stay tuned.
Courtesy/WWE
As the cameras rolled, and as Zayn was making his way back up the ring ramp with the title belt, he shared, “A lot of folks said I would never win the WWE championship. But I stand here tonight in front of my people, the WWE Champion. Twenty-plus years in the game at the highest level, never got the recognition. Ten-plus years chasing this championship… I don’t care what happens to me tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Forever, I will be Sami Zayn, WWE champion.”
THE RULER IS NOW THE KING
Meanwhile, in other key Night of Champion match-ups: The Men’s King of the Ring was crowned when Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso. Now, earning his title shot at SummerSlam, will he pick Zayn or Roman Reigns as his opponent?
In the Women’s Queen of the Ring after being cursed by Danhausen, Liv Morgan lost to Iyo Sky, who then turned around after being named Queen of the Ring to tell Morgan she looks forward to wrestling her again for her title at SummerSlam.
Photo: WWE
Elsewhere on the card, Trick Williams retained his Men’s United States Championship over Ricky Saints. Tiffany Stratton bested Jade Cargill to retain the Women’s US Championship with the help of a belt to the face by Charlotte Flair to Cargill, in a crazy finish, with multiple women popping up from under the ring apron including: Chelsea Green, Michin and B-Fab.
Photo: WWE
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SETH?
In the best match of the night, Seth Rollins defeated Bron Breakker in a steel cage match which saw both men go to extremes to take down the other. While Rollins now needs to move on to a new program away from The Vision revenge story, Breakker, who showed what a phenomenal athlete and performer he is once again, also should move on to a singles competition.
Photo: WWE
During the post-show interview on ESPN, Rollins reminded the audience what is true. He never lost the WWE championship currently held by his nemesis Roman Reigns. Seth had to vacate it due to his shoulder surgery. Will we finally be on the road to “The Shield” rematch years in the making between Reigns and Rollins, or will that need to wait till WrestleMania 43, which will also take place in Riyadh in 2027?
So many questions coming out of WWE Night of Champions! Take a look at some of the highlights below.
Now let us know, were you shocked to see Sami Zayn pin Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed World Title? Glad for Oba and Iyo? How would you grade the night? We give it a B+. Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
On the Friday, June 26 episode of General Hospital, emotional moments, a new duo on the run, the end of the line for Britt and an eye-opening moment between Anna and Felicia were the order of the day. Let’s take a look at what went down, but first let’s give a round of applause for Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Finn Carr (Rocco) on their goodbye scenes.
In the story, Rocco insists to his parents, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu (Alexa Havins) that he wouldn’t leave Tortola without Britt. Dante is getting impatient because Britt brought all the trouble in recent months to his son. They need to protect him and they can’t if he stays with Britt. Lulu tells Britt she is the only one who can do the right thing, right now.
Britt explained it is too dangerous for Rocco to stay with her. She was very selfish and made a lot of terrible decisions along the way and Cullum is tracking her down because she did not finish the project he enlisted her for. She convinces Rocco to go with his parents and gives him a little token of something that reminded her of when he was a baby which is a bottle to blow bubbles with.
Courtesy/ABC
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Rocco makes Britt promise to take her medication to ward off her Huntington’s disease symptoms and to keep changing locations so she is not caught. The two share a final hug as both are in tears. Dante makes a call. While in the car ready to leave Britt behind, Rocco says he will never forgive himself is something happened to Britt.
Back inside, Britt is ready to inject herself with her medication but is unaware that Cullum has now tainted it with poison! But she is saved from that, when two police officers burst through the door to arrest her for kidnapping charges! Did Dante call the local police? Is he doing this to keep her safe or to pay her back?
In Port Charles, Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) arrives at Crimson, completely unaware that the man in the elevator is following her. Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Charlotte have an argument about Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). Suddenly, Willow calls her mother that she is being questioned by the PCPD, and Nina learns, it is as a suspect for being the other driver that left Jordan and Curtis injured by the side of the road on Route 91.
