Austin Theory Unsuccessfully Cashes In Money In The Bank Contract On WWE Raw

A controversial booking decision came to fruition on Monday's episode of Raw.

Austin Theory had been Mr. Money in the Bank since capturing the briefcase at the July pay-per-view and he had repeatedly failed to cash in for an Undisputed WWE Universal Title match in recent months. Theory was able to cash in on last night's Raw but the situation didn't end well for the former EVOLVE Champion.

On the show, Seth Rollins held an open challenge for the United States Championship that was answered by Bobby Lashley. Before the match could begin, though, Lashley beat down Rollins and WWE officials ordered The All Mighty backstage.

This left Rollins lying and Theory made his way to the ring and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract for a United States Title match. The former Way member then repeatedly failed to put Rollins away until he hit the A Town Down. The referee was about to hit the mat for the three-count but Bobby Lashley returned to ringside and dragged the official out of the ring.

Theory's chances then went up in smoke as Lashley beat down his former rival, leaving him lying after driving him twice into the ring post head-first. Theory managed to get back in the ring before he could be counted out but the long gap allowed Rollins to recover and he caught Theory with the Stomp for the victory.

While there have been failed cash-ins in the past, Theory's booking has been criticised as he became the first WWE talent to cash in for a mid-card WWE championship and fail.

Watch Theory's failed cash-in below: