WWE Money in the Bank 2012: World Heavyweight Championship MITB Match

[Diet Soda]

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus already knew the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match would mean he’d have a new No. 1 contender. Now, after events on SmackDown on June 29, The Great White knows five possibilities for who that contender could be.

Interim General Manager of Raw and SmackDown Vickie Guerrero announced that over the next two weeks, there will be a series of qualifying bouts to gain entry into the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Unlike the corresponding WWE Championship Contract Match – which is only open to former WWE Champions – the World Title Match is open to any Superstar who wins his qualifier.

“The Intellectual Savior to the Unwashed Masses,” Damien Sandow, was the first to punch his ticket on the June 29 edition of SmackDown. Staving off the “ignorance, mediocrity and stupidity” of fan-favorite Zack Ryder, Sandow continued his unbeaten ways, winning the most important match of his young WWE career. Will “The Enlightened One” emerge victorious in the grueling Ladder Match or is the loquacious Superstar biting off more than he can chew?

In SmackDown’s second qualifying match on June 29, Tyson Kidd picked up an upset win over a Superstar who not only previously won a Money in the Bank Ladder Match, but also successfully cashed in the contract, Jack Swagger. Pinning “The All-American American” after a back-and-forth contest, the always exciting Kidd booked himself a spot in a match where truly anything can happen.

Intercontinental Champion Christian and United States Champion Santino Marella sealed their spots in the match with a tag team victory over Cody Rhodes and David Otunga on June 29. The recently re-inspired Christian borrowed from his best friend, WWE Hall of Famer Edge, when he used a Spear to dispatch Otunga. Could either Captain Charisma or the master of The Cobra become the first dual-title holder since Ultimate Warrior?

The fearsome Tensai withstood the high-flying attacks of a game Justin Gabriel to make himself the fifth entrant in World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Massive, powerful and relentless, the Japanese import figures to play a major role in this contest, as he looks to gain a guaranteed shot at Sheamus’ title.

With five official qualifiers already, Guerrero reminded the WWE Universe that more Superstars will be added over the next two episodes of SmackDown. The more the merrier for a contest as dangerous and meaningful as the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Bit of a curveball in contrast to the star-studded WWE championship contract match counterpart. On the one hand it elevates relatively young talent to a level which they can potentially become credible title contenders, whilst on the other hand, Tensai.

Of course, in previous years we've had entrants for whom it's quite evident that they have no chance of winning the briefcase, and are just in the match for filler and spots (e.g. Heath Slater, Alex Riley, Evan Bourne). Not to diminish Tyson Kidd's chances at all, he's clearly got a lot of success coming his way, but out of all the qualifiers his insertion into the match surprised me the most since he probably has the least TV time out of all five. (And lol, he's not even a heavyweight, like)

For Damien Sandow, this will be his make or break moment. Besides his stint in FCW and the few short matches on Smackdown, he's still very much unproven to the WWE fans at large. Like Kidd, he's got a bright future, but it's too soon to be sticking big achievements on to him. You've got to remember, the Money in the Bank has more or less replaced King of the Ring's role in WWE's annual cycle of elevating mid-carders to a higher level. I don't doubt that Sandow is capable of reaching this position one day, but he should be made to climb the ladder (no pun intended) for a while longer.

Then we've got Lord Prince Tensai Train, who's been on the ladder so long we've often forget that he's there. Yes, his size and strength give him an evident advantage, but has the man ever screamed 'champion' at you? I'd be convinced if Tensai knocked off Sheamus, and they could probably provide an entertaining match in the process, but Matt Bloom's WWE career has always been debilitated by the fact that the fans en masse don't really care for him. For the life of me I can't remember if he's ever cut a promo. Ever.

Which brings me on to Christian and Santino, who already hold two championships between them. This annoys me greatly because it deprives the card of two title defences, which Santino's reign sorely needs, and Christian's feud with Cody doesn't exactly seem to be over either. Nonetheless, Christian is of course the 'ladder match veteran', and he's probably contractually obliged to compete in at least one ladder match per year or else people will stop calling him that. And Santino I'll write off, because I don't think WWE will want to face off Sheamus and Santino since it may risk turning one of their top faces.

Which is what it boils down to with the tweak to the stipulations this year; you know in advance who the briefcase winner is going to cash in on. Of course, this enables storylines to be written around a paranoid champion looking over his back for green mist or sock puppets at any given moment, but while Sheamus is the champion, it makes sense for the chaser to be a heel since the Celtic Warrior is insanely over with the little Jimmies. This, again, makes me side with Tensai, though it pains me to say it.

