El Grande Americano Upsets AJ Styles and CM Punk to Qualify for Money in the Bank on Raw

The masked luchador known as El Grande Americano pulled a rabbit out of his hat to beat AJ Styles and CM Punk in the MITB qualifier on Raw.

El Grande Americano Upsets AJ Styles and CM Punk to Qualify for Money in the Bank on Raw

AJ Styles, El Grande Americano and CM Punk [via- WWE]

The sixth and final competitor in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match was determined in the main event of this week’s Raw. In a mother of all upsets, El Grande Americano dispatched AJ Styles and CM Punk to seize the opportunity, and he’s now headed to Los Angeles for the coveted ladder match.

Americano, who’s an incarnation of Chad Gable, though it hasn’t been explicitly disclosed on WWE programming, pinned Styles to advance. The masked luchador has joined the likes of Seth Rollins, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, Penta, and Andrade in what could be deemed as a lopsided field devoid of outrageous star power outside of Rollins. But it’s the only way forward.

Punk and Styles, neither of whom could get through, were confronted by Sami Zayn and Paul Heyman, respectively, earlier on in the show. First, it was Zayn who told The Best in the World that he needed to win that MITB qualifier and later oppose Rollins to ensure that he doesn’t end up with the briefcase ultimately.

The former Honorary Uce backed the former WWE Champion to go the distance and become a three-time Mr. MITB on June 7. As for Styles, he had Heyman in his ears during a backstage segment. The Wiseman advised the former Bullet Club leader to rather focus on taking the IC title off Dominik Mysterio than risking it all to pursue the MITB contract. The Phenomenal One took offense at Heyman, seemingly trying to threaten him.

CM Punk addressed John Cena beef during his promo on Raw

CM Punk kicked off this week’s Raw in Oklahoma. He laid out a roadmap for himself that he planned on following during the Summer of Punk. The 46-year-old talked a big game about qualifying for the MITB ladder match and eventually winning the entire thing for the third time in his career. As the fans know, The Second City Saint couldn’t get the job done by the end of the night.

John Cena and CM Punk
John Cena and CM Punk [via- WWE]

However, he did fire some warning shots during his promo. While weighing in on his options, had he won the MITB contract, Punk called the world heavyweight champ, Jey Uso, his friend. However, it would have been all business and no relationships if Punk was in a position to hold the MITB briefcase. Next, The Straight Edge Superstar targeted his longtime rival and reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena.

Punk trashed on Cena’s name as he sold out to The Rock, whom The Best in the World referred to as a “bald fraud goof.” Punk and Cena are heavily rumored for a singles feud somewhat later this year. The Chicagoan aimed a dig at the Peacemaker star after his title retention against Randy Orton at Backlash.

Seth Rollins and co. decimated CM Punk, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso to close Raw

After El Grande Americano just stole the win from AJ Styles and CM Punk, thanks to Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed screwing over The Best in the World, an all-out brawl ensued at ringside. Punk was swinging at Breakker, but Seth Rollins came sliding down the ramp and went right after his arch nemesis.

Seth Rollins' trio standing tall over CM Punk, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso
Seth Rollins’ trio standing tall over CM Punk, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso [via- WWE]

The Rollins-led trio absolutely beat the life out of Punk, Zayn, and Uso. The heels stood tall to close out the show yet again. Michael Cole kept screaming on commentary about The Visionary’s unstoppable warpath and his intentions of regaining the world title and if anyone could stop him at Money in the Bank.

The choice of words from Cole was intriguing, as Roman Reigns is heavily speculated by the fans to cost his former Shield brother next weekend. The OTC was wiped out by Rollins’ running mate Breakker on Raw after WrestleMania 41. Reigns also has to deal with Reed now that he’s joined The Architect.

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