Complete Guide to WWE Money in the Bank 2013

Money in the Bank - The night where two men will almost guarantee themselves of winning a World title, but in order to do so, they must take on the mammoth challenge of climbing a ladder, trying to see off six other opponents and retrieve a briefcase that will rocket them to stardom in the WWE...

It's the ladder to success.

The Money in the Bank ladder matches will be part of a stacked card that will take place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championships are also on the line, as two very storied rivalries epitomize over the Gold. And not to mention, the return of Rob Van Dam...

Viewing information
Date: Sunday 14 July 2013
Time: 8pm EST/7pm CT (US) 1am (UK) International Timezones
WATCH:
United Kingdom: Sky Sports 3
USA: Box Office (see local provider)
International: See here
You can also stream LIVE on WWE.com

Social media information
Official Hashtag: #MITB
Official Account(s): @WWE, @WWEUniverse

Graphics collated from WWE.com

This article is complete preview of the Money in the Bank event, including social media, videos, photos, news, Prediction:s, opinions and much much more.

WWE Money in the Bank Kick-Off Show: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins (c) vs. The Usos - WWE Tag Team Championship

We're kicking things off with a bang at Money in the Bank. The Shield's Tag Team titles are in the biggest danger of the reign thus far as they battle the up & coming Usos who have emerged as a big danger to the Tag Team Champions.

The Usos secured shots at the titles after they prevailed in a Triple Threat Tag-Team match and four days after the win they teamed with Christian to defeat The Shield - clean. This gave The Usos a major advantage mentally but The Shield broke even, when they won the rematch on the July 1 episode of RAW.

Reigns and Rollins' argument is that The Usos rely on luck, but The Shield are dominant - the latter statement of which can definitely be agreed upon considering the damage The Shield have done since their emergence in November last year.

Opinion: WWE's decision to put this match on the kick-off show is questionable, but looking at the card it is understandable. This match on the pre-show does not really degrade the match at all, it was just an overflowing card and this match was the most suitable to put on it. I think this is one of the best pre-show matches in recent memory, and it will be a great way to start off.

Prediction:: I am expecting a fine match with two of the best current tag teams in the WWE. As this rivalry has been quite short, I expect that this is not the last match between these two teams that we're going to see. I predict that The Usos will come close but The Shield will just get the win at just the beginning off a Summer feud. The Shield def. The Usos via Pinfall.

Watch: YouTube.com/WWE
Time: 7:30pm ET, 12:30am BST (Half an hour before main card)

The Usos wrestling lineage is definitely showing with their great talent as a tag team. But will they be able to walk away with the Gold and beat Reigns and Rollins?

The Miz vs. Curtis Axel (c) - Intercontinental Championship

Curtis Axel has indeed had a 'Perfect' start to his WWE career, scoring wins over John Cena and Triple H, whilst also capturing the Intercontinental Championship less than a month into his new career. At Money in the Bank, he goes one-on-one with The Miz.

At WWE Payback on June 16th, Curtis Axel was crowned Champion after prevailing in a Triple Threat against The Miz and Wade Barrett. The third-generation superstar scored the pinfall when The Miz was inches away from victory when he had Barrett in the Figure-Four Leg Lock.

The Miz has been chasing the Gold for quite a while, and his desire for the belt is evident. The Miz previously held the title at WrestleMania but lost the title the day after. He definitely has a statement to make, but against a rising star like Curtis Axel, it is a challenge to say the least.

A match like this can prove Curtis Axel's credibility as Champion, meanwhile a win for The Miz will help him get back to winning ways.

Opinion: Many people are getting bored of The Miz being around the Intercontinental title picture. He has been on and off with this title since October last year, and chasing the other midcard title in between that time. It is a good match to see Curtis Axel develop in, but The Miz would have been better off in a ladder match. Unless Barrett is booked to win the Money in the Bank ladder match, he would have been better off facing Axel in a more intriguing contest. Expect a great performance by Curtis Axel, though.

Prediction: This could be the last time in a long time that The Miz is around the Intercontinental Championship, I expect Axel to put on a strong performance for the win, and The Miz goes elsewhere. Curtis Axel def. The Miz via Pinfall.

Will Money in the Bank prove a major cash-in for The Miz? Or will Curtis Axel continue onto a 'Perfect title reign?

Chris Jericho vs. Ryback 

Chris Jericho and Ryback both feel they deserve to be in the Money in the Bank All-Stars match. Tensions developed between them when they stormed into the office of interim General Manager Vickie Guerrero asking to be in the match, a dispute that developed into the booking of a contest. At Money in the Bank, it will be a tale of Veteran vs. Monster, as Chris Jericho battles Ryback.

At the previous PPV, WWE Payback both Jericho and Ryback lost in very high-profile matches. They now will step into the ring and square off in what has been a very intense rivalry.

