Penta Emerges as Reported Favorite for WWE Money in the Bank 2026

WWE Money in the Bank 2026 is taking shape, with the men’s Ladder Match already beginning to fill up. Several stars have secured their places, but a recent report has identified Penta as a name receiving significant attention from WWE management.

The development comes shortly after Penta challenged Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in Mexico City. Although Penta lost the match, the response to the bout reportedly changed WWE’s plans for the former Intercontinental Champion.

According to a report from WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, WWE was impressed by the reaction to the Penta-Reigns match and is now open to revisiting the rivalry. Penta has also secured his place in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match after replacing Solo Sikoa in a qualifying bout.

Penta Reportedly Gaining Support for Money in the Bank Victory

The latest report suggests that Penta has emerged as a potential favorite for the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

The report from WrestleVotes indicates that WWE management had initially viewed Penta’s match against Roman Reigns as a one-time encounter. However, the reaction to their Mexico City bout reportedly encouraged the company to reconsider that approach.

A rematch between Penta and Reigns is now reportedly being considered, while Penta’s inclusion in the Money in the Bank field gives him another major opportunity.

It is important to note that a reported internal preference does not confirm that Penta will win the briefcase. WWE has not officially announced the winner, and the Money in the Bank match itself has yet to take place.

Penta Wants Another Match With Roman Reigns

Penta has made it clear that his story with Roman Reigns is not finished from his perspective.

On the latest episode of Monday Night RAW, Penta addressed the WWE Universe after his World Heavyweight Championship opportunity in Mexico City. He spoke positively about receiving the chance to compete for WWE’s top title in his hometown and showed respect toward Reigns.

At the same time, Penta expressed his desire for another opportunity against the champion.

That statement became particularly interesting because WWE had already been monitoring the reaction to their first match. If the company decides to revisit the rivalry, Penta’s Money in the Bank position could become an important part of the storyline.

Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh Interrupt Penta

Penta’s RAW segment did not remain peaceful for long. Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh interrupted him and confronted the former Intercontinental Champion.

The situation quickly became physical, with Mysterio and McDonagh attacking Penta. The luchador managed to fight back and eventually took both members of Judgment Day out of the immediate confrontation.

The segment added another layer to Penta’s night before he entered the Money in the Bank qualifying match later in the show.

How Penta Entered the Money in the Bank Qualifier

The men’s Money in the Bank qualifying match originally featured Solo Sikoa, Dominik Mysterio and Dragon Lee.

However, a major development occurred shortly before the match. The 946 faction reportedly kidnapped Sikoa, leaving WWE with a vacant position in the scheduled Triple Threat.

RAW General Manager Adam Pearce then announced Penta as Sikoa’s replacement.

That decision gave Penta an unexpected opportunity to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. He took advantage of it by defeating Mysterio and Dragon Lee, securing his place in the field.

Penta Pins Dominik Mysterio to Qualify

Penta ultimately won the Triple Threat qualifying match by pinning Dominik Mysterio.

The victory was significant because it came after Penta had already been involved in a physically demanding storyline segment earlier in the show. More importantly, it officially placed him among the competitors who will battle for the Money in the Bank briefcase.

The briefcase traditionally provides its holder with a future championship opportunity, making the Ladder Match one of WWE’s most consequential annual contests.

Who Has Qualified for the Men’s Money in the Bank Match?

The men’s field is beginning to take shape. Based on the supplied report, four wrestlers have currently qualified for the Ladder Match.

Additional qualification matches are expected to determine the rest of the field before Money in the Bank.

Why Penta’s Roman Reigns Match Matters

Penta’s reported rise in WWE’s internal plans is closely connected to his recent match with Roman Reigns.

The Mexico City contest gave Penta the opportunity to compete against one of WWE’s biggest stars for the World Heavyweight Championship. Although Reigns retained the title, the reaction reportedly made WWE reconsider how much mileage remained in the matchup.

This is important because WWE can use a strong response to a match as a reason to revisit a rivalry. Penta’s performance and connection with the live crowd appear to have strengthened his position in the current storyline, according to the report.

His Money in the Bank qualification now gives WWE another possible route toward a future World Heavyweight Championship storyline.

Could Money in the Bank Lead Penta Back to Roman Reigns?

There are several ways WWE could potentially connect Penta’s Money in the Bank story with Reigns, although none has been confirmed.

If Penta were to win the briefcase, he would gain a guaranteed championship opportunity under the rules of the Money in the Bank concept. That could create a natural continuation of his rivalry with Reigns if the latter remains World Heavyweight Champion.

Alternatively, WWE could use Penta’s participation in the Ladder Match simply to establish him as a major singles competitor without immediately returning to the Reigns storyline.

For now, the reported interest in a rematch means the possibility remains part of the wider WWE picture.

Money in the Bank 2026 Set for October 10

WWE Money in the Bank 2026 is scheduled for October 10. The premium live event will feature the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Matches among its major attractions.

The concept gives multiple wrestlers an opportunity to secure a championship contract, which can dramatically alter a performer’s position on the WWE roster.

For Penta, qualifying for the men’s match is already an important milestone. A victory would take that opportunity considerably further, but the outcome remains unconfirmed.

Penta’s Recent WWE Momentum

Penta has been building momentum since establishing himself as a prominent singles competitor in WWE. His previous reign as Intercontinental Champion helped establish him as more than a tag-team or faction performer.

His recent World Heavyweight Championship match against Reigns provided another major platform. Even though he did not win the title, the reported reaction to the contest appears to have strengthened WWE’s interest in giving him more opportunities.

His qualification for Money in the Bank immediately after that match adds to the sense that Penta is being positioned prominently in the current WWE storylines.

What the Report Actually Confirms

There is an important distinction between what WWE has officially established and what has been reported about the company’s internal thinking.

• Confirmed: Penta qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
• Confirmed: Penta replaced Solo Sikoa in the Triple Threat qualifier after Sikoa was removed from the match.
• Confirmed: Penta won the qualifier by pinning Dominik Mysterio.
• Reported: WWE is impressed by the reaction to Penta’s match with Roman Reigns.
• Reported: Penta is considered a potential favorite for the Money in the Bank match.
• Reported: WWE is open to another Penta-Reigns match.
• Not confirmed: Penta winning the Money in the Bank briefcase.

What to Watch Before Money in the Bank

The remaining qualifying matches will determine who joins Penta, Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams in the men’s Ladder Match.

Another important storyline will be whether WWE continues to build toward Penta and Roman Reigns. Penta has already publicly asked for another opportunity, while the reported reaction to their first encounter has reportedly encouraged WWE to consider a rematch.

If those plans continue, the Money in the Bank Ladder Match could become an important part of Penta’s route toward another World Heavyweight Championship opportunity.

Final Verdict

Penta has quickly become one of the most closely watched names in the men’s Money in the Bank picture. His qualification came unexpectedly after Solo Sikoa was removed from the scheduled Triple Threat, but Penta made the opportunity count by defeating Dominik Mysterio and Dragon Lee.

The reported WWE interest goes beyond the Ladder Match itself. WrestleVotes, via Fightful Select, has reported that WWE was impressed by the reaction to Penta’s World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns and is now open to another encounter between them.

However, the report of Penta being a favorite should not be treated as confirmation that he will win the briefcase. WWE has not officially announced the winner, and the remaining qualifiers have yet to be determined.

For now, Penta has two major developments working in his favor: a place in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and reported WWE interest in continuing his story with Roman Reigns. What happens on October 10 will determine whether that momentum turns into a championship opportunity.