Money in the Bank news roundup: Potential change in plans for Roman Reigns, top champion shockingly pinnedÂ
Welcome to a promising edition of the Money in the Bank Roundup, where we look at the biggest pieces of news and rumors related to the show. Today's list looks at WWE being forced to change plans for the biggest return of the year.
Additionally, three superstars advanced to the Money in the Bank ladder matches after winning their respective qualifiers on SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let's get to the biggest MITB stories that have dominated the WWE headlines over the last few hours.
#1 WWE reportedly delaying Roman Reigns' return
WWE fans are eagerly waiting for Roman Reigns to return as is evident with the "We want Roman" chants that are growing louder every week. The latest edition of SmackDown saw the Solo Sikoa-run Bloodline attack Paul Heyman after he refused to acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief. The WWE legend chose to remain loyal to Reigns and paid the price.
Many expect that the attack on Heyman was the last straw, and the original Head of the Table would now come back to reclaim his position. However, the latest reports claim that Roman Reigns' return might be delayed after the tragic demise of his father and legendary wrestler, Sika Anoa'i, earlier this week. Fans were hoping to see him walk out at the end of the 6-man tag team match that will see Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton join forces to take on The Bloodline.
However, those plans may now be delayed. Sikoa has officially declared himself the Tribal Chief and introduced Jacob Fatu as his Enforcer. The Bloodline has turned brutal since Sikoa took over and it is widely believed that only Roman Reigns can put an end to his arrogance.
#2 LA Knight pins Logan Paul to win the Money in the Bank qualifier on SmackDown
This week's episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed an epic Money in the Bank qualifier match in which LA Knight, Santos Escobar, and the reigning United States Champion Logan Paul locked horns for a spot in the Men's Ladder Match. The entertaining bout saw all three superstars display a dominant showing which eventually ended in Knight's victory.
Interestingly, the fastest-rising megastar pinned Logan Paul to advance to the Men's MITB Ladder Match. The champion had previously denied Knight a title shot but the latter now has a legitimate claim at challenging for the United States Championship. If LA Knight doesn't win the MITB briefcase, he could challenge Logan Paul for the United States Championship at SummerSlam.
#3 Naomi and Tiffany Stratton advance to Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This week's episode of WWE SmackDown confirmed every name from the blue brand that will compete in the Men's and Women's Money in the Bank Ladder matches. The episode featured two women's MITB qualifier matches. The first saw Tiffany Stratton beat Jade Cargill and Candice LeRae to advance to the MITB Ladder Match.
Later in the night, Naomi defeated Blair Davenport and Indi Hartwell to book a spot for herself in the 6-woman bout for the coveted briefcase. It is worth noting that Naomi revealed her plans to cash in the Money in the Bank contract on WWE Women's Champion Baley while the two were talking backstage. Although Bayley was concerned, she chose to wholeheartedly support Naomi and wished her the best ahead of the aforementioned qualifier.