Money in the Bank Fields Complete as Randy Orton Costs Cody Rhodes His Chance

Kevin Owens and Tiffany Stratton take the final places, while Cody Rhodes leaves SmackDown with another reason to pursue Orton.

WWE’s final Money in the Bank qualifiers delivered two winners and another escalation in the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

On the October 2 edition of SmackDown, Kevin Owens defeated Rhodes and Johnny Gargano to claim the last men’s position. Tiffany Stratton won the final women’s qualifier against Tatum Paxley and Candice LeRae, according to WWE’s official results.

Orton changes the finish

Rhodes appeared close to winning after hitting Owens with Cross Rhodes, but Orton pulled the referee out of the ring. Rhodes then attacked Orton and considered a punt before Gargano interrupted. Owens ultimately pinned Gargano while Orton kept Rhodes from returning to the ring.

The sequence gives WWE two stories to carry forward: Owens advancing toward a championship opportunity and Rhodes being drawn further into his personal conflict with Orton. Reading that as revenge overtaking Rhodes’ focus is an interpretation of the action, not an announced explanation from WWE.

The men’s field is set

WWE’s match preview lists Owens alongside CM Punk, Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams and Penta. The lineup combines experienced headliners with wrestlers for whom a briefcase win could produce a major change in position.

Money in the Bank takes place Saturday, October 10, with a 6 p.m. ET start. WWE advertises the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and Netflix internationally; viewers should check availability in their market.

A separate win for Blake Monroe

SmackDown also featured Blake Monroe defeating Giulia in her first match on the brand. That gives the women’s division another result worth following even as attention turns to the ladder match.

For Rhodes, the immediate consequence is clear: he leaves the qualifier without a briefcase opportunity and with Orton still standing in his way.