Ryback however is coming off a much bigger slump. The Human Wrecking Ball has failed to win at a WWE pay-per-view event dating back to WWE Hell in a Cell. His lack of momentum is evident with his constant frustration building each day, and Chris Jericho looks to teach him a lesson at Money in the Bank. Ryback has weaknesses - it's clear. 

And what''s even clearer is his knee injury that he is currently suffering, well exploited by Jericho who mercilessly gave a Code-Breaker to Ryback after he called his match off due to injury. This is one interesting feud that looks to be settled at Money in the Bank.

Opinion: WWE could have easily adopted the option of booking Chris Jericho in one ladder match and Ryback in the other. However, the logistics of that could lack because Ryback is unlikely to win. Ryback could be approaching the point of no return in terms of damage to his WWE record, so a match with Jericho is ideal because it shall allow Ryback to show his talent again in a good match. It also adds an important essence to a very stacked card.

Prediction: Chris Jericho will definitely make Ryback look like a star at WWE Money in the Bank. Jericho will show everyone that Ryback has talents and a win for Ryback over the veteran will get him back on track. Ryback def. Chris Jericho via Pinfall. 

Will Chris Jericho be able to teach Ryback a valuable lesson? Or will the Human Wrecking Ball clinch his first PPV win since October last year?

AJ Lee (c) vs. Kaitlyn - Diva's Championship

Things are personal between former-friends AJ Lee and Kaitlyn. AJ Lee has gradually made her way towards the Diva's Championship, and her biggest advantage was mind games. Two personal rivals battle over the Diva's title in Philadelphia this Sunday.

#StillLookingForAJ
— Kaitlyn (@KaitlynWWE) July 7, 2013

AJ Lee captured the Diva's Championship at WWE Payback and it was a monumental moment in her career. Since then, both have tried to get the advantage of one other, including imposters, fake modelling images and brawling - it has been a wild ride on the road to WWE Money in the Bank.

Opinion: This rivalry has been interesting and this is probably one of the most serious Diva feuds in recent memory. It should be another good match.

Prediction:: AJ Lee will retain, leaving Kaitlyn distraught after an outbreak gets her disqualified. This could possibly trigger a heel turn for Kaitlyn or develop a new rivalry with another Diva, possibly Layla. AJ Lee def. Kaitlyn via Disqualification.

Will Kaitlyn get back on track after AJ Lee got the best of her? Or will the reign continue?

Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler - World Heavyweight Championship


The night after WrestleMania was the night this rivalry began. Dolph Ziggler cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and won the World Heavyweight Championship. And one year later after winning the briefcase, his success is evident as he is fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship.

An unexpected concussion left Ziggler out of action for the Extreme Rules pay-per-view on May 19.

When he defended his Gold at WWE Payback Alberto Del Rio launched a savage attack that evoked Ziggler's previous head injuries, and Del Rio won the title.

It was a shocker to the WWE Universe, and fuel to the fire for Ziggler.
The loss had left Dolph Ziggler angrier than ever with the ambition to recapture the Gold that meant so much to him. Ziggler will get his rematch at Money in the Bank, and he is ready for it.

Meanwhile the World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio has went from fan favorite to savage villain within weeks, and his chances in the match are further depleted by the absence of his personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, who was suspended for 30 days.

Ziggler is looking strong, meanwhile Del Rio has some desire to win also thus creating a well-fought match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Opinion: Yes, we may have seen this match numerous times in the past but this seems to have quite a lot more meaning. The content of this match could be better now, and I do believe this is the penultimate contest between the two for this saga.

Prediction: This match is hard to predict. Will the World title switch hands again? Or will Ziggler wait till SummerSlam to recapture the Gold - if he does at all? This, with the prospect of a possible cash-in after the match creates an exciting situation. I have a feeling Ziggler will get the win, because if he does not then he may win at a later time, thus creating another rematch. Not too sure, though. Dolph Ziggler def. Alberto Del Rio via Pinfall.

Will Dolph Ziggler get the redemption after his precious Gold was taken from him? Or will The Mexican Aristocrat leave the Wells Fargo Center with the World Heavyweight Championship?

John Cena vs. Mark Henry - WWE Championship

Retirement. The words that everyone believed Mark Henry was announcing when he fooled the WWE Universe on the 17th July edition of RAW.

When John Cena concluded his promo about his match at Payback, Mark Henry entered and he told the WWE Universe that he was retiring. He had everyone believing in an Academy Award worthy retirement speech. 

When he finished, John Cena came back into the ring to hold Henry's hand up in tribute to his career, then when he went for a hug, the WWE Universe were shocked but enthralled when Mark Henry gave John Cena a World's Strongest Slam.

This would be the start of a rivalry over the most coveted prize in sports entertainment, bringing up the discussions about respect and it has developed a unique situation.

