Published: 2 hours ago by Jamie Toolan | Last Updated: 2 hours ago by Jamie Toolan
Jamie has been covering the world of wrestling for four years and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor of WrestleTalk.com. During his time working for WrestleTalk.com he has written and published over 4,000 news and feature articles covering events and happenings from WWE, AEW, TNA and a variety of international and independent wrestling promotions.
WWE
On last night’s WWE SmackDown (September 18), it was confirmed that CM Punk, Finn Balor and GUNTHER would do battle in a star-studded three-way for a spot in Money in the Bank, and the match really feels like anyone’s to win.
With Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams already qualified, it’ll be interesting to see which of the more experienced trio joins them in New Orleans.
With all three potentially considered favorites to win the briefcase should they qualify, it’s time to look at who is the most and least likely to earn a spot on the card on October 10.
Least likely to qualify – CM Punk
It may seem odd to put CM Punk in this spot given that he’s the former Undisputed WWE Champion and a two-time Money in the Bank winner in his own right, but he simply has too much going on outside of the match to be considered a favorite.
Punk has some serious bad blood with new Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn, as well as Kevin Owens – both of which could come back to haunt him in his Money in the Bank qualifier.
Kevin Owens in particular will likely be out for revenge next week, as Punk struck KO with the WWE Championship during his title match with Sami Zayn on SmackDown; leading to Zayn retaining.
Owens interfering to cost Punk the win could also play into another WWE star missing out on Money in the Bank…
Finn Balor
Finn Balor moved from WWE Raw to SmackDown in June 2026.
During this past Friday’s SmackDown, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens shared a rather tense meeting backstage, with Balor unhappy with ‘The Prizefighter’ being handed another opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Balor vowed that he would earn his own shot at Sami Zayn “the right way” by winning Money in the Bank. Unfortunately however, it feels more likely that Balor will yet again miss out, than he will earn the shot to win his second world title.
As mentioned, Kevin Owens may use next week’s Money in the Bank qualifier to screw over Punk in retaliation for ‘The Best in the World’ costing him the WWE Title.
While that will be KO’s objective – one he very well may achieve – it may come with some collateral damage in the form of Finn Balor. Whether Balor is simply distracted by Owens, or Owens accidentally hits Balor whilst going for Punk, KO could very well take his friend out of the picture; opening the door for one man to capitalize…
Most likely to qualify – GUNTHER
GUNTHER retired Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles within a seven month period.
While Finn Balor will be many fans’ sentimental favorite – given how long it’s been since his last world title triumph – GUNTHER is inevitable, and hard to bet against in big matches.
Admittedly, his SmackDown run has seen him fall short in many big matches – particularly involving the Undisputed WWE Title – however, it does feel like he’s due a big win.
GUNTHER has lost a lot of his momentum that WWE built with his ‘Career Killer’ streak, and they will be keen to get him across as someone to be feared yet again.
Having him qualify for Money in the Bank would certainly do that; and he would have to be considered a favorite to win the briefcase if he makes it into the six-man field.
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