qualifying climb the ladder
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

It’s time for another SmackDown In A Nutshell, with this week’s question: who’s qualifying to climb the ladder?

As in…you know…Money In The Bank. The major show is a few weeks out, and it’s time to see who is qualifying to climb the ladders.

Yes, we have qualifying matches this week. Missed those on RAW, but no worries.

Also, we’ve got a big Intercontinental Championship bout. Can Ricochet somehow hold on against the rising Gunther?

I’m not betting on it.

After last SmackDown, we do know who Ronda is fighting next. Will we find out who Roman Reigns will…or even when?

There is plenty of work for WWE to do between now and Las Vegas, which means this show ought to be an eventful one.

So, who’s qualifying to climb the ladder?

It’s time to find out on this week’s…

SmackDown In A Nutshell: Who’s Qualifying To Climb The Ladder?

qualifying climb the ladder

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Let’s crack open this Nutshell and find out!

Best Match of the night:

Gunther and Ricochet was good.

qualifying to climb ladder

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Riddle and Zayn was better.

Worst match of the night:

I can’t say it was bad, per se.

Just wasn’t into Rousey and Shotzi, but I wanted to be.

I have to give Ronda credit for working on Friday, since she’s effectively the show’s highest ranking champ this week.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Shotzi didn’t look bad…but just wasn’t the best on the card.

And, to be fair, the payoff was with the Natalya attack.

Star of the Night

The winner, and NEW Intercontinental Champion….Gunther.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Figured it was a matter of time, especially having convinced the guy to finally come stateside.

He didn’t disappoint. Now, let’s see how long he can run with it.

For that matter…Riddle was pretty damn good too.

Spot of the Night:

Riddle does a damn good job of hitting some sweet RKOs.

Having one delivered in the middle of Sami’s charge to deliver his Helluva Kick was just the latest.

Outside of wrestling, this one was absolutely top notch.

Jobber of the Night:

Did not really feel like there was one now.

Upset of the Night:

Well, Heyman and Reigns were likely upset with the results out of our main event…

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

As Riddle was getting beaten down, I figured for sure someone like the Street Profits would run in for a save.

No, instead we got hulked up Riddle with a kendo stick. And he beat the ever-loving snot out of Jimmy and Jey.

So, riddle me this (see what I did there!)…tell me how big they are trying to make Matt Riddle?

Noteworthy Moment:

Riddle beat Zayn, earning Riddle a title shot against Roman Reigns next week on SmackDown.

So, here’s the thing.

Reigns has not defended since WrestleMania.

Does anyone else feel like next week’s will be a bait and switch?

And, I know next to nothing…but…IF Orton is having legit issues…and SmackDown is in Minneapolis….and the brand split is kinda dead…

Where is Gable Steveson….?

Overall lowlights:

Nothing bothered me tonight.

Overall highlights:

Great to have Rousey on the show and work. 

Nice Intercontinental Championship match, good win for Gunther, that is surely just the beginning for him.

Super strong win for Riddle, and a title match is his next week. Probably.

Lacey Evans winning and qualifying wasn’t a shock.

Drew and Sheamus ending in a cliffhanger? A bit of one.

Not a horrible start for us to see who is qualifying to climb the ladder in Las Vegas.

After the final bell:

Best of the night I’ve said a few times, but I will say it again…

Sami Zayn and Riddle for one. Gunther and Ricochet for two.

I am very curious to see how things go for all involved.

Zayn will clearly be on the naughty list of Roman Reigns. Will that give us a face turn for Zayn?

I still feel like Riddle’s going to get screwed out of the title match next week…but the possibilities are intriguing.

It’s been too long since we’ve had a title defense out of Reigns, but my expectations for next week are sorta low.

Can’t blame some fans for being a little annoyed about things. Reigns now, is doing what he gave Brock Lesnar grief for years ago.

Carrying the title, defending very rarely? Was Lesnar…now Reigns.

But, when you’ve held the belt for nearly two years…

Still, looking long term, the next few weeks are all about who is qualifying to climb the ladder in Las Vegas. 

We know of at least one for now. More are coming in the weeks ahead.

Will one of those winners be the one to dethrone Roman Reigns?

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