Apollo Crews' latest knee injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Since leaving NXT, he's languished in the mid-cards and really struggled to garner any major momentum, which is why when he injured his knee against Andrade in the recent episode of RAW, it disappointed everyone who was hoping he'd actually make some sort of impact in the upcoming WWE Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
However, when one door closes, another one filled with opportunity opens up as Crews' exit could pave the way for Triple H to take his spot in the match.
In last year's event, Brock Lesnar made a surprise entrance, weaseling his way to the briefcase so he could cash in the contract and get the WWE Universal Championship back from Seth Rollins. Fans are hoping this isn't the case again as Lesnar's had too many title runs, so it's in creative's best interest to let Triple H take a crack at this for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, it fits his gimmick and with the match being a battle literally atop the corporate ladder, no pun intended, it makes sense to have the exec there. Participants in both matches must travel from the ground level of WWE headquarters and make their way toward the roof of the building to locate the coveted briefcase, so Triple H (Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development) has that final boss feel when you get to that level, a la M. Bison of Street Fighter. Triple H doesn't like anyone topping him corporate-wise so he can represent "The Authority" here and try to win it on his own turf at headquarters.
On top of that, it would be a great addition to his portfolio because he's never won the event before and with no fans to boo, now's the ideal time. This also actually makes a powerful narrative of "I made you, I can break you" as Triple H is basically the boss of NXT and the man who engineered Drew McIntyre's return to the company. A win would allow Triple H to engage with the Scottish Psychopath once he takes care of Seth Rollins, reminding McIntyre that the Cerebral Assassin was why he won the NXT Championship and the person who revived his career. Rollins can even rejoin forces with Triple H to form a new Authority, which writes itself as Rollins is already rocking the business suit, and with Buddy Murphy there, there could be a new spin on Evolution. This gives McIntyre near-insurmountable odds and helps build him up as that strong face.
Let's face it, Triple H on the mic against McIntyre would be epic, and it honestly benefits all parties involved. McIntyre could take a legend out while the Game gets to help put the future over. Simply put, it works out for the heel and for the face, and this direction keeps Lesnar out of the picture. Triple H copping the briefcase as a part-timer just feels like it'd matter more as he's there for all these shows, and circumvents issues with someone like Lesnar having to travel from Canada during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Just imagine Triple H atop the ladder looking down on the fallen, smirking and ready to take back what's rightfully his. Knowing this is possible adds star power to the event and pulls in nostalgic viewers from the Attitude Era too. Most importantly, it'd create a feud that would attract ratings, and once more, it shows how much Triple H is willing to go the extra mile to keep churning out WWE talismans for tomorrow.
WWE Money in the Bank airs Sunday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on WWE Network.