The Money in the Bank (MITB) ladder match is not just a contest; it’s a springboard for creating some of WWE’s most unforgettable moments. Since its inception at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, the MITB briefcase has been a catalyst for surprise cash-ins that have reshaped championship landscapes and thrilled fans worldwide. The unique stipulation, allowing the winner to cash in their title shot at any time and place of their choosing, has led to some of the most shocking and exhilarating moments in WWE history.
Let’s dive into the The Best Money in the Bank Cash-Ins in WWE History that have etched their place in WWE history.
Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31
Seth Rollins’ cash-in at WrestleMania 31 remains a watershed moment in WWE lore. In a bout between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, Rollins, the holder of the MITB briefcase, shocked the world by inserting himself into the match, making it a triple threat. With a well-timed Curb Stomp on Reigns, Rollins secured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
This cash-in was not just about seizing an opportunity but also about strategic planning — Rollins held the briefcase for 273 days, one of the longest in history before a cash-in. His victory not only showcased his in-ring prowess but also his ability to capitalize on a moment of vulnerability, solidifying his place among WWE’s elite.
Edge – New Year’s Revolution 2006
Edge’s cash-in at New Year’s Revolution 2006 marked the first-ever successful Money in the Bank cash-in. After holding the briefcase for 280 days, EdgeEdge pounced on an exhausted John Cena following Cena’s grueling Elimination Chamber match victory.
The 280-day wait between winning the briefcase and cashing in remains the longest duration any MITB winner has held the contract before cashing in. Edge’s opportunistic cash-in not only kickstarted his journey as the “Ultimate Opportunist” but also set the bar for future cash-ins, illustrating the power of the briefcase as a game-changer in WWE championship matches.
Dolph Ziggler – Raw, April 8, 2013
Dolph Ziggler’s cash-in on Alberto Del Rio the night after WrestleMania 29 stands as a testament to perseverance and seizing the moment. After winning the MITB briefcase at Money in the Bank 2012, Ziggler waited patiently for his opportunity, holding the contract for 267 days. When he finally cashed in on a vulnerable Del Rio, the crowd erupted in one of the loudest ovations in WWE history.
Ziggler’s 267-day reign with the briefcase remains one of the longest before cashing in, underscoring his determination and resilience on the road to championship glory.
CM Punk – Raw, June 30, 2008
CM Punk’s first Money in the Bank cash-in on EdgeEdge in 2008 showcased both his strategic acumen and his ability to capitalize on an opportunity. After winning the briefcase at WrestleMania 24, Punk waited 92 days before seizing his moment on an injured Edge, who had just been defeated by Batista.
Punk’s win not only marked his first World Heavyweight Championship reign but also solidified his reputation as a calculating competitor who could strike at the most opportune times.
Carmella – SmackDown Live, April 10, 2018
Carmella’s cash-in on Charlotte Flair on an episode of SmackDown Live in 2018 added a new dimension to the Money in the Bank legacy. After winning the briefcase at Money in the Bank 2017 and holding it for 287 days, Carmella chose the perfect moment to cash in. With a swift Superkick to a dazed Charlotte Flair, Carmella secured the SmackDown Women’s Championship in dramatic fashion.
Carmella’s reign with the briefcase remains the longest for any female MITB winner before cashing in, highlighting her patience and strategic planning in capturing championship gold.
Randy Orton at SummerSlam 2013
Randy Orton’s cash-in at SummerSlam 2013 was a pivotal moment that altered the course of WWE’s landscape. After winning the MITB briefcase at Money in the Bank 2013 and holding it for 35 days, Orton capitalized on a shocking betrayal by Triple H on Daniel Bryan. Orton’s swift cash-in and subsequent victory over Bryan not only solidified his status as a top-tier competitor but also sparked a rivalry that culminated in Bryan’s triumph at WrestleMania 30. Orton’s victory underscored the unpredictability and dramatic potential of the Money in the Bank concept.