ARRIVALS AND DESTINATIONS IN QUESTION
Chase (Josh Swickard) comes to Willow’s rescue much to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) chagrin. Willow learns Lucy and Drew are the supposed witnesses against her. Chase figures out when Joe (Jonathan Bennett) was alone with Drew, he got him to blink in a way that implicated her. However, in a shocking moment, Justine reveals that the trip log from Willow’s BMW SUV placed her at the scene of the accident just second before it occurred.
Meanwhile, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) comes by Crimson to see Charlotte. He says he broke into the WSB office to get info to expose Cullum as a double agent. Charlotte blows a gasket! She can’t believe that he would do something so stupid that it could have gotten him killed. She firmly tells Danny that best thing he can do to help Jason is to stay out of things. Danny storms out, but notices the stranger in the elevator who now steps into the Crimson lobby.
Courtesy/ABC
The man tells Charlotte he is Agent Mark McKay with the WSB and he has orders to bring her in. When she resisted, he was about to chloroform her, when Danny knocked him out and took off with Charlotte.
ANNA PUTS HER TRUST IN FELICIA
In France, after having some private time with Emma (Braedyn Bruner), Anna (Finola Hughes) wants to talk to Felicia (Kristina Wagner). She tells her best friend she was trying to figure out what memories of her past with Faison, she could trust and not trust. Since Felicia knows her best she is hoping she can believe what she is about to tell her.
It is then that Anna says, “Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is not who he says he is.” Felicia looks dumb-founded. Will she believe her friend … or think she has drummed this all up in her mind? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think about the goodbye scenes featuring Finn Carr and Kelly Thiebaud? Did you reach for the hankies? Do you believe that soon, Cassius will be caught for his duplicity and the truth about Britt’s “illness” will come to light? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below. But first check out the scenes featuring Anna on her road to recovery in France
FINALLY! The Friday, June 26 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful revealed that Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) is officially the lead designer of “Logan’s” new line, sending her mother Brooke Logan Forrester (Katherine Kelly Lang), Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and others into a tailspin!
It’s been weeks of flip-flopping for Hope, not sure if she should leave Forrester when Steffy finally told her they were putting a focus on “Hope for the Future,” in the near term. But, she finally stuck to her guns and with Liam (Scott Clifton) by her side, propping her up and making her see that even if it hurts her mother now, eventually Brooke will see what a great businesswoman her daughter has become.
As the models walk the runway at Katie’s (Heather Tom) fashion show, and as the Forresters watch the livestream (which Liam said is being watched by 4 million people?), Wyatt (Darin Brooks) shows up to tell Hope and Liam that the “rock” is ready to go.
Photo: JPI
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE DIAMOND BACK AROUND HOPE’S NECK
Suddenly, Hope is stunned when they surprise her with the “The Hope for the Future Diamond!”Liam explains that Wyatt tracked it down. They wanted her to wear it. (But isn’t this the fake diamond?) Hope is beyond touched and fastens it it around her neck as the models make their final walk.
Next, Katie takes to the runaway amid thunderous applause and introduces Deke (Harrison Cone) who takes a bow with his dad, Deacon (Sean Kanan) in the audience who stands up for his son, then realizes he is the only one doing so. He quickly sits down.
In the CEO office of Forrester where everyone is gathered, Katie announces another surprise at the show and during the livestream. She wants everyone to meet the other half of the line. And as Katie put it, “The spirit that drives it, the creative visionary with an imprint so profound that they named the collection after her… Hope by Logan!” Brooke’s jaw-drops going, “What???”
Photo: JPI
Next, Katie intros Hope wearing the ‘Hope For the Future Diamond,’ and Hope takes to the runaway and struts her stuff. Meanwhile, Brooke, who is stunned says out loud, “What are you doing there? What is happening?” We fade to black.
Are you glad Hope stuck to her guns (after all the wishy-washy-ness) and became the lead designer at “Logan?” Do you hope Hope and Brooke have a major mother/daughter blowout? Are you looking forward to a scene where Hope and Steffy have it out over this? And will Katie and Brooke have another massive fight? What did you think of the fashion? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
‘Beyond the Gates’ Set to Air Week of Encore Episodes
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
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General Hospital1 week agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
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