WWE Money in the Bank 2026 Review: The Men Delivered, but the Women Missed the Mark

WWE Money in the Bank 2026 was a tale of two divisions.

On one side, the men's division delivered compelling performances, meaningful victories and opportunities for future storylines. On the other, the women's division felt like WWE was revisiting familiar ideas rather than taking advantage of opportunities to create something fresh.

Roman Reigns continued to demonstrate his value as World Champion. Oba Femi strengthened his case as WWE's next major superstar. And Penta's Money in the Bank victory created genuine anticipation surrounding his future.

But Tiffany Stratton winning another Money in the Bank contract and Liv Morgan reclaiming the Women's World Championship left more questions than excitement.

The problem wasn't necessarily the talent involved.

It was the creative direction.

And for an event built around creating new opportunities, WWE missed some significant ones.

The Good: Roman Reigns Continues to Deliver as World Champion

Opening Money in the Bank with Roman Reigns defending his World Championship against LA Knight was a strong decision.

Reigns retained his championship in a match that provided an effective opening to the event while continuing to establish his ability to carry the title picture independently.

For years, much of Reigns' presentation revolved around The Bloodline. That association helped define one of WWE's most successful modern storylines, but it also raised questions about how his championship reigns would function outside that environment.

Reigns continues to answer those questions.

He doesn't need The Bloodline constantly surrounding him to feel like the biggest star in the company.

However, there's an interesting complication approaching.

The ongoing issues involving The Bloodline and 946 appear destined to intersect with the World Championship picture eventually.

With Survivor Series only weeks away, WWE has an opportunity to bring those stories together without sacrificing the progress Reigns has made as an individual champion.

The challenge will be ensuring the World Championship remains important rather than becoming a secondary element of another faction rivalry.

For now, Reigns continues to deliver.

Oba Femi Is the Future, but When Does WWE Pull the Trigger?

Every major WWE event seems to provide another reason to believe Oba Femi is destined for the top.

Money in the Bank was no exception.

Femi defeated Bronson Reed, continuing to build momentum as one of the company's most imposing and intriguing talents.

But the most important development came after the victory.

Femi called out Roman Reigns, making it clear that he wants the World Champion to stop avoiding him.

That challenge creates a fascinating question for WWE.

When is the right time for Oba Femi to confront Roman Reigns?

There's an argument for waiting. WWE can continue developing Femi, giving him meaningful victories and building anticipation for an eventual championship opportunity.

But there's also a danger in waiting too long.

Femi already carries himself like a main-event superstar. His presence, physicality and confidence separate him from much of the roster.

At some point, WWE must determine whether it wants to continue presenting Femi as the future or begin establishing him as the present.

A confrontation with Reigns doesn't necessarily need to result in an immediate championship change.

It does, however, need to feel important.

WWE has something special with Oba Femi.

The question is whether the company recognizes the right moment to capitalize on it.

Penta Winning Money in the Bank Creates Genuine Excitement

Penta winning the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match was one of the event's strongest decisions.

The victory places one of WWE's most beloved superstars in a position to challenge for a world championship at a time of his choosing.

And that's exactly what Money in the Bank should accomplish.

The briefcase creates possibilities.

It gives fans a reason to watch championship matches differently, knowing a potential cash-in could change everything.

For Penta, it also represents an opportunity to move beyond being a popular performer and establish himself as a legitimate world championship contender.

The anticipation surrounding his potential cash-in could become one of WWE's most entertaining storylines over the coming months.

More importantly, this decision feels like an investment in someone whose connection with the audience deserves a meaningful payoff.

Penta doesn't need to cash in immediately.

WWE should allow the suspense to build.

The men's Money in the Bank winner should create excitement about the future.

Penta accomplishes that.

The Missed: Tiffany Stratton Winning Again Feels Like a Repeat

Tiffany Stratton becoming a two-time Women's Money in the Bank winner was one of the event's most disappointing creative decisions.

