Money in the Bank is FINALLY here this week.
The Ladder Matches this year have some fantastic talent competing. These matches alone will determine the pay-per-views success. There is so much potential and could offer us plenty of twists and turns as to who will become Mr and Miss Money in the Bank in 2018.
In that spirit, here are my top 5 best and most memorable Money in the Bank Ladder Matches.
SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match (2011) – Won by Daniel Bryan
This match was great but is completely forgotten about when the pay-per-view gets mentioned and we think of matches gone by. This one is more about the match itself,rather than the inevitable cash that hypes people and jogs their memory of winners from the past. Daniel Bryan overcame the odds in a sound victory over former Nexus teammates, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel and former leader, Wade Barrett. As well as Kane, Sin Cara and Cody Rhodes.
The match delivered, was received well and we saw everything we expected to in a Ladder Match. Daniel Bryan emerging victorious took some fans by surprise. Sadly, Bryan cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase was a complete mess. Weirdly written and poorly executed.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match (2016) – Won by Dean Ambrose
2016’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match is one of my favourites in recent years. A great line-up featuring the likes of Ambrose, Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Alberto Del Rio ran the show for over 20 minutes of non-stop, fast-paced action. My favourite thing about the particular line up and what they offered, is risk. These men took bumps and serious risks. Especially Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. All of them were putting their bodies on the line but it was the Lunatic Fringe who unhooked the briefcase.
What happened after the match is what makes this particular ladder match so much more important and memorable. Dean Ambrose cashed in 57 minutes after winning his contract. Cashing in on former Shield teammate Seth Rollins who had just defeated Roman Reigns in the main event to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Ambrose caught Seth Rollins unaware and successfully defeated him. Meaning all three members of The Shield had held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at some point during the same pay-per-view.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match (WrestleMania 24, 2008) – Won by CM Punk
This is arguably the best Money in the Bank Ladder Match of all time.If we are talking pure action, this match is it for me, hands down. Back in 2008, when the Money in the Bank Ladder Matches were restricted to WrestleMania.
CM Punk defeated the likes of Chris Jericho, MVP, Carlito, Mr Kennedy, Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison.This match was electric throughout. Fully pushing all performers to their limits, who all put on a spectacular match which no doubt belonged and earned its place at The Showcase of the Immortals.
Punk won the first of his two briefcases after hooking Jericho’s leg into the ladder and hanging him upside down. The inevitable cashing in of the briefcase led CM Punk to get his hands on the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time and add some credibility and legitimacy to him as a competitor.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match (2014) – Won by Seth Rollins
This was the match that marked Seth Rollins’ rise to the top in WWE. Pitted up against the likes of Jack Swagger, Dean Ambrose, Kofi Kingston, Rob Van Dam and Dolph Ziggler. The Architect became the first member of The Shield to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match to earn a contract and opportunity for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.
The match itself was great. Full of pace, power and plenty of high-flying action. Best reserved for a match of this calibre. This match may not be as prestigious or exalted as others out there, but it was Seth Rollins’ cash-in 273 days later at WrestleMania 31 that elevates it to unthinkable heights.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match (WrestleMania 21, 2005) – Won by Edge
You never forget your first. The very first Money in the Bank Ladder Match, contested at WrestleMania 21. The Money in the Bank Ladder Match event was actually invented, introduced and pitched by Chris Jericho.
Edge emerged victorious against Kane, Christian, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin. This victory transformed Edge and marked the rise of him on his road to becoming a main eventer. Nobody knew what to expect from this match and the fans in attendance were completely shell shocked by the amount of risk, action and tenacity each wrestler was showing. Every competitor pulled their weight and ensured this match and event would be an overwhelming success and something to build on for the future.
The cash in is fondly remembered as Edge cashed in and won his first WWE Championship against John Cena.