The world of pro wrestling has been turned upside down and inside out since last month’s WWE Payback PPV (or if you prefer WWE’s new term “special event”). Daniel Bryan was already on the bench following a neck injury, but bad news turned to worse as the results of his surgery didn’t immediately resolve the muscle weakness he has been feeling in his arms. A long and fearless career finally took its toll, and WWE was forced to strip him of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, leaving the door open to crown a new champion this Sunday. Eight different men will vie for that unified world title on June 29th, but only one man can ascend the ladder and come down from it with their prize. Looking at the current odds John Cena is the money favorite to claim the gold at -430. I know that’s unpopular, I know many of you reading this aren’t going to like it, but WWE unintentionally tipped their own hand by leaking the cover of SummerSlam 2014 to Amazon.com – and it featured Brock Lesnar going mono a mono with wrestling’s most beloved AND hated. The good news is that makes it a more attractive option to bet the dog at -430. Why? If WWE decides the result is too obvious (and it is) they can make a last second rewrite and put either Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Kane vs. Randy Orton, Roman Reigns or Sheamus in as the winner. There are not individual odds but I’m telling you right now this is a good buy for the field at +310. They can find ANOTHER way to do Cena vs. Lesnar at SummerSlam without John as the champ. In the other Money in the Bank ladder match, one man has emerged the consensus favorite to claim the briefcase for a future title shot, and that man is Seth Rollins. He’s not an extremely long favorite at -245 but he’s a safe bet given his recent heel turn on The Shield. Why position Seth Rollins in such a prominent position if you didn’t have plans for him now and in the future? The briefcase itself has traditionally functioned as though it was a title in its own right – it has been defended, won and lost without even being cashed in for a world title shot. Putting the briefcase in the hands of Rollins just gives former partners Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns even more incentive to as Ambrose put it “rearrange his face.” The field might be tempting at +175 but a lot of them have been used like jabronis and the “bad news” is that Wade Barrett’s shoulder injury means he might not even BE in the match. Play the favorite. Other matches of note – Paige is a -600 favorite to retain her Divas Championship over Naomi (+400), likely because Cameron will interfere in the match. The surprise of the night may be that the Wyatts are a -430 favorite to take the WWE Tag Team Championship from The Usos. I think it’s too soon for a title switch but the oddsmakers don’t so bet the +310 on Jimmy and Jey at your own risk. Summer Rae is a -1500 favorite in a singles match with Layla (+700) and Rusev is a -1700 favorite in a singles match with Big E (+800). Please remember these previews are for entertainment purposes only and to bet responsibly. Enjoy WWE Money in the Bank this Sunday!
