While the last couple of PPVs have been lackluster efforts at entertainment at best, Money In The Bank is here to swerve the company into another direction…a bold new direction. Regardless of how the event turns out, there will be shifts to WWE’s landscape that will shape out the rest of the year and probably the road leading into WrestleMania next year. But despite its name, the focus of this year’s PPV isn’t the two ladder matches. Instead, the spotlight belongs to the WWE Championship bout, and more importantly to the prodigy of the microphone, CM Punk. Will he take WWE’s most coveted prize and walk out, ultimately taking the company’s dignity with him? Check out the chances of that happening below.

Kelly Kelly vs Brie Bella (WWE Divas Championship)

The only way Kelly Kelly would lose this match is if she was injured, and since she’s not she’ll most definitely walk out of MITB still the Divas Champion. Kelly is exactly what WWE wants from its Divas. She’s a blonde bombshell who works well in the ring, is getting better on the mic, and represents the company quite properly in media events. The match could end in a DQ or a countout, but one way or another Kelly Kelly will be victorious this Sunday.

Chances Of Winning :

Kelly Kelly : 90%
Brie Bella : 10%

Big Show vs Mark Henry

I’m surprised at how consistent WWE creative have been with Mark Henry’s recent push. I’m even more surprised at how well Henry has carried himself over the last few weeks, causing chaos and devastation to the likes of Kane and Big Show, two very large human beings. From tossing audio-personnel into the dark oblivion to running like a freaktrain into Big Show and Drew McIntyre, Mark Henry has gone ape-sh*t crazy as of late and it’s working wonders for him. Big Show could take the win at MITB, but I seriously doubt it. This could end in a DQ or Big Show could end up being completely knocked-out. Either way, Henry’s leaving as the more dominant force on Sunday, whether he wins or not.

Chances Of Winning :

Big Show : 45%

Mark Henry : 55%

Raw Money In The Bank Ladder Match

This is probably the hardest thing to predict in terms of WWE matches. Predicting the Royal Rumble is easier than this! I’ve never been able to accurately bet on a winner for these matches, but I’ll give it a shot. I’ll balance the predictions between the 3 most likely winners. I think it’s safe to say that Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, and Alex Riley will not be taking home the briefcase this year. I’d like to think The Miz will bag it for the second time, but I doubt it’ll happen. What I’m most excited about is seeing Rey Mysterio compete in one of these, but I doubt even he’ll win. It’s either R-Truth or Alberto Del Rio. Truth having the briefcase would do wonders for his heel angle, especially since he’ll hold on to it for the longest time before cashing in, keeping people on the edge of their seats everytime a championship match is up. Del Rio, however, is a serious threat to whoever the champion may be after tonight. Between the two, I’d say Del Rio will bag the briefcase this time around.

Chances Of Winning :

R-Truth : 35%

Alberto Del Rio : 45%

Rey Mysterio : 20%

SmackDown! Money In The Bank Ladder Match

I’m extremely excited about SmackDown!’s side of the Bank. Sin Cara is in it. I’ll admit the guy botches one too many moves, but I can’t help but like him. He’s got potential. Kane’s in it which is always a plus, although I doubt he’s winning. I’d put my bets on Sheamus and Wade Barrett. Both these men are just dying to break into the big league again, and with that briefcase they’ll possibly be the most dangerous threat to the World Heavyweight Champion. I’m placing my final bet on Barrett.

Chances Of Winning :

Wade Barrett : 65%

Sheamus : 20%

Kane : 15%

Randy Orton vs Christian (World Heavyweight Championship)

The cards may be stacked against the apex predator, Randy Orton, but I think the Viper will once again RKO his nemesis into a three-count. Christian could end up winning this one, but I seriously doubt it. I’m not sure how Creative will build Christian as a solid heel if he loses four times in a row to the same person, but that’s a story for another day. Plus, if there’s going to be a shocker tonight, it’ll come at the expense of the WWE Championship, not this.

Chances Of Winning :

Randy Orton : 65%

Christian : 35%

John Cena vs CM Punk (WWE Championship)

And here we are at possibly the biggest question mark of the decade. Will CM Punk win the WWE Championship and leave with it on his supposed final contractual day with the company? Will he take the title to ROH or New Japan, automatically rendering all future WWE Champions completely meaningless? Probably not. But there’s a huge chance that he’ll win the match against John Cena. Not via DQ or countout, but via a legitimate three-count. Remember though, that this is Money In The Bank, and someone’s going to bag Raw’s briefcase during the earlier hours of the night. There’s a major chance that Vince McMahon will play a role in this, and by that I mean he’ll influence whoever wins Raw’s ladder match to cash-in on the same night. So CM Punk will win and become WWE Champion for about 5 seconds before someone (Del Rio?) attacks him, pins him, and secures the championship within the company. So CM Punk leaves (possibly to take a break and return in a few months), Vince is happy, and the belt stays put. What about Cena? Will he get fired? Possibly. But like all other Cena-firings, it’ll be short-lived and the red-clad warrior will be back by Summerslam at best.

Of course, I could be totally wrong and CM Punk could end up losing to Cena yet again, which would totally suck and make for boring results.

Chances Of Winning : *high chances of a run-in by the winner of Raw’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match*

John Cena : 35%

CM Punk : 65%

Do you have different opinions about the show? Leave comments below and tell me how YOU think Money In The Bank will go down!

PPV Predictions is a column that runs a few days before WWE’s monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) PPVs. The predictions here are based off personal opinions and are not in any way spoilers. Check out the next PPV Predictions when the next WWE PPV comes around.