BUT, we're not done here yet. There are more contenders to be announced. The most we've ever had in a Money in the Bank ladder match is eight, so expect up to three more superstars to be added. Anymore would be a total clusterfuck. And there are enough superstars who are ready for that special push to fill those slots, namely Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes, and (if he returns in time) Wade Barrett.

What do you reckon?

 

[cmjericho]

Tensia? In a ladder match? Im good. In my opinion this is the worst card for a MITB match I have ever seen. Besides Christian nobody else deserves to even come close to the WHC at this point and Christian already holds the IC title. I missed smackdown was it announced there would be more people added? And did they say there would be more then one? Tensia is not over AT ALL as a heel or as anything for that matter. Tyson kid loses most of his matches and has been on superstars for the most point. Santino is, well Santino. I really like what Sandow has been doing but it is wayyy to soon. I also really hope they do not add people the likes of Brodus Clay or Otunga to the match. However I wouldnt mind at all if Barrett was back in time for him to be in the match, he surely would be the favorite and likely to win. Also if they added Barrett, Ziggler, and Rhodes then my opinion of this match would change drastically. As of now I hate the match but will come back after the final people have been added. Also, the problem with having 8 people in this match is that there isnt 4 more ex WWE champions currently on the roster to fill the WWE MITB match. I could see Del rio, Miz, and Mysterio but then who else? Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

 

[Mr. Book This Section]

Bit of a curveball in contrast to the star-studded WWE championship contract match counterpart. On the one hand it elevates relatively young talent to a level which they can potentially become credible title contenders, whilst on the other hand, Tensai.

Of course, in previous years we've had entrants for whom it's quite evident that they have no chance of winning the briefcase, and are just in the match for filler and spots (e.g. Heath Slater, Alex Riley, Evan Bourne). Not to diminish Tyson Kidd's chances at all, he's clearly got a lot of success coming his way, but out of all the qualifiers his insertion into the match surprised me the most since he probably has the least TV time out of all five. (And lol, he's not even a heavyweight, like)

For Damien Sandow, this will be his make or break moment. Besides his stint in FCW and the few short matches on Smackdown, he's still very much unproven to the WWE fans at large. Like Kidd, he's got a bright future, but it's too soon to be sticking big achievements on to him. You've got to remember, the Money in the Bank has more or less replaced King of the Ring's role in WWE's annual cycle of elevating mid-carders to a higher level. I don't doubt that Sandow is capable of reaching this position one day, but he should be made to climb the ladder (no pun intended) for a while longer.

Then we've got Lord Prince Tensai Train, who's been on the ladder so long we've often forget that he's there. Yes, his size and strength give him an evident advantage, but has the man ever screamed 'champion' at you? I'd be convinced if Tensai knocked off Sheamus, and they could probably provide an entertaining match in the process, but Matt Bloom's WWE career has always been debilitated by the fact that the fans en masse don't really care for him. For the life of me I can't remember if he's ever cut a promo. Ever.

Which brings me on to Christian and Santino, who already hold two championships between them. This annoys me greatly because it deprives the card of two title defences, which Santino's reign sorely needs, and Christian's feud with Cody doesn't exactly seem to be over either. Nonetheless, Christian is of course the 'ladder match veteran', and he's probably contractually obliged to compete in at least one ladder match per year or else people will stop calling him that. And Santino I'll write off, because I don't think WWE will want to face off Sheamus and Santino since it may risk turning one of their top faces.

Which is what it boils down to with the tweak to the stipulations this year; you know in advance who the briefcase winner is going to cash in on. Of course, this enables storylines to be written around a paranoid champion looking over his back for green mist or sock puppets at any given moment, but while Sheamus is the champion, it makes sense for the chaser to be a heel since the Celtic Warrior is insanely over with the little Jimmies. This, again, makes me side with Tensai, though it pains me to say it.

BUT, we're not done here yet. There are more contenders to be announced. The most we've ever had in a Money in the Bank ladder match is eight, so expect up to three more superstars to be added. Anymore would be a total clusterfuck. And there are enough superstars who are ready for that special push to fill those slots, namely Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes, and (if he returns in time) Wade Barrett.

What do you reckon?

I agree with your opinion on Tyson Kidd and Damain Sandow. I think personally that there will be 9 more wrestlers added. Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett and Sin Cara prehaps? Out of everyone who has been confirmed for the match I see Christian winning but then again, I say Christian will win every year. Also when it comes to Tensai being in the match, Tensai wont win. He will probably just eat the ladder.