It is a rarity that John Cena goes into a match where he is not the strongest, but this is exactly the situation between Mark Henry and John Cena.

Mark Henry has gained numerous and psychological advantages over John Cena, including the aftermath of the Champion vs. Champion match on Episode 1049 of Monday Night RAW, when he gave the WWE Championship to John Cena who was shaken up and clearly in fear of Henry, a very telling moment ahead of the WWE Championship match at Money in the Bank.

Henry also prevailed on RAW when he gave a World's Strongest Slam to John Cena in their final face-to-face confrontation before the event. Mark Henry and John Cena have previously wrestled in Philadelphia on the 19th March 2012 edition of RAW, where John Cena won, then The Rock sent a message to John Cena.

But on this stage it is different. The WWE title hangs in the balance with Mark Henry looking more dangerous than ever, and he has an advantage over John Cena that could very well make him the WWE Champion.

Opinion: This match is interesting because Mark Henry is getting the shot he deserves, but I feel this is just seen as an 'obstacle' on Cena's path rather than a chance for Mark Henry. What I mean is that this is not being portrayed as a monumental title shot for Mark Henry, but a huge challenge for Cena where the odds are against him. Mark Henry deserves to win, but he won't. I hope his day for victory comes soon, but I feel that WWE are not going to do it yet, unfortunately. Should be an interesting match regardless, but the addition of a stipulation would up the ante in this match and make it more serious. This match may be predictable but still excited. Good to go along with some other great matches on the card.

Prediction:: Mark Henry will make it an uphill climb for John Cena to retain, but he will retain. John Cena will show some amazing feat of strength to retain the title, and Henry will be denied of the WWE Championship reign he deserves. John Cena def. Mark Henry via Pinfall.

Will The World's Strongest Man finally get his hands on the WWE Championship? Or will John Cena be able to triumph and keep his title reign in tact?

Money in the Bank Ladder Match: World Heavyweight Championship Contract

Hanging above the ring in the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia will be a briefcase containing a contract that will entitle the winner to cash-in on a shot at the title wherever and whenever they wish.

And with this Money in the Bank ladder match, we are looking ahead to the future, as seven of the WWE's future stars battle it out to get the fast track to success in the WWE, by retrieving the briefcase.

Dean Ambrose, Fandango, Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow - seven hungry competitors - will get the chance to near-guarantee a sot at the World Heavyweight Championship.

Four men that may have an advantage are the teams within the Ladder match. Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes have been part of the tag team Team Rhodes Scholars for quite a while now, meanwhile Zeb Colter has provided a fundamental foundation for the brutal alliance of Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro. 

And the odds are further exemplified for Swagger based on experience, as the fomer World Heavyweight Champion won the Money in the Bank at WrestleMania 26 and successfully cashed it in on Jericho later that year. Swagger's experience factor is imperative when he steps into the ring with six other hungry superstars.

However, Team Rhodes Scholars are at a slump right now with a lengthy losing streak, will they get back to business at Money in the Bank?

Antonio Cesaro, Fandango and Dean Ambrose will be very new to the Money in the Bank ladder match as they compete in their first ever Money in the Bank ladder matches respectively. 

Meanwhile Cody Rhodes has come close on a numerous amount of times to winning the match, notably last year when he came short of Dolph Ziggler. Dean Ambrose could be the wildcard in this factor, what if his fellow Shield members get involved to give him the win?

Plus, you cannot guarantee that teams will remain in tact. When you are competing for a size of such a caliber, teams are not really something to maintain during such a match.

There is a terrific contrast of elements within this match. You have the power and brutality with superstars such as Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger meanwhile Dean Ambrose has the ability to climb the ladder and get the win. Likewise, Fandango and Rhodes Scholars' cunning antics could be something to watch out for.

Opinion: I am really excited for both ladder matches. This one in particular is very hard to predict. These superstars are going to go all out to put on an excellent ladder match, and the WWE Universe is abuzz. Calling this match is hard, I just cannot wait to sit back and watch these superstars put on an amazing match, and one will prevail as the next future star.

Prediction: This is extremely hard to predict. I think that The Shield will help Dean Ambrose to win. But, I have a feeling that Wade Barrett was put into this match for a reason, that is why he was not booked to face Curtis Axel at the event. I am going to predict Ambrose to win this one though. Dean Ambrose wins with the help of The Shield.

Seven superstars. One opportunity to get a Golden ticket so success. Ambrose, Cesaro, Barrett, Swagger, Fandango, Rhodes and Sandow... Who will climb the ladder to success?

Money in the Bank Ladder Match: All-Stars

The WWE Championship - the most coveted prize in sports entertainment. And at Money in the Bank, the stakes are high, literally, as seven of WWE's best explode into one ring where a Golden opportunity at the WWE Championship hangs in the balance.

