Why Kevin Owens qualified for the WWE Money in the Bank ladder match over Cody Rhodes & Johnny Gargano

WWE

The men’s WWE Money in the Bank ladder match lineup is now complete, following the October 2 edition of SmackDown.

In the final qualifying match, Kevin Owens faced off against Johnny Gargano and Cody Rhodes to determine the last addition to the October 10 match.

The closing moments of the bout saw Cody Rhodes prepare to Punt Kick an interfering Randy Orton outside of the ring, before being taken out by Johnny Gargano.

When Gargano returned to the ring, Kevin Owens survived a One Final Beat and hit Gargano with a powerbomb. Cody Rhodes attempted to break the pin, but was stopped by Randy Orton, allowing Owens to win the match.

Kevin Owens joins Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Penta and CM Punk, who previously qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Ahead of October 10, there has been some speculation as to why Kevin Owens was the star to win his qualifier, over Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano.

Money in the Bank experience

Kevin Owens is one of the most experienced names in this year’s ladder match, both in terms of in-ring career, and Money in the Bank appearances.

Owens has wrestled in four Money in the Bank ladder matches, first in 2016, competing in the bout ultimately won by Dean Ambrose.

The SmackDown star also competed in the 2017, 2018 and 2021 ladder matches, which were won by Baron Corbin, Braun Strowman and Big E respectively.

Of those set to compete on October 10, Owens is tied with CM Punk for number of Money in the Bank ladder match appearances, although Punk hasn’t competed under this specific annual stipulation since 2013.

Undisputed WWE Championship storyline

On the September 11 SmackDown episode, Sami Zayn defeated CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship following Kevin Owens inadvertently striking Punk with the title belt.

Owens challenged for Sami Zayn’s gold on September 18, but came up short after Punk interfered to take out the challenger.

The Money in the Bank ladder match puts Owens and Punk in the ring together again, killing two birds with one stone for WWE.

Not only are Punk and Owens kept in the periphery of the WWE Championship picture, the next chapter in the Punk vs Owens storyline is able to play out at a major premium live event.

Why not Cody Rhodes or Johnny Gargano?

Similar to CM Punk’s qualifying match against GUNTHER and Finn Balor, Kevin Owens vs Cody Rhodes vs Johnny Gargano managed to give all three stars their moment while only having one winner.

Cody Rhodes being cost the match by Randy Orton pretty much confirms that his feud with The Viper is far from over, giving Rhodes something to do away from the world title picture.

With many fans growing bored of seeing Cody Rhodes in WWE Championship matches, his feud with Randy Orton is somewhat refreshing, with the American Nightmare continuing to tease a heel turn.

Johnny Gargano would’ve been a fun addition to the Money in the Bank ladder match, with the star doing anything and everything in recent weeks to try to earn another shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Having Gargano take out Cody Rhodes and score huge near-falls over Kevin Owens shows that WWE cares about making sure Gargano remains a viable contender.

With a mix of experienced names set to compete alongside top prospects at Money in the Bank, it will be interesting to see who leaves New Orleans with the briefcase.

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• Money in the Bank
• wwe
• KEVIN OWENS

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