WWE Money in the Bank 2026 predictions: possible winners, surprise returns and bold calls

Money in the Bank 2026, set to take place in New Orleans, looks like it will be another unpredictable WWE event. The fields for the men’s and women’s ladder matches are nearly complete and consist mostly of names who have not previously held world titles in the company. So far, the biggest confirmed match is Roman Reigns’ clash with LA Knight for the World Heavyweight title, and although Reigns retaining the title looks like the expected scenario, surprises are not ruled out.

As Bleacher Report reports, Penta capitalized on his standout performance against Reigns on the September 14 episode of Raw and quickly qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank match a week later, replacing Solo Sikoa and defeating Dominik Mysterio. This moment has raised his value considerably on the main roster; as a former Intercontinental champion, Penta has had a strong 2026 and being rewarded with a Money in the Bank contract could consolidate his position as a top-tier talent.

On the women’s stage, Stephanie Vaquer looks like the leading candidate to defend the Women’s World title. She defeated Liv Morgan in Chile earlier this month and, on the September 21 episode of Raw, told Morgan and Becky Lynch clearly that she would accept their title challenges. A Triple Threat match between Vaquer, Morgan and Lynch would make sense to continue the rivalry between them; if it goes that way, the expectation is that Vaquer will emerge still champion.

The Reigns–LA Knight main event is expected to be tense. LA Knight could come closer than ever to grabbing the title, but it is hard to imagine a permanent change of plan with Reigns out of preparations for the coming period. If Knight loses again, the loss is likely to be accompanied by outside interference; the Bloodline are present as the element that could change the outcome, while developments from the September 21 Raw showed that Solo Sikoa was attacked and could return in a way that counteracts and, unintentionally, affects the end of the match.

Seth Rollins remains a name that could return to the stage during this event. Rollins left the field after a loss to Reigns at SummerSlam and has been away for some time; an appearance at Money in the Bank, more in the form of a segment than direct interference in the main finals, would give the event brilliant television moments — for example, a confrontation with Intercontinental champion Chad Gable, a clash with Big Cass or dominating Dominik Mysterio could be suitable scenarios.

The road to the women’s side remains open: the final spot in the ladder match is expected to be decided on SmackDown, where Tatum Paxley, Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae will face off. At the same time, Blake Monroe is expected to debut on the main roster against Giulia, and there is a possibility she could be included further by seizing a spot in Money in the Bank and even winning, as has happened before when a competitor took someone else’s place and won the briefcase.

The card is expected to be filled out with several additional matches and scenarios that could change right up until showtime; for now, unexpected twists and some bold booking decisions can be expected, according to the predictions made by Bleacher Report.