Since its debut at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, the Money in the Bank ladder match has become one of the most anticipated matches every year.
The Money in the Bank ladder match is a match where a group of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstars compete to climb a ladder to obtain a briefcase. However, this is no ordinary briefcase.
Inside the briefcase holds a contract for a future Championship match for whenever and wherever they want. Winning the Money in the Bank ladder match is winning a golden ticket to a destined future. The Money in the Bank is the opportunity the upcoming superstars strive to achieve.
That is why the popular opinion is The Money in the Bank concept is one of the best concepts that WWE has ever created. Not only seeing the future of the company win a chance to become a world champion, but the suspense that they can cash the briefcase in at any given time.
Superstars have chosen to wait for their opportunity for over 280 days, some have waited only a little over 40 minutes. Some have even wasted their chance by cashing in, and losing their chances at championships.
18 superstars have won the prestigious Money in the Bank. Of the 18 winners, 15 people have successfully went on to win a championship. Meaning it is one thing to win the ladder match, but the superstar needs to know the right moment to successfully cash it in.
Every year the Money in the Bank grows, so large that it has grown into its own pay per view event in 2010. The event has become must watch every year because we the fans wants to see which of the upcoming superstars climbs their way to superstardom.
The Money in the Bank even made some history last year. Six women: Charlotte, Carmella, Tamina, Becky Lynch, Natalya, and Naomi, competed in the first ever Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Money in the Bank also brings the story of the multiple appearances but no win. Some stars such as Kofi Kingston and Christian have competed in six Money in the Bank ladder matches, but have failed to grab the briefcase. Just because you get the opportunity to compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match does not mean your future is destined.
One superstar used his opportunity to the fullest, winning the Money in the Bank Ladder match twice. Former superstar CM Punk won the Money in the Bank two years in a row at WrestleMania 24 & 25. He also successfully cashed in the Money in Bank briefcase both years to become World Heavyweight Champion.
To win the Money in the Bank ladder match, you must take full opportunity to strive to the briefcase. Also when you win the Money in the Bank briefcase, you have to know when the right opportunity is to cash it in.
The Money in the Bank concept is one of the best concepts that WWE have ever created. It creates anticipation, suspense and moments that are remembered to this day. Cash ins like: Edge becoming the first to cash in ever after the Elimination Chamber in 2006, Dolph Ziggler’s the night after WrestleMania 29, and probably the most remembered when Seth Rollins cashed in the main event of WrestleMania 31.
The concept has spawned a few ideas from other promotions such as Impact Wrestling’s Feast or Fired match where 4 briefcases hang from the top of poles. In three of those briefcases are championship matches and the last is a pink slip. Which is similar but it adds the also risk factor of possible firing if you get a briefcase.
Several other promotions such as, Insane Championship Wrestling and Defiant Wrestling have their own concept that is based off what the Money in the Bank is. However, there is only one Money in the Bank and it is hard to duplicate the original.
This year, 16 superstars (8 men & 8 women) try to create moments that are remembered like years past as they attempt to climb the ladder to grab their golden ticket to a chance with destiny. Anticipation and suspense is drawing near, who will be willing to put it all on the line to make the climb to the future?
David Jacobus
Intern