The Money in the Bank gimmick has become a firm favourite among wrestling fans.
First introduced in 2005, it’s given us shocks, surprises and – in some cases – built
legitimate main eventers. 16 out of the 19 cash-ins have resulted in new champions, and
with Money in the Bank 2018 just around the corner, let’s have randomly assorted lists
of the best cash-ins.
1.
Edge, New Year’s Revolution 2006
Edge was the first man to win a Money in the Bank briefcase and he held on to it from WrestleMania
21 in 2005 all the way until January 2006.
Following John Cena’s gruelling Elimination Chamber match against Kurt Angle, Kane, Shawn
Michaels, Chris Masters and Carlito, Vince McMahon announced that Edge was cashing in
his contract, and the Ultimate Opportunist was born.
After two spears, Edge pinned John Cena to capture his first WWE Championship.
He’d lose it just a couple of weeks later at the Royal Rumble, but this Money in the
Bank cash-in slid Edge into WWE’s main event scene – which he would use to capture a
world championship another eleven times – including a second Money in the Bank cash-in on The
Undertaker on an episode of Smackdown in 2007.
2.
Rob Van Dam, One Night Stand 2006
Mr. Monday Night became Mr. Money in the Bank when Rob Van Dam secured the briefcase at
WrestleMania 22, and rather than cash-in as a surprise, RVD told John Cena that he was
challenging him to the WWE Championship at the second ECW reunion show One Night Stand.
While not as good as the first One Night Stand, the rowdy New York crowd were after Cena’s
blood by the time the main event began.
If Cena won they were going to riot.
But with some interference by Edge, Rob Van Dam hit the Five Star Frog Splash to capture
his first and only WWE Championship.
Much like Edge’s cash-in, this didn’t lead to a memorable title run as it was cut
short when RVD and Sabu were suspended after being pulled over with contraband in their
car.
3.
Dolph Ziggler, Monday Night Raw, April 8th 2013
Speaking of forgettable championship reigns that kicked off with a great moment - segue
- Dolph Ziggler cashing in his Money in the Bank contract the night after WrestleMania
28 is the ultimate example.
In fact it could arguably be the best cash-in moment of all-time.
The Raw After Mania came unglued as Dolph Ziggler stormed to the ring to pin Alberto
Del Rio and win the World Heavyweight Championship.
4.
Dean Ambrose, Money in the Bank 2016
Dean Ambrose holds the accolade for holding the Money in the Bank briefcase for the second
shortest amount of time.
Ambrose won the ladder match earlier in the night at Money in the Bank 2016, and cashed
in after the main event of Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship.
Rollins had won the title in a great bout, only to be dethroned a few minutes later.
Dean had the briefcase for less than an hour.
It meant that Money in the Bank 2016 saw all three members of The Shield hold the WWE Championship
on the same night.
5.
Seth Rollins, WrestleMania 31
And speaking of Shield members - segue dos - could we really do this list and leave off
the heist of the century?
Seth Rollins won Money in the Bank hot off his heel turn against his Shield brothers
and cashed in during the main event of WrestleMania 31 of Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns.
The two were having a terrific match, but it will always be forgotten because of Seth’s
very timely and electric cash-in.
The California crowd lost their collective minds as Seth ran down to the ring, handed
over the briefcase and won his first WWE title via a Curb Stomp to Reigns.
One of the best endings to WrestleMania in history, and arguably the best Money in the
Bank cash-in of all-time.
But what are your picks?
Alberto Del Rio?
CM Punk?
Maybe even Jack Swagger?
Let us know in the comments below.
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I’ve been Oli Davis and that was wrestling.