5 WWE Superstars who can replace Apollo Crews in the men’s ladder match
On this week’s episode of RAW, WWE Superstar Apollo Crews sustained an unfortunate injury during his title match against Andrade. The match was stopped in between as Crews couldn’t even stand inside the ring. As a result, Andrade retained his United States Championship whereas a disappointed Crews was spotted with bandages and crutches during a backstage segment later.
In an unfortunate turn of events, this injury sustained by Crews also caused him to be removed from the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. He had defeated MVP to qualify for the huge match, but now, he will be replaced by another RAW Superstar. Although the number of potential replacements on the Red brand appears to be huge, there are a few names that top the list.
In this article, we will take a look at five WWE RAW Superstars who can replace Apollo Crews in the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
5. Andrade
After this week’s title match between Apollo Crews and Andrade, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect that WWE will have both these Superstars engage in a feud after the Money in the Bank PPV. Having the United States Champion replace an injured Crews will add fuel to their budding rivalry and that might just be the thing that Crews needs to bounce back.
If Andrade replaces Crews in the men’s ladder match, the latter will have an additional motivation to challenge for the United States Championship again. It is highly unlikely for Andrade to walk out with the briefcase, but he is bound to deliver a good performance inside the squared circle with the given stipulation.
Following that, Andrade will have a compelling feud with Crews who has been getting a good push lately. The latter could win the title after his return from injury and mark a new beginning for himself in the company. On the other hand, it will free up Andrade to enter the WWE Championship picture and eventually engage in a title feud with Drew McIntyre.
4. Angel Garza
While adding Andrade to the Money in the Bank men’s match looks more appealing on paper, it’s quite possible that the creatives would want him to defend his United States Championship at the upcoming PPV. Hence, WWE might turn their gaze towards one of Andrade’s allies, Angel Garza. Both these Superstars have recently formed a stable which also includes Austin Theory, and they are all managed by Zelina Vega.
Garza, who was called up to the main roster soon after his WWE Cruiserweight title reign came to an end on NXT, has been booked as a charismatic Superstar right from the beginning. WWE have left no stone unturned in pushing him, and the Mexican Superstar has received a lot of TV time in the recent weeks.
Garza is good inside the ring and can certainly prove to be valuable in making the Money in the Bank ladder match all the more interesting. But just like Andrade, he has very few chances of getting his hands on the briefcase. Despite the limitations, being a part of this match will be huge for Garza, and he can use the opportunity to establish himself as a more dominant challenger.
3. Randy Orton
WWE Superstar Randy Orton is no stranger to Money in the Bank matches. The last time we saw The Viper engage in action was back at WrestleMania 36 where he lost against Edge in a Last Man Standing match. After a good bout, both Superstars have been absent from the Red brand, but this might just be the time when we will see Orton coming out for the spotlight yet again.
The Creative might be keen on adding more star power to the much-anticipated battle for the briefcase and Orton would make for a perfect fit. As a veteran of the business, he will be one of the Superstars to look out for. Besides, with Orton in a match, you can never rule out the possibility of him standing tall by the end.
Even if Orton is not booked to walk out with the briefcase, his presence alone will help elevate the hype around the crucial match. Moreover, it will be easy to add someone like him into the mix because neither will it hamper any storylines nor will it jeopardise Orton’s position on the roster.
2. AJ Styles
Earlier this month, AJ Styles locked horns with The Undertaker in one of the most well-narrated matches in the history of WWE. It looked like The O.C. were now going to get the push that they deserved. Unfortunately, a few days later, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows were released from WWE as the company struggled to tackle with the economic impact of Covid-19.
Now, The Phenomenal One is left all by himself with no compelling feuds in his way. Hence, it is quite possible for the Creative to add Styles into the mix and have him compete in the unique Money in the Bank ladder match. Of course, there’s a high chance that Styles will end up getting his hands on the briefcase.
But that wouldn’t be too bad.As a heel, Styles can use the MITB cash-in to draw a lot of heat while also ensuring that the fans are invested in his business on the Red brand. Secondly, it will be a good way to put The Phenomenal One back into the world title picture. And who knows, maybe WWE will use this opportunity to send Styles back to SmackDown – a house that he built. Styles has never won the MITB match in WWE, but things could change this time.
1. Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens is one of the few WWE Superstars who can nail the portrayal of both a heel and a babyface. But one thing that always remains consistent with Owens’ attitude is the fact that he is an opportunist. He is always hungry for more, and he could very well be the RAW Superstar who replaces Apollo Crews in the Money in the Bank match
Owens’ feud with Seth Rollins came to an end at WrestleMania 36 where KO picked up a huge victory over the ‘Monday Night Messiah’. The latter is involved in a title feud with Drew McIntyre, but he might not be the only one interested in the Scottish Psychopath’s gold. Given the fact that Owens is currently not a part of any feud, we could see the Canadian Superstar eyeing the briefcase in the coming weeks.
Just like AJ Styles, KO has never won the MITB briefcase. But it is not hard to imagine how entertaining he can get with a crucial title opportunity in his hands. Moreover, it has been a long time since we have seen Owens holding a championship and a victory at Money in the Bank might just be the beginning of an inevitable push for a good title reign.
