-- 7/18 WWE Money in the Bank PPV Reax

Norhane Samy of Cairo, Egypt (8.5): Best: Smackdown MITB match. Worst: Kelly Kelly vs. Layla. This had to be the best PPV WWE has delivered all year. The MITB concept is really appealing and interesting. I was surprised that the SD MITB match was up first, but it was the perfect way to start things off. This was a terrific contest, filled with high-paced action, impressive spots, and great entertainment. The storytelling was very solid as well and all of the angles were played out. Kane winning was really surprising and unexpected, but it was a great surprise, for sure. The Divas Title match was surprisingly pretty good. Yes, Eve still botches moves, but she continues to improve, while Alicia proved that she is a serious competitor. The Hart Dynasty-Usos match was pretty standard with good action and pace. However, it was a bit too short and there was nothing spectacular to it. The World Hvt. Title match was very solid. The action was fast and the storytelling was very good. Swagger works well with Rey and he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the ring. He's becoming the top heel on Smackdown. Kane cashing in the contract just after the match was predictable, but excellent to watch. The Layla-Kelly match was a mess and was all over the place. The Raw MITB match was really good. The cool spots were numerous and the action was very entertaining. The two standouts were Morrison and Bourne. Maryse climbing the ladder was hilarious. Miz winning wasn't too surprising, but I'm not pleased with the outcome. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Miz's work and I think he's a star, but it wasn't his time. Other people like Jericho, Morrison, or Bourne deserved the win even more than Miz did. Unfortunately, I think Miz will be the first person to unsuccessfully cash in the briefcase. The cage match with Sheamus and Cena was actually average. At first, it was really boring and the action was so slow. The pace did pick up as the match progressed, but it wasn't as good as most people probably expected. The Nexus invasion was really predictable, but it was efficient nonetheless. Sheamus once again stealing the victory was well done and I liked it. Overall, very good PPV with two excellent ladder matches and a very nice advance of the storylines for both brands.

Worth Shemwell, Torch reader (8.0): The Smackdown MITB match got things going with a good start. The match was entertaining, but the winner was far from it. I simply see Kane as a glorified jobber, and always will. I know I gave this PPV an 8.0 score, and yes, there were two Divas matches, but there's a new game I invite everyone to try out counting the botched spots. ... Swagger vs. Rey was as a decent match, but I personally don't like seeing a 150 lb. World "Heavyweight" champ beating an actual heavyweight. I don't have much to say about Kane cashing in because I simply can't take him seriously. The Usos vs. Hart Dynasty was a generic tag team match at its finest. Still, I'm happy to see WWE actually having tag teams instead of singles wrestlers thrown together. The Raw MITB match was also good. The Miz looks more like a wrestler every day. Check out his debut pictures and look at him now. I think his wrestling ability is improving and his mic skills have always been there. John Cena vs. Sheamus was your average big man match, but still good and entertaining. Nexus showed up as expected and Sheamus running away was good. I have never given a WWE PPV this high of a rating, but the whole thing was worth watching.

Richard H. of Wilmington, Ohio (7.5): Best: coin toss between two MITB matches. Worst: Kelly Kelly vs. Layla. As far as WWE PPVs go, it was pretty good. But, like most recent WWE PPVs, it was incredibly uneven. Money in the Bank is indeed "money" as far as entertainment goes. Yes, there are obvious spots and set-ups for planned stunts (why else would someone put the ladder upside down?) and the ham-handed way the red herrings fumble with the latch to release the case is really old. While Bourne, Edge, Orton, and others could not operate a simple clasp lock, Miz and Kane just whipped it right down. The stunts that these athletes perform to entertain the masses are incredible and all the risk-takers deserve a bonus. This match is the wrestling equivalent of a good roller coaster - there are lulls and rests but they just set up that mad adrenaline rush of the downhill fall. There were too many highlights in both MITB matches to list them all, but maybe WWE should keep Show's giant ladder around, as the guys can do more tricks in a safer manner. As for the ladies matches, the less said the better. Cena getting screwed over by Nexus again was totally telegraphed. This angle is also getting stale if these "Rookies" can't wrestle a match. And The Miz wins a MITB match? Really? I guess miracles do happen. Kane cashing in his case was great, especially after the slow play poker ploy. Everything else seemed like filler.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE PPV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on the PPV, click here.

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