WWE Money in the Bank 2017: Results and observations from the show

Money in the Bank is not WWE's most notable pay-per-view event, but it is routinely the promotion's most intriguing given the main attraction's unique concept.

That intrigue helps Money in the Bank deliver a memorable show on an annual basis and the trend should continue this year with two ladder matches that present a number of possibilities for WWE's creative team to go in.

Here are my predictions for what WWE will do Sunday night at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis:

Money in the Bank Ladder match – Kevin Owens vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

I generally use a process of elimination when it comes to predicting the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Right off the top, I am knocking off Owens, Styles and Ziggler. Owens is the United States champion and could use the briefcase, but I don't think this is his time.

Ziggler has already won the Money in the Bank ladder match and doesn't seem to be in position to be champion again, and I believe Styles will be chasing the United States title for a little while longer.

That leaves Nakamura, Corbin and Zayn. I'm eliminating Nakamura because I just feel like the sight of Nakamura carrying around a briefcase would be strange, which leaves me with Corbin and Zayn.

The Money in the Bank concept is tailor-made for a heel to win because of the surprise nature of the cash-in attempts. Cashing in on a prone champion feels very more like a heel tactic than a babyface one.

Since Zayn is the consummate babyface, I couldn't see him winning the title in that manner. He could always do the honorable thing of announcing when he intends on cashing in ahead of time, but that would takeaway the surprise factor WWE and the fans covet when it comes to the briefcase.

That leaves me with Corbin, who is not only a heel, but can gain a measure of revenge on Zayn by costing him the match and going on to win. Remember, Zayn has had Corbin's number as of late by pinning and I could see Corbin using his Money in the Bank victory to get the last laugh over Zayn.

Prediction: Corbin WINS Money in the Bank

Money in the Bank Ladder match – Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Carmella vs. Natalya vs. Tamina

Like I said before, I see a heel winning Money in the Bank and the same goes for the first one to involves the women.

Of the heels participating in this match, the only heel that jumps out to me as a viable candidate to win is Carmella. I don't know why, but it is just a gut feeling I have.

Although I believe Carmella's second, James Ellsworth, is taking a big bump in this match, I still think he may find a way to help her win and eventually help her cash in to become the Smackdown Women's champion.

Prediction: Carmella WINS Money in the Bank

WWE championship – Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton

Orton is wrestling in his hometown, which means he will more than likely lose to Mahal because homefield advantage means nothing in WWE.

Prediction: Mahal RETAINS the WWE championship

WWE Smackdown Women's championship – Naomi (c) vs. Lana

Since Lana stood tall over Naomi on this week's edition of Smackdown Live, I am going with Naomi to retain her title.

However, I believe part of the reason why Naomi will retain the title is for a heel winner of the Money in the Bank ladder match to cash in on her. Since I think Carmella will win that match, don't be surprised if she walks out of Money in the Bank champion.

But for specifically Naomi versus Lana, I'm going with Naomi.

Prediction: Naomi RETAINS the Smackdown Women's championship

WWE Smackdown Tag Team championship – The Usos (c) vs. The New Day

I have enjoyed The Usos' reign as tag team champions and I don't see a reason to end it at this point.

Prediction: The Usos RETAIN the Smackdown Tag Team championship

Kickoff match – The Hype Bros vs. The Colons

From the moment Zack Ryder announced he was returning to the ring this past Tuesday, I have called for a split between he and Mojo Rawley.

Well, I could easily see it happening at Money in the Bank, which helps The Colons pick up the victory.

Predictions: The Colons def. The Hype Bros

Vaughn Johnson has a podcast with Nick Piccone called the Straight Shooters on WildfireRadio.com. Check it out here HERE.