PREVIEW: Smackdown Money in the Bank Ladder Match (Gabriel vs. Sheamus vs. Slater vs. Rhodes vs. Kane vs. Sin Cara vs. Bryan vs. Barrett)

First instituted at WrestleMania 21, the Money in the Bank Ladder Match has become one of the most prestigious and most anticipated contests in WWE. And now, for the second year in a row, two of the high-stakes onslaughts will serve as the centerpiece of the knockdown, drag-out WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view.

Eight SmackDown Superstars will compete in one of the explosive contests, battling for the right to challenge a WWE World Champion at any time, at any place, for up to one year.

To earn the tremendous opportunity, a Superstar must climb up the ladder and obtain the briefcase holding the coveted championship contract within.

Among the Superstars scheduled to compete will be last year’s SmackDown Money in the Bank winner Kane – who made history by cashing in his monumental opportunity to capture the World Heavyweight Title on that very same night. He will contend with a slew of Friday night elite Superstars, including former two-time WWE Champion Sheamus, Sin Cara, Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.

Considering the perfect success rate for those who have previously cashed in the contract and become a World Champion, the briefcase’s value has driven Superstars to unprecedented lengths – and heights – in its pursuit. It has also been known to increase the hostility between former allies – and could do so again here with former Corre members Barrett, Gabriel and Slater in the same contest – while forever altering other ring warriors’ personal goals. In the latter case, the WWE Universe can’t help but wonder if Cody Rhodes’ hatred for Daniel Bryan over the past several weeks will play a factor in his chance at a World Title opportunity.

Watch WWE Money in the Bank, live on pay-per-view on July 17 at 8/5 PT to see who will be the next Superstars to earn the “Mr. Money in the Bank” moniker. And for details regarding Raw’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, click here.