 

[MizMark11]

Looking at it, it's strange but I like it.

Tensai will not win, he has the lowest chance of winning no matter who else they add. Tensai is just there to be a big man.

Damien Sandow could increase his stock here with a good showing. It would be cool to see him win it and carry it around for almost a whole year so he can be built up, but I don't think he'll win it. I'm also not really cheering for him either.

Tyson Kidd will provide some awesome spots and I'm glad he's finally getting a chance to shine on PPV. I think he can steal the show with a few key spots and people might even become more invested in him. I'd like to see him win, but maybe that's because I'm Canadian lol.

Santino will do what he always does. He'll hit the cobra somewhere on someone and he'll even provide some comedic spots that I don't mind. I'm expecting him to come super close(like he did when he almost won the Elimination Chamber) and the crowd will go nuts, but he won't win.

Out of these 5, I'd like Christian to win the most. Maybe have a lengthy title reign(no problem with his other ones) and he's obviously the veteran of this match.

I don't expect the winner to be one of those 5. I full expect that Wade Barrett will return on the live Smackdown and qualify before going onto winning it. I also predict that Cody Rhodes will somehow get added back into after what we saw on SD and then maybe Sin Cara as the 8th competitor. Anything over 8 is overkill.

 

[Kizzani]

This is by far the worst MITB card I have seen so far. All the dirt sheets have lead everyone to understand soon to come is a Punk/Cena feud again. Plus when was the last time cena actually lost at a PPV? The you have the WHC and it looks like a jobber convention.

Sandow reminds me of the Genuis, perfect and Maretl. All great IC champs but not quite the Heavyweight contender. He is too new and in no way has the draw like Sheamus did. He is more like Del Rio, and I doubt WWE wants to push him that high so fast.

Santino is a mark. He is funny and entertaining but he is a mark none the less. He is good for a laugh but not even close to a world title. (I would love to see him there, but won't happen)

Tyson Kidd another jobber that is finally getting a little bit of a push, but I think him making it was more important to the swagger storyline than Kidd actually having a shot. He reminds me of Sin Cara from last year, everyone wanted to see him in the match and had hopes but inside we know there is no way in hell he can win. ( his promo on fallout was enough to show he needs more mic skills)

Christian as far as I am concerned Christian is the poor mans edge and the WWE seems to be marketing him that way. Christian is the only person with a legit threat to the WHC. However with that said Christian is currently the IC champ and will most likely defend that title at the PPV. Here is the story, Christian is hurt by Rhodes in his loss forcing him to not be able to compete in the MITB match. This causes him frustration and decides to get involved in the sheamus/tensai feud leading to Sheamus/Tensai/Christian match Christian wins the title, Tensai chases in the MITB and wins leading to a Rematch of Christian and Tensai.

Tensai as seen above is the front runner here. Not due to talent, but due to how the wwe wants to use the man, fighting with Cena trying to make himself look like a legit champion contender. We all know the WWE is trying to re-package Tensai and we have a face champion. Sheamus will win at the PPV and move on to his feud with Tensai. The only way Tensai doesn't win is if he is being used the same way as Christian and is being used to give legitimacy tot he MITB match.

 

[#1Dobz92]

Don't get the Barrett predictions to win it. I always say that because I really don't get it. It's based on hope more than likelihood. There has been zero indication he's ready to return and I'm not so sure WWE are willing to bring him back from injury and put him in a ladder match.

Only other thing I can say is I don't think any of the 5 that have already qualified are going to win it. Dolph Ziggler I think will be added next week. I can also imagine Sin Cara will qualify too. The way this SD went Cody Rhodes will also get in. Ziggler and Rhodes are the clear favourites to me. The storyline at the minute with the official protest leans towards Cody winning the briefcase. But that could change.

 

[Foshinzo]

Someone will get replaced or added in.

It's not that I want them to so much as I just know that Cody Rhodes, after they make it a plot point to mention that he's filing a complaint after the tag match he lost, will get in this match, possibly beating Tyson Kidd for his spot, if anyone gets bumped.

Cody, Dolph, Orton or Wade, if he's coming back, all could make this match and would win it.

