The WWE Money in the Bank briefcase has been a transformative element in professional wrestling, serving as a launching pad for rising stars who wish to achieve championship glory. While some have successfully cashed in and solidified their place in the annals of wrestling history, others, like Theory, have seen their efforts fall flat, fading into obscurity.
The briefcase’s legendary status, whether dangling above the ring at a spectacular WrestleMania in the 2000s or featured prominently in its own Pay-Per-View events, has ushered in a multitude of champions, many of whom have gone on to be considered among the greatest in the industry. In this article, we dive into the most exhilarating Money in the Bank cash-in moments that not only stole the spotlight but also significantly altered the careers of those who seized the opportunity.
10. Randy Orton
Summerslam 2013
We begin our countdown with a pivotal moment from Summerslam 2013, where Daniel Bryan defeated John Cena to claim the WWE Championship. The excitement was palpable until Randy Orton’s music blared, signaling the next shocking turn of events.
While Bryan prepared for his first title defense, Triple H, who served as the guest referee, shocked the audience by turning on Bryan and delivering a Pedigree. This unexpected twist paved the way for Orton to capitalize and snatch the championship, underlining his role as the figurehead of the intimidating Authority storyline that culminated in Bryan’s long-awaited redemption at WrestleMania 30.
Though memorable, Orton’s victory ranks lower on our list, primarily because he was already an established star in WWE, and this win primarily served to facilitate Bryan’s monumental rise. Watch here.
9. Daniel Bryan
TLC 2011
The years 2010 to 2011 were significant as WWE navigated a transitional phase, marked by the departure of major stars like Batista and Chris Jericho. During this period, Daniel Bryan became a fan favorite with his engaging ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ gimmicks.
At TLC 2011, Bryan seized his opportunity by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract against the Big Show, becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion. This victory marked a key elevation in Bryan’s career trajectory, with fans celebrating a long-overdue championship reign, despite later losing to Sheamus in a swift 18-second match at WrestleMania 28.
Ultimately, this title win set the stage for Bryan’s iconic ascension to the top of the wrestling world, culminating in a historic moment at WrestleMania 30.
8. The Miz
A Cleveland Kid’s Dream Come True
During the 2010s, The Miz was often viewed as one of the most despised heels in wrestling, and his victory during the Money in the Bank ladder match was seen as controversial by many fans. However, his cash-in against Randy Orton on RAW to claim the WWE Championship remains one of the most shocking title changes in WWE history.
Despite his squabbles with critics, The Miz’s initial title run, while controversial, included a significant main event against John Cena at WrestleMania 27, showcasing his ability to thrive on the grandest of stages. We can’t forget that memorable moment when a fan infamously reacted to his championship win, leading to a later segment at the Slammy Awards.
7. Damian Priest
WrestleMania 40
Initially criticized as one of the weakest Money in the Bank holders, Damian Priest surprised fans by successfully cashing in at WrestleMania 40, a historic moment as it was the second time anyone had cashed in the briefcase at the event.
This cash-in advanced his rivalry with Drew McIntyre and showcased that Priest had significant potential as a main-event player, especially given the surprising nature of the moment. The crowd erupted with joy as Punk had just finished attacking Drew, marking a perfect buildup to a crowning moment.
6. Big E
It’s a New Day. Yes, it is!
Fans adored The New Day, and when Big E was drafted separately during the COVID era, there was mixed emotion. Fortunately, his journey took a thrilling turn when he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract against Bobby Lashley in 2021, celebrating with his New Day brothers in front of a jubilant crowd.
Even though his championship reign was cut short due to unfortunate circumstances, fans rallied behind Big E, hoping for his return to the ring after a serious neck injury. An anticipated triple threat match at WrestleMania 41 with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods could have been a classic, reflecting their storyline of betrayal.
5. Edge
New Year’s Revolution 2006
Edge, known as the Rated R Superstar, solidified his status as a main-event classic with his first successful Money in the Bank cash-in following a brutal John Cena match at New Year’s Revolution 2006.
Winning the briefcase in the inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 21, this moment perfectly encapsulated his opportunistic persona, as he seized the moment when Cena was at his most vulnerable. Over the course of his career, Edge left an indelible mark with multiple title reigns, iconic entrance music, and a legacy as one of the industry’s best heels.
4. Rob Van Dam
ECW One Night Stand 2006
Rob Van Dam made history as the first wrestler to publicly declare his cash-in date, choosing the iconic venue of ECW’s One Night Stand in 2006. This event was memorable, especially as the crowd passionately expressed their support for ECW in contrast to WWE’s star roster.
Van Dam’s triumph over Cena, aided by Paul Heyman as the enforcer during the match, was fermented in wrestling lore as he became a champion in his home turf, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the Money in the Bank opportunity.
3. Dolph Ziggler
The RAW after Mania 29
Dolph Ziggler’s tenure as a Money in the Bank holder was extraordinary, culminating in a celebrated cash-in on the RAW following WrestleMania 29. Fans resonated deeply with Ziggler’s journey, recognizing his immense talent and dedication.
His exhilarating victory that night, met with thunderous applause, marked one of the loudest crowd reactions in WWE history, as he claimed the World Heavyweight Championship and celebrated a hard-fought victory. This moment symbolized a long-awaited achievement for Ziggler, one filled with both joy and nostalgia.
2. CM Punk
This Fire Burns, Always
As a lifelong fan of CM Punk, I can’t help but highlight his significance in this list. Punk’s early career was marked by his dual victories at WrestleMania 24 and 25, making history by winning Money in the Bank ladder matches consecutively.
His first cash-in against Edge following WrestleMania showcased his appeal to fans, as he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor in the main event scene. Although his title reign would later evolve into a fierce rivalry with Jeff Hardy, it undoubtedly laid the groundwork for his legendary status in WWE.
1. Seth Rollins
WrestleMania 31
No discussion of Money in the Bank cash-ins is complete without mentioning Seth Rollins and his groundbreaking moment at WrestleMania 31, masterfully described by Michael Cole as “the Heist of the Century.”
In a high-stakes matchup between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, both competitors pushed their limits until Rollins’ music hit, changing the dynamics of the main event. In that crucial moment, Rollins emerged victorious, solidifying his status as a transcendent star in WWE history.
This iconic cash-in not only added a legendary chapter to Rollins’ career but also exemplified the Money in the Bank briefcase’s power to elevate talent to blockbuster status in the world of professional wrestling.
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