Friday night’s SmackDown proved once again why the road to Money in the Bank creates some of the most unpredictable television in sports entertainment. Two more ladder spots were filled as Naomi punched her ticket for a record fifth MITB appearance, while Andrade capitalized on Bloodline drama to earn his golden opportunity.
Naomi Navigates Triple Threat Chaos to Earn Historic Fifth MITB Berth
The night kicked off with immediate tension as Naomi found herself caught between two powerhouses in Nia Jax and Jade Cargill. Fresh off her backstage confrontation with Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Naomi showed veteran savvy by letting her opponents tear into each other first.
While Jax dominated the early exchanges against Cargill, Naomi bided her time at ringside before re-entering with a perfectly-timed dropkick. The match quickly devolved into the kind of multi-person mayhem that makes triple threats so compelling, with echoes of WrestleMania 41 as old rivalries bubbled to the surface.
The finish came when a temporary partnership between Jax and Naomi predictably crumbled. Seizing the moment, Naomi rolled up her former ally with a crucifix pin to secure her spot. Her fifth Money in the Bank qualification ties her among the most frequent participants in the match’s history.
Bloodline Interference Backfires as Andrade Capitalizes
The men’s qualifying match delivered even more drama as three distinct wrestling styles collided. Jacob Fatu’s explosive athleticism meshed with the technical prowess of Andrade and the smooth versatility of Carmelo Hayes in what became a true showcase of SmackDown’s depth.
This wasn’t just a standard triple threat – it was a continuation of multiple storylines. Hayes and Andrade’s 2024 rivalry added personal stakes, while Fatu represented the new generation of Bloodline muscle looking to make his mark on a grander stage.
The match’s turning point came from an unlikely source: outside interference that spiraled out of control. The Miz, Solo Sikoa, and newcomer JC Mateo all played roles in the chaos, with each competitor landing their signature moves only to see dramatic kickouts keep the match alive.
Family Drama Costs Fatu Victory
Fatu’s downfall came from within his own ranks. As tensions flared between him and the ringside Sikoa and Mateo, Jimmy Uso seized the moment to even old scores. While Fatu was distracted by family business, Andrade struck with The Message on Hayes to steal the victory.
The finish highlighted how Bloodline politics continue to create opportunities for savvy competitors willing to capitalize on the chaos.
Star-Studded MITB Field Takes Shape
With these latest additions, the Money in the Bank lineup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Naomi and Andrade join an already impressive roster featuring Giulia, Rhea Ripley, LA Knight, and Penta.
The combination of established stars, rising talent, and international flavor suggests WWE is positioning this year’s Los Angeles event as a potential game-changer for multiple careers.
The Road to Los Angeles Heats Up
Friday’s SmackDown perfectly captured what makes Money in the Bank season special – career-defining opportunities create desperate competitors willing to do whatever it takes. Naomi’s veteran instincts and Andrade’s opportunistic strike both represent different paths to the same destination.
As the field continues to expand, one question looms large: which superstar will seize their moment when those ladders are placed around the ring in Los Angeles, and how will their victory reshape the championship landscape across both brands?
