10 Early Contenders To Win WWE Money In The Bank 2017

8. Rusev

sami zayn money in the bank
WWE.com

Having joined SmackDown as part of the Superstar Shake-Up, Rusev made his first appearance for the blue brand earlier this week. Though currently sidelined through injury, ‘The Bulgarian Brute’ demanded a title shot by Money In The Bank, stating that if he isn’t granted one, he’ll head back to his homeland.

Throwing Rusev straight into a title scene seems unlikely, but putting him in Money In The Bank would be a great compromise. Having spent the past few years as a glorified whipping boy, the match would give Rusev the opportunity to completely redeem himself, return to his former dominance, and allow him to finally become a major player in WWE’s main event scene.

SmackDown’s writers have developed a habit of turning ailing careers around since the 2016 draft, and there’s a great deal of optimism surrounding Rusev’s switch to team blue. The show’s lack of quality heels means he’ll have the opportunity to impress sooner or later, but will it happen at Money In The Bank?

It’s a long shot, but as the first wrestler to mention the event on air, perhaps the big man is trying to tell us something...

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.