WWE SmackDown (5/23/23): Winners, Losers & Money In The Bank Implications

James

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Post on May 25, 2025

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WWE SmackDown (5/23/23): Winners, Losers, and Money in the Bank Implications

The May 23rd episode of WWE SmackDown set the stage for the upcoming Money in the Bank premium live event, delivering thrilling matches and surprising developments. Let's break down the night's biggest winners, losers, and how it all impacts the Money in the Bank ladder matches.

The Night's Biggest Winners:

• LA Knight: Knight continued his momentum, showcasing his charisma and in-ring skills. His victory further solidified his position as a fan favorite and a legitimate threat in the Money in the Bank ladder match. His interaction with The Usos hinted at potential future storylines, keeping him relevant beyond the Money in the Bank event itself. This win is crucial for building his credibility heading into the high-stakes match.

• The Usos: Despite losing to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, The Usos maintained their dominant presence. Their impressive performance showcased their resilience and further cemented their legendary status within WWE. The loss doesn't diminish their standing; it creates opportunities for future storylines and potential rivalries. Their continuing presence and aura of dominance still make them a force to be reckoned with.

• Asuka: Asuka's continued dominance in the women's division solidified her place as a top contender for the Money in the Bank briefcase. Her performance highlighted her skill and experience, making her a strong favorite to win the contract and a future title shot. Her strategic victories are setting her up perfectly for success at Money in the Bank.

The Night's Biggest Losers:

• The Viking Raiders: Their loss further highlights their struggles to recapture their momentum. While they remain formidable opponents, a win would have significantly boosted their chances in the Money in the Bank ladder match. They need a significant victory soon to stay relevant in the main event scene.

• Shotzi: Shotzi's continued setbacks suggest a potential shift in her character arc or a long-term storyline involving frustration and eventual redemption. While not a direct loser in terms of a match, her lack of momentum makes her a long-shot for Money in the Bank.

Money in the Bank Implications:

This SmackDown served as a crucial stepping stone for the Money in the Bank ladder matches. The victories and defeats have significantly impacted the dynamics of both the men's and women's matches. The card is shaping up to be unpredictable and highly competitive.

• Men's Money in the Bank: LA Knight's win boosts his odds, but the field remains wide open with potential alliances and betrayals brewing. We can expect unexpected twists and turns.

• Women's Money in the Bank: Asuka's continued success sets her up as a strong favorite, but other contenders could easily upset the odds. This ladder match is likely to be one of the most anticipated events of Money in the Bank.

What to Watch For:

The road to Money in the Bank is far from over. Expect more intense rivalries, shocking alliances, and unexpected turns in the coming weeks leading up to the event. Don't miss the upcoming episodes of SmackDown to see how the narrative unfolds.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for the Money in the Bank ladder matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don't forget to tune in to Money in the Bank on [Date] to witness the action unfold!