Internal Reaction to Referee’s Role in Botched Kickout During WWE Money in the Bank Match

The World Heavyweight Championship match between Damian Priest and Seth Rollins at the WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Premium Live Event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was overshadowed by controversy. A botched pinfall attempt became the focal point, and now the backstage reaction to the referee’s involvement has come to light.

The match had high takes as well for good measure. If Priest won, Rollins would be barred from challenging for the title as long as Priest held it, but if Rollins won, Priest would be forced to leave The Judgment Day. The climax saw Rollins hit the falcon arrow, but the referee halted the count at two even though Priest didn’t kick out.

During all the confusion, Drew McIntyre came out with the Money in the Bank briefcase to cash it in, turning the match into a triple threat bout. McIntyre hit Priest with the Future Shock DDT, only for Priest to respond with a clothesline. As the chaos continued, CM Punk made a surprise entrance, attacking McIntyre with a chair, a cable choke, and a title shot to the face. Seizing the moment, Priest pinned McIntyre to pick up the win

The incident led to speculation about whether the referee made a mistake, if Priest forgot to kick out, or if McIntyre’s interruption caused a timing issue. Reports suggested that Damian Priest simply did not kick out.

Wrestle Votes took to Twitter and reported that referee Rod Zapada did not get any heat following the botched kickout. It was noted that in the past, the referee would have definitely gotten heat.

”I’m told there is no real heat on referee Rod Zapada following the mishap on Saturday night during the World Championship match. A source said, ‘In years past, absolutely.’’

We have also reported the international reaction to Damian Priest’s botched kickout as well. Triple H has also defended Damian Priest after the major botch at Money in the Bank. Nevertheless, everyone is now moving on from the whole ordeal as we are now officially on the road to SummerSlam.

Do you feel the botch really affected the overall match? Should measures be taken to avoid such botches in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!