As for the current cast involved in the match, I like who they've got, pretty much. I like that Tyson Kidd is in this match. I feel like he'll be throwing some pretty good Shelton Benjamin moments out there and could really put himself on the map with the mainstream fans. Also, I think Damien Sandow will surprise some people. I'm a big fan of this guy, and I think that he too is athletic enough to provide some big spots. As for Christian, we all know what he can do in a MitB match. Santino will probably provide some pretty funny spots with the Cobra. Finally, Tensai is the one I'm apathetic towards. I don't hate Tensai as much as most people do, at least by his character, but his body type doesn't lead me to get excited about him being in a ladder match, even though Matt Bloom is enough of a veteran that I'm sure he'll pull some cool moments, too. Still though, I don't think any of these currently listed competitors will win.

 

[jared96]

Damien sandow and santino is the only 2 who dont belong so far.
im upset that cody aint in it however he may get qualified.
however santino sucks and has sucked as champion.
and damien sucks cause of his boring gimmick that disgraces all religion.
i dont mind tyson in it however swagger shouldve won.
christian & tensai deserves to be in it.
i hope the next guys
are
dolph ziggler
jack swagger
cody rhodes
sin cara

 

[James]

Tyson Kidd will get replaced with Jack Swagger via Vickie. Cody will obviously be in the match as well. I hope you all don't think WWE is going to let the next big thing miss out on this.

But let me clear this up. Basically they're doing away with the briefcase concept and making this into an elimination chamber thing minus the elimination chamber?


I guess that solves everyone complaining aboot the whole briefcase thing then.

 

[The_Midnight_Show]

I am going into the WHC MITB (as it is right now) with an open mind. Of the qualifying matches that WWE gave us last night, I agree with all the results except for perhaps the tag team match, but if Cody does make his way in, which I believe he will, then it is not as bad.

With Santino, you just know that there is going to be that Elimination Chamber moment where it is just Santino on the ladder holding the briefcase, ready to shock the world. Even though we will all see it coming, we will all, if only for a second, believe that Santino winning is a possibility.

Even though he is currently holding the IC Title, I would not be surprised to see Christian win. Christian is one of those few wrestlers who can transition between midcard and mainevent rather easily. Obviously Christian wouldn't hold both the IC and WHC title, but he has a year to lose the IC belt so it is not a huge deal. And even if Christian doesn't win, he will surely be an enjoyment to watch during the match

Damien Sandow is an interesting participant if only because of how new he is to the WWE. Typically, WWE doesn't allow a new guy trying to get over to lose so in a match where the odds are against Sandow, it'll be interesting to see what happens. I could see Sandow winning and holding on to the briefcase while he continues to try to get over (I have enjoyed his character and wrestling thus far). Sandow could cash in during the fall months and be a champion then. If Sandow doesn't win, MITB could provide an opportunity for him to develop a feud (other than the 2 week feuds they've been doing). With a bit of luck, maybe he can develop a feud with Santino and take the belt off of him. Only problem is Sandow would then be on Raw, which I don't know if I like.

Tyson Kidd is perhaps the only man I don't see winning. However, like Marella, Kidd could provide that moment where we think, just for a second, that the underdog can do it. Also, even though he may not win, this match will put Kidd in an actual spotlight for the first time since the Hart Dynasty. If Kidd puts on a good enough performance, which I don't doubt, then maybe WWE will begin inserting him into the midcard more.

Even though I am not a fan of Bloom and especially this gimmick, inserting him into the match is fine with me. Though I would hate to see it, Bloom winning is a strong possibility because he is that "monster" heel that could go up against Sheamus. Back to the match itself though, I always like to see that one big man in MITB. Adding to that, Bloom can wrestle well for a man his size.

As for people for the rest of the match, I would like to see and most likely will get to see Cody. Depending on what they are doing with Sheamus at the PPV, there is ADR and Ziggler. And the possibility for a Wade return. And Orton if his suspension is up. Any number of these five guys (A 10 man MITB would be pretty sweet), could end up in the match.

EDIT: And by Sandow being new, I mean Haddad's current gimmick

 

[Da Truth]

There's no need to over react about the guys who are in right now. The guys who will most likely when have yet to be added. They're definitely gonna add another high fly to wow the crowd, so that means Sin Cara's gonna be a participant. Then after that it'll be most likely Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, people keep saying Barrett but that's kinda iffy because he coming back from an injury to be in a very dangerous match. I hope he's in it but if not look for Randy Orton or Ryback. MITB usually has one physical like monster in the match who destroys everything, that would be a good spot for Ryback and when he doesn't win it wont make him look weak. The only thing I hate is their won't be a midcard title match at money in the back, but I understand why their there. They need a veteran in the ring to guide the match with Christian. Plus, whether you like him or not Santino is way over. Remember the pops he got at RR last year and elimination chamber this year. Hopefully Santino drops the title befor the ppv.

