3 WWE events that have come full circle since Money in the Bank 2023
Money in the Bank 2024 is only a matter of days away. As one of the most eagerly anticipated Premium Live Events, excitement levels are through the roof, and fan interest is rising heading into SummerSlam season.
The landscape of WWE has changed markedly since MITB took over the O2 Arena in London last year. Roman Reigns' historic reign ended as he lost to current champion, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Randy Orton returned, and several new members of The Anoa'i Family debuted.
Yet, Many narratives have remained and some similar faces and familiar angles still dominate the spotlight.
On that note, let's look at 3 WWE events that have come full circle since Money in the Bank 2023.
#3. Bayley and IYO SKY have come full circle
Last year, DAMAGE CTRL's IYO SKY won the Women's Money in the Bank contract in a ladder match that included Bayley. The Genius of the Sky would soon cash in and become WWE Women's Champion.
However, Bayley's popularity was growing during this time, and she won the 2024 Rumble to book a date with her former protege at WrestleMania XL. As anticipated, The Role Model was ousted from the same faction she created.
Fortunately, Bayley got a sweet measure of revenge as she defeated SKY at Mania. A couple of months removed from her title win, the two former friends now find themselves in a similar position.
SKY will participate in the 2024 Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match. But, the roles are reversed in that Bayley is now the champion. WWE could decide to revisit this feud if they have SKY win the contract again this year.
#2. A year after his Money in the Bank victory, Damian Priest still has issues with Finn Balor
On July 1, 2023, Damian Priest became "Senor Money in the Bank." After waiting for 281 days, Priest cashed in on a battle-tested Drew McIntyre to become World Heavyweight Champion. This Saturday, he will defend the gold against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Priest has reached the pinnacle of his wrestling career, but a central arc of his current character remains unresolved. The Punisher of The Judgment Day is still at odds with Finn Balor.
Last year, Balor was embroiled in a World Title feud with Rollins and they battled each other at MITB 2023. Priest had won the briefcase earlier in the show, and his appearance at ringside eventually cost The Prince the match. This narrative would persist for months.
12 months later, Priest and Balor are still budding heads, especially about how to deal with Rollins. The Punisher wants to fight The Visionary alone, but The Prince wants to help out his friend. This has led to continuous disagreements. Not to forget, Priest has occasionally been hostile towards Balor.
The implosion is inevitable, but WWE must be given credit for stretching out such an intriguing and developing angle for more than a year without the fans losing excitement.
#1. The Bloodline Civil War continues to this day
Money in the Bank 2023 was heavily built around The Bloodline Civil War. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa took on The Usos, who had broken free from the Reigns-led faction. The show is best remembered for Jey Uso pinning The Tribal Chief to close the night.
Fast forward to July 2024, and The Bloodline has entered a new phase, only with the addition of several new characters with the same narrative. In the wake of Reigns' loss at Mania, Sikoa rebranded the group, enlisting Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu.
Upon weeks of pleading with Sikoa to set things straight, Paul Heyman was ousted from Sikoa's faction when he refused to acknowledge him as The Tribal Chief. Although there is no confirmation, the feeling is that Reigns will eventually return to battle his former Enforcer.
As the former Universal Champion is outnumbered, he would need to enlist some help. Enter The Usos, 2 of his most loyal comrades. Heyman will also return alongside Reigns.
Although a full-fledged Civil War will not occur at MITB, fans can anticipate that WWE will keep pivoting in that direction, and Money in the Bank 2024 will likely mark a new twist in the tale.