The road to **Money in the Bank 2018** was filled with intense battles, and one of the most heated clashes took place on **SmackDown LIVE, May 29, 2018**. **Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, and Big Cass** collided in a high-stakes **Triple Threat Match**, each fighting for a golden opportunity—**a chance to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match**.
With three very different competitors in the ring, this was a battle of heart vs. power vs. destruction. **Daniel Bryan**, the ultimate underdog, had his speed and technical prowess. **Samoa Joe**, the submission machine, was ready to dominate with his brute force. **Big Cass**, the towering powerhouse, had one goal—to crush his competition and make a statement.
Who emerged victorious in this brutal showdown? Let’s break down all the action 💥🔥
## **The Build-Up: A Clash of Titans**
### **Daniel Bryan’s Road to Redemption**
💪 After making his miraculous in-ring return earlier in 2018, **Daniel Bryan** had been clawing his way back to the top of **SmackDown LIVE**. Having already battled and defeated Big Cass at **Backlash**, Bryan was eager to prove that he still had what it took to compete at the highest level.
💪 Qualifying for the **Money in the Bank Ladder Match** would have been the perfect way to continue his redemption story, but he had two giants standing in his way.
### **Samoa Joe’s Path of Destruction**
🔥 Since his arrival on **SmackDown LIVE**, **Samoa Joe** had been making one thing clear—**he was a dominant force that feared no one**. Known for his **ruthless aggression and submission expertise**, Joe had the ability to put any opponent to sleep with his signature **Coquina Clutch**.
🔥 With an opportunity to enter **Money in the Bank**, Joe was determined to bulldoze through his competition and take one step closer to a WWE Championship opportunity.
### **Big Cass’ Desire to Prove Himself**
⚡ Standing at **7 feet tall**, **Big Cass** had one mission—to **prove that size matters**. Still fresh off his feud with Daniel Bryan, Cass wanted to show that he wasn’t just a towering presence, but also a true threat in the ring.
⚡ Entering Money in the Bank would have cemented Cass as a main-event player, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.
With these three warriors set to clash, SmackDown LIVE was about to witness an all-out war 🔥🏆
## **The Match: A Brutal Triple Threat Battle**
As soon as the bell rang, **all three superstars exploded into action**. Each competitor had a different strategy, making for a chaotic and thrilling encounter.
### **Samoa Joe Takes Control**
💥 From the start, **Samoa Joe** used his size and power to gain the upper hand. He targeted **Daniel Bryan**, delivering a series of **devastating strikes** and **submission holds** to wear him down.
💥 However, Joe also had to keep an eye on **Big Cass**, who wasn’t afraid to use his **massive frame** to shift the momentum.
### **Big Cass’ Dominance**
⚡ At one point, **Big Cass** took complete control of the match, using his **sheer power** to toss both Joe and Bryan across the ring. He launched Bryan into the turnbuckle with a brutal **Irish whip**, showing his dominance.
⚡ Cass even attempted to **chokeslam Joe**, but the submission specialist countered and nearly locked in the **Coquina Clutch**
### **Daniel Bryan’s Resilient Comeback**
🔥 Despite being the smallest competitor, **Daniel Bryan refused to back down**. With the crowd rallying behind him, Bryan unleashed his signature **Yes Kicks**, targeting both Cass and Joe.
🔥 Bryan nearly secured victory when he trapped **Big Cass in the Yes Lock**, but before Cass could tap out, **Samoa Joe broke up the hold**
🔥 The action continued to escalate, with all three men delivering their best shots. But in the end, it all came down to one decisive moment…
### **The Shocking Ending**
💀 As the match neared its climax, Big Cass looked ready to finish Bryan with a **Big Boot**, but Bryan **dodged** and delivered a massive running knee to Cass
💀 Just as it seemed like Bryan was about to score the win, **Samoa Joe capitalized**, grabbing Bryan and **locking in the Coquina Clutch**.
💀 With nowhere to escape, Bryan **faded out**, forcing the referee to call for the bell
🔥 **Samoa Joe won the match, officially qualifying for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match** 🔥
## **Aftermath: What This Meant for Each Superstar**
### **Samoa Joe Moves One Step Closer to Championship Gold**
🏆 By winning this match, **Samoa Joe earned a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match**, putting him in prime position to secure a future WWE Championship opportunity.
🏆 With his **dominant performance**, Joe sent a strong message to the rest of the SmackDown LIVE roster—**he was coming for the top prize**.
### **Daniel Bryan’s Setback, But Not Defeat**
⚡ Although he didn’t win, **Daniel Bryan proved once again that he could hold his own against bigger and stronger opponents**.
⚡ This loss didn’t stop his momentum, as he continued his journey to reclaim championship gold in the months that followed.
### **Big Cass Falls Short Again**
💀 For **Big Cass**, this match was a major setback. Despite his size and strength, he once again **failed to put Bryan away**.
💀 This loss only fueled his frustration, leading to even more animosity between him and Bryan in the weeks that followed.
## **Final Thoughts: A Match to Remember**
🔥 **SmackDown LIVE on May 29, 2018, delivered one of the most intense qualifying matches in Money in the Bank history**.
🔥 **Samoa Joe’s victory cemented his dominance, Daniel Bryan’s resilience kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, and Big Cass’ aggression added an unpredictable element**.
🔥 **Did the right man win? Should Daniel Bryan have been the one to qualify? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below** 👇⚡