 

[xavyer]

I think they will ad a few more guys and replace some of the current guys, Tyson Kidd will remain in the match simply because they need a high flyer guy for the match, i think later down the road Santino will be replaced by Swagger or Cody Rhodes, and they are leaving Wade Barret a a surprise because of the IWC, always spoiling it, he will be a participant at the last minute, or he probably beat the hell out of Santino right before the match, i love Santino, but honestly i don't see him as part of this match, and of course, Ziggler one way or another he will be included into this match, and this match will have 8 participants, here are the participants:

*Christian.
*Tensai.
*Tyson Kidd.
*Damien Sandow.
*Cody Rhodes.
*Jack Swagger.
*Dolph Ziggler?
*Wade Barret.

I put a question marc on Ziggler, because Randy Orton might return by then and be in it....

 

[Diet Soda]

To those saying Orton might be involved, sorry to burst your bubble but his suspension will not be over until the end of July, and the Money in the Bank PPV is on the 15th. Randy Orton will not be in the match.

 

[TheNewAgeOutlaw]

it may sound stupid but i think this match will steal the show. i dont know why!?

I know tensai is just there to be the big man but i mean CHRISTIAN and TYSON KIDD!!!!!

 

[The Dragon Saga]

Love the way this match has turned out thus far, and with more qualifiers to be added, has some serious potential.

Damien Sandow is a great heel, they've done well to establish him without having him compete weekly, simply promos and a God complex has made him a great heel. Christian could have a four star match with a broomstick, has a history of performing in Ladder matches. Tyson Kidd's addition is a very nice surprise, very deserving of a break, has performed to a very good consistent level on NXT and Superstars throughout the months, plus a good showing in the Battle Royal at Over the Limit. Tensai adds a unique aspect compared to the others with his strength and size, while Santino adds somebody the fans can get behind and he'll surely bring some comedy to the bout.

As for potential additions, Cody Rhodes is somebody I suspect will/could be added. And Wade Barrett is due to return. He even mentioned on Twitter that "the winds of change are blowing once more," so I have a suspicion he'll return during next Tuesday's live Smackdown. As DS pointed out, Randy Orton won't be featuring.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I love how some people are automatically just writing this match off. It should make it all the more fun when it turns out to be an extremely entertaining match in which several fresh faces can potentially deliver some memorable, breakout moments.

The card for the WHC MITB match thus far definitely has some surprises, though I can't say that's a bad thing. The WWE is short on top guys right now, so this is an opportunity for some young guys to really shine. Sandow is a star in the making. He's got all the tools to someday be a top heel on the roster. Tyson Kidd was surprise of the night to me. I thought they did a good job of telling his story on commentary last night and his match with Swagger was a very entertaining contrast of styles. I'd love to see those two get a 15 minute match at some point down the line. Kidd's always been talented in the ring, so he can go places if he works up a personality & character that fans can get behind in the long run. I figured Tensai would win his match against Gabriel, though Gabriel did much better than I thought he would. These matches often need a monster & Tensai can provide that. I know some people are s******ing about Santino being involved but, as others have pointed out, he delivered a great performance in the Elimination Chamber match back in February. There'll be a couple of very close moments, I'm betting, and the fans will be going nuts at the tease of Santino winning MITB. It's almost a certainty that he won't win, but I think they'll do a helluva job making you think, at least a few times, that he's going to pull it off. During those moments, it'll look like he has it and you'll be torn between elation & disappointment because while Santino is over and works his ass off, most won't like the idea of comedy mid-carder being MITB winner in the long run. As for Christian, he's there to lend some credibility to the match as a whole. He's got the ability, he's been in tons of ladder matches, etc.

Last year, I think there were 8 competitors in all, so I'm guessing that there'll be that many this time around as well. According to an article on the WZ main page, there could be as many as 4 more, bringing the total to 9 in all. Dolph Ziggler will almost certainly be one of those 4 I think. If Ziggler gets in, which I think he will, then it's his match to win. Del Rio is also a possibility, but I think he'll ultimately get his 1 on 1 match for the WHC against Sheamus at the ppv instead. Given Rhodes' reaction as to being on the losing team last night, they might put him in a match where he's given another chance and winds up earning a spot.

All in all, it'll be interesting to see what goes down and ultimately who'll be involved. I'm keeping an open mind about this as it could lead to some big moments for some of the fresh faces involved.

