WWE Money in the Bank 2019: WWE Championship match preview

Kofi Kingston has his first big-match title defense when he takes on Kevin Owens at Money in the Bank 2019.

KofiMania ran wild at WrestleMania 35 when Kofi Kingston won the WWE Championship from Daniel Bryan. MetLife Stadium exploded in unison as Kingston realized a dream over 11 years in the making. Since then, KofiMania has continued to run strong as Kingston faced some impressive opponents including newly-crowned Universal Champion Seth Rollins on Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania. But Money in the Bank on May 19 in Hartford, CT will be the first title defense Kingston’s had on a pay-per-view card.

His opponent, Kevin Owens, knows what it takes to accomplish what’s needed in a big-match environment. He’s also no stranger to wearing gold around his waist. Owens returned from after a lengthy recovery from injury and was hand-picked by Mr. McMahon to replace none other than Kingston at Fastlane for the WWE Championship. At the time, Owens seemed set to return in a babyface capacity. He even jumped in an as honorary third member of The New Day as Big E healed from a torn meniscus in his knee. It’s all fun and games until you need a massive heel turn to setup the next PPV.

On an episode of SmackDown Live after Kingston defeated Shinsuke Nakamura, Owens attacked both Kingston and Xavier Woods with no remorse. With the momentum of KofiMania still going strong it cemented Owens’ heel status instantly, a place where he fits more comfortably.

This match could go either way depending on a number of factors. Being this is Kingston’s first pay-per-view title defense it might be safe to say he’s not going to drop the title this soon. However, a victory for Owens could continue to build heat for him and continue their feud into the following event. Or, some have even suggested putting the title on Owens is a way for Roman Reigns to insert himself into the title picture. 

The winner of the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match could also be a factor in the outcome. And then there’s the go-home show on SmackDown which saw a brawl erupt between Owens, Kingston, Woods, and a surprise appearance by Owens’ longtime friend (and longtime rival) Sami Zayn to even the odds. Could we end up with a no-contest at Money in the Bank? Anything is possible. But it’s safe to say that before any of that happens Kingston and Owens will give us one helluva match.