CM Punk, Sheamus, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Christian, Daniel Bryan, (Kane's replacement, if any) and the returning Rob van Dam will compete in a star-studded Money in the Bank Ladder match that will indeed be a classic.

Best in the World, CM Punk has a right to claim the most spotlight heading into this match, with two consecutive Money in the Bank Ladder match wins at WrestleMania 24 and WrestleMania 25. The Straight Edge Savior is also on some good momentum ever since his return at WWE Payback - and everyone is waiting for the inevitable moment when he locks horns with Rob Van Dam.

You have the ladder expert, Christian. A man of who has climbed ladders throughout his storied WWE career, achieving the best of successes, except for the Money in the Bank. His experience will play a vital factor for him trying to get "ONE. MORE. MATCH."

The Celtic Warrior Sheamus has had his past experience with the Money in the Bank. Notably, he broke Sin Cara through a ladder at the 2011 Money in the Bank Ladder match, and wants to get his hands back on the Gold.

One danger that has emerged is from the Viper, Randy Orton. A lethal strike can give him the edge, with Orton competing in his big share of Money in the Bank ladder matches. The Viper looks to go all the way this time and win the Money in the Bank.

Kane will not not compete at Money in the Bank. If he is replaced it could be Big Show, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, maybe even Ryback or Jericho, or another surprise. The Big Red Monster's absence at the All-Stars match could open up new possibilities for the match. 

Rob Van Dam will return to the WWE in Philadelphia to partake in this star-studded match. RVD is a ladder veteran, and his Money in the Bank credentials speak for themselves, winning it at WrestleMania 22 and cashing it in on John Cena to become the first ever WWE and ECW Champion. Rob Van Dam is the wildcard in the match but there is no doubt that everyone is excited to see him back in a WWE ring. He also has a history with Kane, after being a former tag team partner who was attacked by Kane. Rob Van Dam returns at Money in the Bank, and the WWE Universe is in anticipation.

Finally, you have Daniel Bryan. This guy has been on a roll as of late, and made a bold statement at the end of the July 8 edition of RAW when he attacked CM Punk and Randy Orton to conclude RAW with YES! YES! YES! Daniel Bryan will make this match insane, and everyone is excited for what he will do, as he attempts to win his second Money in the Bank Ladder match.


It sure is going to be on superb Money in the Bank Ladder match. The WWE Championship will have a new #1 prime contender for the Gold after one triumphs from a cast of WWE's finest superstars.

The excitement is sky high, with anticipation of Rob Van Dam's return and all the combustible elements. What insane acts will Daniel Bryan get involved in? Does Rob van Dam still have it to cash in? Will CM Punk retrieve the briefcase for a record sixth time? There are so many questions.

Many questions, only one question can have a definitive answer - Will Money in the Bank All-Stars be a classic? You bet.

What an excellent match we are in store for, it is going to be one hell of a match for the WWE Championship contract.

Opinion: I am unbelievably excited for this match. Rob van Dam's return is going to be huge along with this whole match. These superstars are elite, and it is going to show when they put it all on the line at the Wells Fargo Center. Hoping that we get Rob van Dam and CM Punk one-on-one in the ring for a while to have an extreme showdown. So many combustible elements, so much possibilities for an instant classic.

Prediction: Another hard match to predict. Dirt Sheets have allegedly claimed that Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena is "Locked" for SummerSlam, as if it is an uncertainty. Does this mean Daniel Bryan will win the contract? Maybe. But I think many people's judgements are being clouded by the possibly spoilers. CM Punk would be a great person to win, but I don't think he will as he will face Brock Lesnar presumably. And the WWE Championship will have a relatively quick cash-in, within a month or so, it won't work that way. Brock Lesnar's interference would be amazing but too far fetched and maybe unnecessary  with a card packed with great stars and matches. Rob van Dam is another hopeful. My two bold Prediction:s going into this match are for Rob van Dam and Daniel Bryan. My judgement is swaying towards Daniel Bryan slightly more. Daniel Bryan wins.

Seven superstars enter. One simple objective.

Climb the ladder, outdo the other all-stars and retrieve a briefcase for your Golden ticket to the WWE Championship. Its going to be one epic contest.

Who will walk away with the Golden shot at the title?

Full match card

• WWE Tag Team Championship: Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins (c) vs. The Usos
• WWE Diva's Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Kaitlyn
• Chris Jericho vs. Ryback
• World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
• WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Mark Henry
• Money in the Bank Ladder Match: World Heavyweight Championship Contract
• Money in the Bank All-Stars

A

Money in the Bank is sure to be a great night. Known as the 'City of Brotherly Love', Philadelphia will have no brotherly love when the WWE lets superstars uses ladders to climb to success. A stacked card with the potential to be a classic that will have a 
lasting impact into the Summer.