This isn't a criticism of Stratton's talent.

She has the ability, presentation and charisma to remain an important part of WWE's women's division.

But we've already seen this story.

Stratton previously won Money in the Bank and successfully cashed in her contract. Yet the championship run that followed didn't fully deliver on its potential.

Now WWE appears interested in revisiting the same concept.

Perhaps the company believes it can produce a better outcome the second time around.

That's possible.

But Money in the Bank also provides an opportunity to elevate someone who hasn't received that level of investment.

Roxanne Perez would have been an especially intriguing choice.

Perez entered WWE with the reputation of being The Prodigy, a performer whose talent and potential suggested a major future.

Yet her role within The Judgment Day hasn't consistently translated into the individual opportunities she deserves.

A Money in the Bank victory could have changed that immediately.

It would have given Perez a significant storyline independent of the faction while introducing uncertainty into the Women's World Championship picture.

Instead, WWE returned to Stratton.

And that feels like an opportunity missed.

Liv Morgan's Championship Victory Continues a Familiar Cycle

Liv Morgan becoming Women's World Champion again adds to the frustration.

Morgan and Stephanie Vaquer are talented performers, but WWE's continued reliance on their championship rivalry is beginning to feel repetitive.

There's a difference between building a compelling long-term rivalry and repeatedly returning to the same championship picture without introducing enough new developments.

Right now, the division needs something different.

That brings the conversation back to Roxanne Perez.

Imagine Perez holding the Money in the Bank briefcase while Morgan and Vaquer continue battling over the Women's World Championship.

Suddenly, The Judgment Day would have another major storyline to navigate.

Perez would possess leverage and independence within a faction where her individual potential hasn't been fully explored.

The uncertainty surrounding her intentions could make Monday Night Raw considerably more interesting.

And the women's division would have a fresh contender capable of changing its direction.

Instead, WWE has chosen another familiar championship outcome.

Familiarity isn't always bad in professional wrestling.

But when the same performers repeatedly occupy the spotlight, the company risks limiting the development of everyone waiting for an opportunity.

Chelsea Green Deserves Better Than Another Familiar Story

There's another reason Stratton's Money in the Bank victory feels unnecessary.

Chelsea Green is finally receiving meaningful recognition as WWE Women's Champion.

Her connection with the audience has made her championship reign worth watching.

That should be an opportunity for WWE to continue building Green's credibility and developing fresh challengers.

Instead, Stratton's briefcase creates the possibility of another familiar storyline involving a betrayal and a championship cash-in.

Turning Stratton heel against Green might generate an immediate reaction.

But what would it accomplish that WWE hasn't already explored?

Stratton has already experienced the Money in the Bank spotlight.

A second victory needs to offer something substantially different to justify the decision.

Perez winning the briefcase could have created opportunities across multiple stories, including The Judgment Day, the Women's World Championship and her own development.

That would have made the women's division feel less predictable.

And unpredictability is supposed to be one of Money in the Bank's greatest strengths.

Final Verdict: The Men Delivered, but WWE Missed the Bigger Opportunity

WWE Money in the Bank 2026 wasn't a bad event.

There were meaningful positives.

Roman Reigns continued demonstrating why he belongs at the center of WWE's championship picture.

Oba Femi took another step toward becoming a legitimate main-event attraction.

And Penta's Money in the Bank victory created excitement surrounding a potential future world champion.

Those decisions gave the men's division momentum.

Unfortunately, the women's division didn't receive the same creative ambition.

Tiffany Stratton's second Money in the Bank victory feels like a familiar story being repeated.

Liv Morgan's return to the Women's World Championship continues a rivalry that needs fresh direction.

And Roxanne Perez remains a talented performer waiting for WWE to provide the kind of individual opportunity that could elevate her career.

Professional wrestling isn't just about delivering good matches.

It's about creating moments that matter beyond the event itself.

The men's division accomplished that at Money in the Bank.

The women's division had the opportunity.

WWE simply missed the mark.