Analyzing Each Potential WWE Money In The Bank 2017 Winner
1. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura is one of Triple H’s most high-profile acquisitions as part of his neverending talent raid of the world, and it’s clear WWE have high hopes for him. Were he to win Money in the Bank, he would immediately have that credibility many say was chipped away from him due to an underwhelming debut. In addition, it would create a huge buzz, and you could build the tension for months as to when he’ll finally become world champion. It would be anticipation you wouldn’t find with the others on this list (save maybe for Sami).
Or, given Nakamura’s previous high status in New Japan, you have the opportunity to lift one of their storytelling tropes. Instead of having Shinsuke make a surprise cash-in, he announces that his title opportunity will take place at WrestleMania, much like how in Japan, the winner of the G1 Climax Tournament gets a briefcase containing a contract for a world title match at Wrestle Kingdom. And if the WWE Champion by that point happens to be, say, John Cena or AJ Styles, you have a big money match.
But of course, any question marks that surround Shinsuke as Mr. Money in the Bank are the same that surround him as a potential top star in the company. Will his novelty wear off fast? Can he connect to a wider audience despite the language barrier?
But frankly, these worries lack weight as far as I’m concerned. Sure, Shinsuke might not be the next John Cena, but what he is is a fresh face for WWE, and a huge international ambassador. And if WWE are willing to put the title on a career jobber just to tap into the Indian market, what’s to stop them from putting that same title on one of New Japan’s former biggest stars in order to solidify a Japanese base? Any of the issues that would arise from Nakamura as Mr. Money in the Bank and potentially WWE Champion are complete unknowns until they try.
They essentially have nothing to lose with trying him out, and for the reasons stated above, he is, in this author’s opinion, the best candidate for the briefcase and the most likely winner.