Money In The Bank, really is the best PPV of the year so far. It put Elimination Chamber to shame. The entire card was solid, even the Diva's and Big Show/Mark Henry were kept short in order to emphasise their strengths and cover for any weaknesses.
The Smackdown MITB match was total nonstop action (excuse the pun). Sin Cara took a sick bump onto the ladder which seems to write him off for a while until they can sort out this trademark dispute. Daniel Bryan as winner was very surprising, my initial thought was to go with Cody (Sheamus being the obvious) as he's been building momentum as of late. However, Bryan as winner gives me no complaints, however heres to wondering if WWE will actually award him the title. The RAW MITB match outcome was predictable, but the match itself contained a lot of unpredictable elements. Each man starting off with a ladder as a weapon (and then using them to attack Del Rio) was a fun way to kick the match off. Evan Bourne, meanwhile pulled the stunt of the night by nailing a shooting star press onto the other competitors from a "Jeff Hardy" style ladder. Miz seemed to be injured, only to return near the end of the match, frantically hopping to the ring and up the ladder. A shorter, but nonetheless fun effort.
The Christian vs Randy Orton match was a good solid outing, marred by the cheap finish. Although it made sense to have Christian go over and win the title, it makes him look weak (even from a heel pov) to have won the title following a DQ victory. Nonetheless these two mean delivered all throughout and Orton's "breakdown" following the decision was brilliant executed, including playing to the crowds requests to RKO Christian on the table "one more time"!
CM Punk vs John Cena was up next and Punk recieved one of the biggest pops of the year, whilst Cena was booed perhaps more than had ever been before. The crowd was solidly into this match. What I noticed about Cena in this match was that he decided to wrestle a more old school wrestling style, utilising holds such as the abdominal stretch, armlocks and performing takedowns. This was a welcome change and went well in contrast to Punk's offense. Punk played the match like a classic babyface, neglecting to break the rules or use the ropes, for example to his advantage. Following Punk escaping from the STF twice, the second time after reversing it into the Anaconda Vice, Cena hit the AA. Punk kicked out and managed to connect with the GTS, although he hit Cena in the ribs and forced him out of the ring. Punk got Cena back into the ring and was hit with another AA, however Punk got the shoulder up and the crowd exploded. Following another stalemate, Vince McMahon and Johnny Ace walked to the ring, as Vince suggested they "rang the bell", however Cena punched out Johnny Ace and told Vince "I'm doing this my way". As Cena renentered the ring, Punk caught him with a kick and hit the GTS, before covering him and getting the 3. The crowd exploded as Vince reminded as why he is one of the most convincing heels with a look of absolute disgust and horror! Punk celebrated in the ring with the WWE championship, before Vince made his way to ringside.
Vince, putting on a headset demanded that Alberto Del Rio come to the ring and cash in. ADR did just that and was swiftly met with a right hand from Punk, since the referee never rang the bell, Punk escaped through the crowd, blowing a kiss to McMahon as the Chairman looked absolutely horrified.
Money In The Bank was an example of superb booking on WWE's part. Punk and Cena beyond delivered and despite Cena's limitations as an in ring performer, he really made the effort to work on Punk's level. Despite not being a fan of Cena, I respect the guy for the sheer amount of work he puts in, whether it be appearing more than any other performer on the roster, to his charity work or his work with the armed forces he is a real hard worker. This showed tonight when he wrestled a 33 minute match to a very respectable standard, utilising moves and revearsals that we hadn't seen from him before. It wasn't only this, he really sold for Punk, despite the difference in size between the two men, it actually looked as if Punk was beating the crap out of Cena (just check the jumping knees on the ropes) and he helped the hometown hero look like a real headliner, finally!
It seems as if Punk has re-signed with the company and has finally been promoted to the ultimate position. WWE probably won't be able to keep Punk as heel after last night!
