5 iconic images from past Money in the Bank events

Over the years, WWE's Big Four events of Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series have produced some of the most iconic and unforgettable moments that have been etched in the memories of wrestling fans. However, in recent times, Money in the Bank has joined them in being the home of such images.

When WWE visits the Allstate Arena in Chicago for the 9th Annual Money in the Bank, they will present a card that is capable of presenting a plethora of high-quality matches.

From the Styles vs Nakamura Last Man Standing for the WWE title to Money in the Bank ladder matches, this event can be the home of moments that will be remembered for a long long time. Till then, here are the 5 most iconic images from the past Money in the Bank events.

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#5 Kane finally has his glory moments

Kane finally reached the top of the mountain.

Even though his fan following took a drastic hit in his last few years as an active WWE superstar, there is certainly no denying the fact that Kane is not only one of the most legendary wrestlers in the history of WWE, but he is also one of the most underrated.

Despite making his debut in WWE back in 1997 (actually the man behind the mask first appeared in 1995), Kane only had one reign with the WWE title, that also for a solitary day.

In 2010, no one was giving Kane even the slightest shot at ever winning a World title in the WWE, and this is what made his win at The Money in the Bank so special.

Not only did he surprisingly win the Ladder Match, he stunned the fans by cashing it on Rey Mysterio the very same night to win his first World title (ECW not counting) in 12 years. This reign of over 4 months revitalized Kane's career.

#4 The American Dragon rises

Bryan began his journey to the top with this win.

Daniel Bryan had exactly zero qualities that were necessary to be successful in the giant called WWE. An Indie legend in his own right, even though he was among the most technically proficient wrestlers in the world, he was small and did not have the Greek God looks that makes Vince McMahon weak in the knees.

Adding blow to already weak momentum, his initial run came to end even before it could start due to his termination in June 2010.

However Bryan bounced back with some momentum, but no one was giving him a chance at reaching the top ever again.

Before he took the world by storm in 2013, it was at the Money in the Bank event in 2011 where his much deserved journey to the top of WWE started.

While Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins had similar much deserved victories, it was Bryan's victory that started the trend of smaller guys winning the briefcase.

#3 Building the animosity

The face off that brought the crowd on their feet.

The dream feud between Styles and Nakamura has produced under whelming results so far in the last 3 months.

While their match at 'Mania 34 fell victim to the high expectations and lack of crowd interest, the same cannot be said about their clash at Greatest Royal Rumble and Backlash, the ending of which left a bad taste in everyone's mouth.

Although they fight once again at this year's Money in the Bank, it was their face off at last year's event that actually started the buzz for a future clash between the two former NJPW alumni.

Part of the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match, the two separated by a ladder, were the only superstars inside the ring.

As the crowd realized what they were witnessing and got on their feet, the two moved the ladder aside to share an intense face off before unleashing a flurry of strikes on each other. Even though neither of them won the match, the face off was undoubtedly the best part of the event.

#2 The Shield is WWE World Heavyweight champion

Three Champions within a span of 5 minutes.

The Shield was undoubtedly the best thing that happened to the WWE in the last decade. The trio of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns was so dominant that they were destined to achieve greater individual success in the future as well.

While everyone knew each of them would win a World title after The Shield disbanded, no one was expecting them to hold the same title individually on the same night.

However, that is exactly what happened at the 2016 Money in the Bank. Having made his return for only a month after a long lay off, Seth Rollins defeated the reigning WWE Champion Roman Reigns in the main event.

His celebration though was short lived as Dean Ambrose, who had won the Money in the Bank earlier that night, cashed in to win the title in an impromptu match. Hence within a span of 5 minutes, each of three members of The Shield held the top prize of the company.

#1 CM Punk's Kiss of Doom

The Title win that shook the Wrestling World.

There are only a handful of images that can be recalled by each and every wrestling fan in the world, and CM Punk escaping through the crowd after blowing a kiss at Vince McMahon definitely finds a place in there.

Frustrated with the way the company was treating him in 2011, CM Punk promised to leave the company after winning the WWE title at Money in the Bank in his hometown of Chicago.

And he did exactly that - well, only for a short period of time. Although the impact of his victory was hampered by his weird booking in the aftermath, thanks to pinfall losses at Night of Champions and Vengeance, it completely sent the whole world into a state of frenzy for a little while.

The image of CM Punk after winning the biggest match of his career, humiliating Vince McMahon with a flying kiss of doom before sliding through the crowd is undoubtedly the most iconic image in Money in the Bank history.