Ah, Money in the Bank. The ladder match that’s become a wrestling tradition, promising a guaranteed shot at a championship. It’s a recipe for chaos, excitement, and sometimes… well, sometimes it’s a bit of a mess. We’ve seen some absolute stunners over the years, but let’s be honest, not every briefcase climb has been a masterpiece.
Today, we’re diving into the archives to unearth some of the less-than-stellar moments. Think less breathtaking dives and more head-scratching decisions. These are the Money in the Bank matches that, for one reason or another, didn’t quite hit the high notes we all hoped for.
The Not-So-Golden Briefcases
The 2010 SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This one was the very first standalone Money in the Bank event, which should have been epic. Instead, it felt a bit… crowded. With so many bodies and so many ladders, it sometimes felt like a wrestling traffic jam.
The match featured some big names like Kane, Big Show, and Cody Rhodes. But the sheer number of participants seemed to dilute the impact of each individual’s moment. It was a lot of action, sure, but not a lot of memorable storytelling.
In the end, Kane climbed the ladder and grabbed the briefcase. While he did go on to have a solid run with the World Heavyweight Championship, the match itself is often forgotten, overshadowed by later, more dynamic contests. It’s the original, but not necessarily the best.
The 2011 SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Following up on the first standalone event, this one also featured a massive seven participants. It was another attempt to pack in as much action as possible. Sometimes, less is more, and this match felt like too much of a good thing.
The roster included guys like Daniel Bryan, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel. While they all gave it their all, the extended length and the sheer number of people made it hard to focus on any single narrative thread. It was a blur of bodies and steel.
When Daniel Bryan eventually won, it was a feel-good moment for many. However, the match itself is often remembered for its lack of clear standout moments. It was a bit of a chaotic free-for-all that didn't quite build the drama.
The 2013 Raw Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This match had a really interesting lineup, including CM Punk, Rob Van Dam, and Sheamus. The potential for excitement was sky-high. Yet, it somehow fizzled out more than it exploded.
There were some good spots, don't get me wrong. But the pacing felt a little off. It was like a rollercoaster that spent too much time going up the slow incline and not enough time doing the thrilling drops.
The winner was Damien Sandow, who had a rather short and forgettable cash-in. This match is often remembered for the lack of a truly epic conclusion and the underwhelming follow-through. It was a prime example of a match with great talent that didn't quite reach its full potential.
The 2014 Ladder Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Okay, this one is a bit of a curveball. This wasn't a traditional Money in the Bank match where you win a contract. Instead, the championship itself was on the line in a ladder match. That sounds awesome, right?
The match featured a stacked lineup including John Cena, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins. The stakes were incredibly high, making you expect a classic. But the execution left a lot to be desired.
Seth Rollins ultimately won after a chaotic finish involving his fellow Authority members. While his subsequent reign was significant, the match itself is often criticized for its messy conclusion and the way it felt more like a vehicle for storylines than a pure, athletic contest. It was a battle of titans that lost its way.
The 2016 Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The first-ever women's Money in the Bank ladder match was a historic occasion. The excitement was palpable. However, the match itself was marred by controversy and a rather awkward finish.
The participants included stars like Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch. Everyone was eager to see these women make history. But a botched finish where Carmella was handed the briefcase by her sommelier, James Ellsworth, stole the spotlight.
This controversial ending, seen by many as undermining the women's accomplishment, left a sour taste. It was a moment that overshadowed the groundbreaking nature of the match itself, making it a less-than-ideal debut for the women's ladder match. A historic event that stumbled out of the gate.
The 2017 Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This match had some serious talent involved, including AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Baron Corbin. The potential for an instant classic was definitely there. However, things took a turn for the bizarre.
The match was going along reasonably well, with all the usual ladder-climbing mayhem. But then, inexplicably, Baron Corbin, who was already eliminated, returned and attacked Shinsuke Nakamura, the presumed winner. He then proceeded to climb the ladder and win the briefcase himself.
This felt like a booking decision that came out of left field and left many scratching their heads. The dramatic twist felt unearned and detracted from the organic excitement of the match. It was a finish that felt more like a "gotcha" than a satisfying conclusion.
The 2019 Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This match was a true showcase of chaos, but not always in the fun way. With eight participants, it was a jam-packed affair. Sometimes, too many cooks spoil the broth, or in this case, too many wrestlers make a chaotic mess.
The lineup featured the likes of Drew McIntyre, Ricochet, and Baron Corbin. There were some ambitious spots and plenty of high-flying action. But the sheer density of bodies made it hard to follow individual stories.
Brock Lesnar surprisingly won by running in at the last minute, having not even been in the match. This was a shocking swerve, but many felt it devalued the efforts of the actual competitors. It was a win that felt unearned and detracted from the purpose of the match.
The 2020 Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The 2020 edition was unique due to the pandemic, with the match taking place in WWE headquarters. It was a creative departure, to say the least. And that's where some of the awkwardness crept in.
The match involved a series of bizarre and often comical segments throughout the building, culminating on the roof. We saw wrestlers interacting with office furniture and security guards. It was less a traditional ladder match and more a scavenger hunt.
Otis winning was a feel-good moment, but the match itself is remembered for its unconventional and sometimes silly nature. While it was an interesting experiment, it didn't quite capture the raw intensity of a typical Money in the Bank ladder match. A unique concept that didn't quite land.
The 2021 Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This match featured a strong cast, including Liv Morgan, Zelina Vega, and Asuka. The anticipation was high for another exciting women's ladder bout. However, it lacked that spark that makes these matches truly memorable.
There were some decent moments, and the women certainly worked hard. But the pacing felt a bit sluggish at times, and the storytelling within the match itself wasn't as compelling as it could have been. It felt like it was going through the motions.
Ultimately, Nikki A.S.H. won, and while her subsequent superhero gimmick was memorable, the match itself is often overlooked. It was a solid effort, but it didn't leave a lasting impression in the grand tapestry of Money in the Bank history. A competent match that faded into the background.
The 2011 Raw Money in the Bank Ladder Match
This match stands out for a particular reason: the sheer amount of talent involved. You had guys like Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio, and Cody Rhodes. The expectations were enormous for this one.
Despite the incredible roster, the match itself didn't quite deliver the fireworks everyone hoped for. It felt a bit disjointed, with moments of action interspersed with periods of less compelling storytelling. It was like a symphony that had a few beautiful notes but struggled to find its rhythm.
The winner was Alberto Del Rio, who went on to have a controversial but impactful championship reign. However, the match itself is often cited as an example of how a stacked lineup doesn't automatically guarantee a classic. It was a match with all the ingredients for greatness that ultimately fell short.
