Top 5 Money in the Bank matches in WWE history

Ladder matches involving multiple superstars are always bound to get the fans excited. And this motivation with which WWE introduced the concept of Money in the Bank ladder match back in WrestleMania 21.To add more stakes to the match they even had a briefcase hanging from the top which had a guaranteed title shot in it which was valid for one whole year.Over the years, there has been numerous Money in the Bank matches in WWE and has given birth to some great opportunists. As the WWE Universe is gearing up for Money in the Bank ladder match here is a look at the top five matches so far.

#5 Alberto Del Rio defeated Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Alex Riley, R-Truth, The Miz, Evan Bourne and Jack Swagger Money in the Bank 2011

It was the Money in the bank ladder match from Raw’s side and had wrestlers from almost all the division that the brand had to offer.

The fans who came with expectations seeing names like Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne and Rey Mysterio in a ladder match wasn’t disappointed as each of them delivered good spots. Evan Bourne did a 20 feet shooting star press while Mysterio and Kofi did a double leap.

Mysterio even saw his mask go off his face when Miz had that big fall from the ladder. The fact that it was all happening in amidst of the highly inflammable Chicago crowd took the match to a whole different level than expected.

#4 CM Punk defeated Shelton Benjamin, Christian, Finlay, Mark Henry, Kane, Kofi Kingston and Montel Vontavious Porter WrestleMania 25

If the current WWE fans spent some time to watch this match, the only question they will have in their mind will be why the company let Shelton Benjamin go.

He was such a gem in these type of matches and though he didn’t win it, his performance stood out as always. Kofi Kingston also had his moment in the match when Mark Henry was struggling a bit to adapt into the item retrieval stipulation and how high he had to carry himself to get that briefcase.

It however didn’t stop Henry from delivering a great slam to Kofi who was running up the ladder and ended up owning a MITB moment himself. The surprise element was on an all-time high when Punk won it as he also did the same the last time.

#3 CM Punk defeated Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, Chris Jericho, Mr. Kennedy, John Morrison and Montel Vontavious Porter WrestleMania 24

The match that aided the rise of Punk to the top, many might remember this one for that awesome dive that Shelton Benjamin managed to pull off. Though it didn’t have any big names like the other editions, the superstars produced a joined effort which looked awesome.

John Morrison had his moment where he called out to the crowd that he is not only about the looks. He had moonsault from ropes and ladder which made the fans stand.

Punk winning the whole thing was an icing on the top. It started his rise into the top of the company and proved that Money in the Bank could be a launching pad for the young talents for whom the company has big plans.

#2 Mr. Kennedy defeated CM Punk, Edge, Finlay, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, King Booker and Randy Orton WrestleMania 23

With such talented names at the disposal, the WWE didn’t have much space to mess up this match. Names like Randy Orton and Edge added in the star power while the Hardy brothers brought in a lot of experience with the ladder.

All the others complemented well and there were a lot of spots as well especially involving Jeff Hardy and Edge including that famous leg drop of Hardy through the ladder.

Other contributed well and even Hornswoggle had a moment to cherish. Mr. Kennedy winning the match overcoming the light of former world champions served the purpose of the match as it produced another opportunist.

The announcing team did a great job in calling the match and it was one of those matches which showed glimpse of what Punk would become in the future.

#1 Edge defeats Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Benoit, Christian and Kane WrestleMania 21

They say that the first impression is always the best one and when it comes to Money in the Bank this quote actually holds up.

Introduction of a new concept like this kept he fans hot and the wrestler managed to carry a consistent level of intensity throughout the match. As WWE had to give a lasting impact, they filled the match with some crazy spots which ended up being successful.

Benoit and Shelton Benjamin had the most memorable spots from the lot as the former produced a diving headbutt when Benjamin ran up the ladder with the sheer athleticism that he possess.

Edge winning was some kind of tribute to the superstar who spent his life doing stand out spots with the ladder. He then went on to show how the contract is to be used to its maximum and set the bars high for every winner that followed.