Rob Van Dam – ECW One Night Stand 2006
Rob Van Dam’s cash-in at ECW One Night Stand 2006 was a nostalgic and unforgettable moment in WWE history. After winning the MITB briefcase at WrestleMania 22 and holding it for 70 days, Van Dam challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship in front of a raucous ECW crowd.
With the help of Edge, Van Dam executed the Van Terminator and secured the championship, marking the first time the WWE Championship changed hands at an ECW event. Van Dam’s victory resonated with fans and underscored the cross-promotional potential of the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Dean Ambrose – Money in the Bank 2016
Dean Ambrose’s cash-in at Money in the Bank 2016 showcased the rapid-fire excitement of the Money in the Bank concept. After winning the MITB briefcase earlier in the night, Ambrose cashed in on Seth Rollins, who had just defeated Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship.
Ambrose’s victory not only marked his first WWE Championship win but also created a historic moment as all three former Shield members held the WWE Championship on the same night. Ambrose’s swift and decisive cash-in highlighted his tenacity and ability to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.
The Miz – Raw, November 22, 2010
The Miz’s cash-in on Randy Orton on an episode of Raw in November 2010 was a career-defining moment. After winning the MITB briefcase at Money in the Bank 2010 and holding it for 140 days, The Miz seized the opportunity to become WWE Champion. His victory not only marked his first WWE Championship win but also solidified his status as a main-event player.
The Miz’s strategic cash-in and subsequent reign showcased his ability to capitalize on moments of vulnerability and cemented his place among WWE’s elite competitors.
Daniel Bryan – TLC 2011
Daniel Bryan’s cash-in on Big Show at TLC 2011 marked a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. After winning the MITB briefcase at Money in the Bank 2011 and holding it for 154 days, Bryan cashed in on a battered Big Show, who had just won a Chairs match against Mark Henry.
Bryan’s victory not only marked his first World Heavyweight Championship reign but also solidified his reputation as an underdog hero. Bryan’s triumph highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Money in the Bank concept and set the stage for his rise to prominence in WWE.
The Money in the Bank concept has revolutionized WWE storytelling, injecting unpredictability and excitement into championship scenarios. Since its inception, the MITB briefcase has been a coveted prize that can be cashed in at any place and time, ensuring that champions are always on the EdgeEdge and fans are perpetually on the EdgeEdge of their seats. The statistics and historical data surrounding MITB cash-ins reveal intriguing trends and patterns that highlight the strategic and tactical prowess of WWE superstars.
Longest Wait Before Cash-In
Edge holds the record for the longest duration any MITB winner has held the contract before cashing in, with 280 days between winning the briefcase and cashing in at New Year’s Revolution 2006. Edge’s patient approach exemplified the strategic planning that can go into a successful cash-in as he waited for the perfect moment to strike and capitalize on an exhausted opponent.
Female MITB Record Holder
Carmella’s reign with the MITB briefcase remains the longest for any female MITB winner before cashing in, holding the contract for 287 days before successfully cashing in on Charlotte Flair in 2018. Carmella’s calculated decision-making and patience paid off as she seized her opportunity to capture the Smack Down Women’s Championship in dramatic fashion.
Rapid Cash-Ins
Dean Ambrose’s cash-in at Money in the Bank 2016 stands out as one of the fastest cash-ins in MITB history. After winning the briefcase earlier in the night, Ambrose wasted no time in cashing in on Seth Rollins, who had just won the WWE Championship from Roman Reigns. Ambrose’s swift decision-making and immediate impact underscored the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of the MITB concept.
Conclusion
The Money in the Bank briefcase has become synonymous with opportunity, unpredictability, and career-defining moments in WWE. From Edge’sEdge’s pioneering cash-in to Seth Rollins’ historic WrestleMania heist, each cash-in has left an indelible mark on WWE history.
The Best Money in the Bank Cash-Ins in WWE History not only showcase the strategic prowess and resilience of WWE superstars but also captivate audiences with their dramatic impact. Also check out the list of Winner of all Money in the bank.
