What If… There Was an ‘Attitude Era’ Money in the Bank match?

Hey folks, SLTD Wrestling has a brand new article concept. What If…

This will basically focus on what would happen if certain story-lines, matches or ideas played out differently.

With it being Money in the Bank weekend we thought, what if there was a Money in the Bank match in the Attitude Era? (1997-2002) Below is who we thought would get the opportunity to wrestle in what would be the first ever Money in the Bank match. We have tried to pick an eclectic mix of former world champions, and guys who just fell short of the great prize, but would history be different if the Money in the Bank match was around?

‘Mr Ass’ Billy Gunn – Billy Gunn is one of the main guys in the Attitude Era that had all the tools to make it to the main event but it just never happened. If there was a Money in the Bank match in early 2000’s Billy Gunn would have to be a shoe-in to be entered into it. The former ‘New Age Outlaws’ and ‘D-Generation X member, and King of the Ring winner, could of added Mr Money in the Bank to his list of achievements.

Mankind – Mankind was a huge part of the Attitude Era, and was always involved in new innovative matches. The first ever Hardcore Champion, may not be the obvious choice to be in a Money in the Bank match, but if the Hell in a Cell match is anything to go by, Mankind will literally give everything he has to take that briefcase home.

Val Venis – Venis was another guy in the Attitude Era, that had all the skills to be a world champion, but the trigger would never be pulled. His edgy gimmick often made his intensity in the ring overlooked. There is no doubt that this former Intercontinental Champion would make the most of this opportunity, and who wouldn’t want a ‘Money Shot’ off the top of a ladder?

Eddie Guerrero – Of all the guys in this match, Guerrero would probably have the most experience in high risk, high flying matches. A Money in the Bank is right in the cruiserweight’s wheelhouse. Eddie was one of the most rounded wrestlers in the Attitude Era, and would have no problem lying, cheating or stealing that Money in the Bank contract.

Steve Blackman – Blackman is a martial arts master, and former hardcore champion. No doubt he would fit right into a match of this magnitude. ‘The Lethal Weapon’ would turn this match into a hardcore weapons-fest, but who is to say this isn’t the path to Money in the Bank success. And we all know, after climbing 80 foot up the staging Blackman is not afraid of heights.

X-Pac – The former D-Generation X and NWO member would be the wild card of this match. X-Pac has been around a long time and his experience would fair very well in this match. X-Pac is also the only member of the match who always has a larger running buddy to help him out. If this is the case in this match, with the help of anyone from Kane, Big Show, Kevin Nash or any of D-X, this match would end with X-Pac at the top of that ladder.

Below we have Baz, Tom and Tybo giving their opinions on who could walk out the ‘Attitude Era’ Money in the Bank.

@TomRobinson5199 (Armbar Analysis)
I personally believe it comes down to Eddie Guerrero and Mankind. While I personally would love Steve Blackman, it would be a matter of who could win between athleticism and durability. While Mankind could take bump after bump and continue on fighting, I think Eddie’s cunning tactics and ECW experience gives him the edge. Winner – Eddie Guerrero

@mrnebarry (Old Skool View)
When I look at the 6 guys in this match, I can narrow it down to three pretty quickly. Whilst I really appreciate the work Mankind does, he’s there to make the match hardcore and take some nasty bumps off the ladder, same with Blackman really. X-Pac will give you the wow factor and get close but will ultimately fail. It’s tricky to pick a winner between the other three. I’ll rule out Val Venis after numerous close calls just because the other two have a bit more about them…ok I’ve decided my winner will be Billy Gunn. Nothing against Eddie as he would be superb with the briefcase but Eddie could lie, cheat & steal his way to titles and i’d love to see what Mr Ass could do holding the briefcase, and can you imagine his celebration after cashing in? Winner – Billy Gunn

@Tybo_SLTD (Tybo Talk)
This would be a tough match to call, all the guys in the match are good enough to carry the case. If anyone knows me they know that I love Val Venis, but I don’t think this is the match for him. I think this would be a three horse race between Guerrero, Gunn and the man I would call the wildcard Mankind. I think Mankind would take a huge bump and take himself out of the running, and after a long fought battle at the top of the ladder Gunn’s strength would win out and he would win the case. Winner – Billy Gunn

That is who we thought would win, but who do you think would take the ‘Attitude Era’ Money in the Bank match?

What If.. There was ‘Federation Era’ Money in the Bank match?
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