WWE: Top 5 MitB matches of all time

With just about a week to go to the much anticipated Money in the Bank PPV, we take a look at the top 5 matches, either from the Money in the Bank PPVs or the Money in the Bank ladder matches itself.

Ever since its initiation at WrestleMania in 2005, the Money in the Bank ladder match has been used as a way to push young stars, and give them an opportunity to make a name for themselves in the WWE.

The Money in the Bank concept came as a breath of fresh air in the company, as WWE was looking for fresh ideas and concepts. The very first Money in the Bank match took place at WrestleMania 21, and the winner was none other than the ‘Ultimate Opportunist’, Edge. Without further ado, let us get down to business.

5. Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23

We kick things off with the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23. Going into the match, people expected either Edge or Randy Orton to win the briefcase, since they were former champions, but the result turned out to be quite a bit different.

The other participants were Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, King Booker, CM Punk, Finlay and Ken Kennedy. Seeing the names, it would be quite obvious that there would be some high risk spots involved, and that was exactly what Jeff Hardy gave the fans. The spot where he drove Edge through the ladder, breaking the ladder in half resulted in the fans going crazy for the spot. Edge was then stretchered out of the arena, and the match continued.

The bout also saw Kennedy giving Hornswoggle a Green Bay plunge off the ladder in yet another great spot! The end saw Kennedy climbing up the ladder and retrieving the briefcase. Sadly, that got Kennedy nowhere as he was soon injured and then was out of the company.

Rating: *** ¾

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4. Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 21

Edge

The very first Money in the Bank ladder match took place at WrestleMania 21, and it had some of the most amazing wrestlers and high flyers.

It was no wonder the concept became an instant hit with the fans, as the competitors in the match were Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Christian, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, and finally, Edge. Shelton showed his in-ring prowess in this match, and it’s sad that he didn’t achieve all that he could in the WWE.

Benjamin delivered a huge T-Bone from the top of the ladder and Edge was on the wrong end of it, in what looked like a painful spot! Benjamin showed his cat like reflexes in the match.

The other amazing spot in the match was when Benoit delivered a huge Swandive headbutt from the top of a huge ladder on Kane. The fans were on their feet as Benoit came crashing down! That could’ve easily taken his head off.

The match ended when Edge drilled Benoit with a chair, to climb up the ladder and retrieve the briefcase. This was certainly one of the very best Money in the bank ladder matches in history.

Rating: ****

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3. Smackdown! Money in the Bank ladder match – 2011

Daniel Bryan

This is one of my personal favorites. Why? Because it was in many ways the birth of the ‘Yes!’ man, Daniel Bryan.

Starting his career in the independent scene and working his way up the ladder in the literal sense, Daniel Bryan deserved this opportunity more than anyone else.

What made this match even more special? No one saw this coming. I thought it would be Sheamus, as he was on a roll at that point. The match itself involved some of the best workers and high flyers, such as the then newest sensation, Sin Cara, Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel and Kane. Oh, and Heath Slater was also a part of the match (Shocker!).

The match also saw Cara being drilled through a ladder when Sheamus delivered a huge powerbomb that broke the ladder in half! That was a great spot, and Cara was stretchered out of the arena. The end saw Bryan fending off Barrett and Rhodes at the top of the ladder and retrieving the briefcase, as the Chicago crowd erupted in joy!

Rating: **** ¼

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2. CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan in a No DQ match for the WWE title – Money in the Bank 2012

CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan MitB

Now we come down to one on one matches. In 2012, Punk was on a hot run as the WWE champion, and in Summer, his opponent was none other than Daniel Bryan.

These two were the kings of the independent scene at one point, and now, they were headlining PPVs in the biggest organization in the world! Their feud revolved around AJ Lee, who was the special guest referee in the match.

Words aren’t enough/needed to describe a match between two of the greatest wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling. The match suffered a bit as the story revolved around AJ rather than the WWE title, but these two put on a show like only they can.

The match ended when Punk drove Bryan through a table, and covered for the pin and to retain the WWE title. Yet another amazing match between Punk and Bryan.

Rating: **** ½

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1. CM Punk vs John Cena for the WWE title – Money in the Bank 2011

John Cena vs CM Punk MitB

And the number 1 spot goes to, to no one’s surprise, CM Punk vs John Cena for the WWE title in Chicago.

This was the most memorable period in the WWE for more than a decade, and CM Punk ushered a revolution in the WWE. He vowed to walk away as the WWE champion, and Vince tried to do everything within his power to not let that happen.

Punk and Cena put on a solid match for nearly 30 minutes, and what made this match so amazing wasn’t just the in-ring action, but the psychology and the storytelling involved in the bout. Punk delivered a GTS to Cena to pick up the victory, as a stunned Vince McMahon looked on.

Vince asked Alberto Del Rio to come out and cash-in his briefcase, but Punk delivered a round house kick and escaped through the crowd, but not before kissing Vince McMahon goodbye! This is undoubtedly one of the greatest matches in the past decade, and that puts this match right on top in our list.

Rating: *****

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Meet the man who called CM Punk the softest man alive HERE