 

[The Ghost of Benoit]

Im really looking foward to this match, I dont like the idea of Tensai and Santino taking away 2 spots from the younger guys. Im hoping there isnt 9 guys in this match because it will be too cluttered. A ladder match should have 6 max.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Obviously the participants in this match expose how pointless the match is. But at the same thime there's variety and the outcome will be more interesting than that of the Raw match.

Cody Rhodes is kicking up a stink about not being in the match. That'd lead me to believe he finds himself in this match somehow and eventually goes on to win it. Then again, they did the same thing with McIntyre and he didn't. So who knows/cares!

 

[thebarber]

Although I would love to see Christian finally win a MITB and get around as the smug creepy little bastard with the briefcase, I see him staying face for the rest of his career.
As Wade Barrett was booked to win the MITB at Mania until he got injured and they scrapped the match, I see Barrett being entered into the match and winning it. The 5 that have been announced will not win it, the only other guy I can see being entered and winning who is yet to be named and is on Smackdown is Cody Rhodes. I do not feel he is ready yet to be a main event player, but given the opportunity to run with the briefcase, it could be the thing he is missing.

 

[3:16]

The WHC MITB is going to be lame. Damien Sandow? Kidd? Tensai? Santino? Really. SMH. I don't know why they put Sandow in. I'm not impressed with him what so ever. At the same time it is way too soon to put him in a match like that. And when was the last time Kidd has been relevant. Tensai....I guess. I feel like WHC MITB could have better star power in it. Hopefully in the next coming weeks we actually see Dolph getting into it as well as ADR and hopefully Wade. But so far I will not watch this ladder match

 

[ultramattman]

Don't underestimate Damien Sandow in this match. I have him as my dark horse candidate to win the briefcase. Remember, the MITB winner doesn't have to be world champion material right now. They can wait months or even a year to get ready for it.

The MITB briefcase is essentially a title - you carry it to the ring with you, the announcers talk about it while you're wrestling, it associates you with a string of past champions - the only difference is that you don't defend it with matches. You can only represent it with promos. That last part is crucial - whoever holds the briefcase has to be good at promos. The best recent example is Miz, who won it at the first MITB PPV and talked about it for months before cashing in on Randy Orton.

From this angle, Sandow makes a tremendous amount of sense. He's already got high-level promo chops, and his character is all about boasting his superiority while refusing to get his hands dirty. The MITB briefcase fits hand-in-glove with what Sandow does. He's also more experienced than people realize, I think he's ready to hold a midcard title, which is essentially what MITB is.

Also, I think the WWE Title briefcase - whoever wins it - is going to be used pretty quickly. With Cena, Jericho, and Big Show involved, there's no need for a long run, just use it to quickly set up the next storyline. That leaves the WHC briefcase for a long run and also lets them potentially sneak it onto a surprise winner.

Dolph Ziggler and Wade Barrett (if available) remain the obvious favorites, but that obviousness alone may tempt them to go with the shocker.

 

[Diet Soda]

Don't underestimate Damien Sandow in this match. I have him as my dark horse candidate to win the briefcase. Remember, the MITB winner doesn't have to be world champion material right now. They can wait months or even a year to get ready for it.

This is an incredibly good point, actually. Though the stipulation of the "year-long" opportunity was more significant when the Money in the Bank matches were held at Wrestlemania, it would be a great addition to Damien Sandow's current character if he were to hold the briefcase, but never cash it in
as he though his opponents (the would-be defending champion) was unworthy. Until, of course, the moment was right when he'd stalk his prey ready to strike. With this idea in mind, WWE could really build Sandow as a cunning, dastardly heel.

 

[TheHeartbreakPunk]

Surprisingly I haven't seen many mentions of Cody rhodes here. I think the next people will be Cody, dolph, and zack Ryder, with dolph or cody taking it home. I would actually rather see Cody take it because when it comes down to him and dolph, I like ziggler more, but I would rather see Cody with the world title and have ziggler be in the wwe picture more. I think they should give dolph more time to have a feud or two, maybe with Rey mysterio, and another big face, have him win all of them, and then he can go into the title picture.

 

[HBsam31]

With the edition of Dolph Ziggler I see him winning this. I have said before that I think this will be the win that will lead to a significant title reign for him. I would like to see him win a couple of feuds with the briefcase before cashing it in to win the title. Seems like they been wanting to pull the trigger on him and MITB may finally be the start of it.

 

[Giddy]

I think the two favorites are Ziggler and Cody. I think both will be main eventing in the near future, it all depends on who WWE thinks needs the briefcase more to get over.