WWE Money in the Bank 2014 crowned a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, albeit one with a familiar name and face. Say it with me now {*ahem*} THE CHAMP IS HERE! Whether you like it or not, John Cena is now in his 15th reign as a major WWE world champion. If it turns out you DON’T like it though there is some good news. In the PPV’s other ladder match Seth Rollins claimed the Money in the Bank briefcase, granting him a title shot whenever he chooses to cash it in, up to a one year limit. Of course if the rumor mill is to be believed, Seth should probably sit on that MITB contract for as long as possible – a beast may be waiting to dethrone Cena at SummerSlam long before Rollins can cash in. Of course for John Cena to even have to worry about any of these outcomes, he’s got to survive a fatal four-way match tonight at WWE Battleground, a format where the champion doesn’t even have to be pinned to lose his title. If the outcomes weren’t predetermined you’d never expect any current champion to retain, but the odds makers peg Cena as -900 against the field of Randy Orton, Kane and current fan favorite Roman Reigns. Is +500 tempting if you think Vince McMahon will rewrite the script minutes before the PPV goes live? Of course. Never say never in WWE – that’s how people made money betting on Brock Lesnar to beat Undertaker at WrestleMania this year. There are interesting lines all up and down this card though, with a plethora of singles matches to wager on or put together in a parlay. Even the pre-show has some action with Naomi a -900 favorite over former Funkadactyl friend Cameron at +500. Don’t bet on a swerve here though – Naomi’s funk is on a roll. There’s a slightly better chance of a swerve in Rusev (-750) against Jack Swagger (+450) given how popular the latter became since turning face, but unfortunately the odds reflect that WWE is building up Rusev to be their new monster heel. AJ Lee is also a solid favorite at -600 to retain the Divas Title she recently regained, but her “frienemy” Paige at +400 is not the biggest dog on this card. The reason I wouldn’t bet it is because WWE rarely cares enough about the women’s title to swerve a singles match on a PPV – sorry ladies. In the “too close to call” category we have Dean Ambrose a narrow -140 favorite in a grudge match with Seth Rollins at +100. I’d avoid this bet on either side of the action. The Intercontinental Title line is interesting given that Cesaro is a -190 favorite – that doesn’t seem heavy until you realize the field he’s against is NINETEEN OTHER MEN. He’s looked so weak on television lately that you might not want to risk it – but by reverse WWE logic the guy they’re putting a title on can “afford to lose” as long as he wins the big one on Sunday. Cesaro is therefore a good play. As always remember these previews are for entertainment purposes only and to wager responsibly. Enjoy the show!
