When a Money in the Bank ladder match happens with a title bout still to come, there's always a chance the winner of the contract will cash in before the end of the night. Since the women's ladder match opened the show on Saturday, a same-night cash-in was a very real possibility. Liv Morgan laid claim to the briefcase, and it would not be the last time we saw her.
Liv Morgan Cashes In
After a pretty grueling match against Natalya, Ronda Rousey didn't even have time to pick herself up off that mat before Morgan's music hit. This was no false alarm, as can often be the case. Morgan handed over the contract, the bell rang, and the cash-in was official. Things went awry for Morgan fast as Rousey found a little energy and attempted to apply an ankle lock.
Morgan's amazing night wasn't about to come crashing down around her, though. She flipped things back around and managed to pin Rousey to the mat for a three count. That means Morgan is now the SmackDown Women's Champion. A moment that feels like it has been a long time coming. Certainly a lot longer than the two hours between her contract win and cash in.
From Contract Win To Cash-In
Rousey stood up a few seconds later as she watched the title that was hers moments before get handed to Morgan. There was a brief moment where it was unclear what Rousey's next move was going to be. The Rowdy One went for an embrace rather than an attack, hugging Morgan and deciding not to take away from what was a very special moment. Morgan was then afforded the opportunity to celebrate in the ring alone before the main event.
Earlier in the show, Bianca Belair retained the Raw Women's Title against Carmella. Morgan could have cashed in at that point, but she decided to keep hold of the briefcase for a little while longer and arguably utilized it against a much bigger threat. Morgan will presumably be a SmackDown Superstar moving forward, and the most obvious first defense for the new champ would be a proper match against Rousey at SummerSlam.
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