With the anticipation building for Money in the Bank on July 6, WWE fans are reminiscing on the history of the Money in the Bank briefcase and the impactful runs it has facilitated over nearly two decades. From catapulting careers to cementing legacies, here are the top five winners who have made the most of their time with the coveted contract.
5. Carmella
Carmella made history in 2017 by becoming the inaugural winner of the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match on SmackDown. Despite an initial controversy where her associate James Ellsworth retrieved the briefcase for her, Carmella’s record-setting 287-day tenure as Ms. Money in the Bank underscored her rise as a formidable heel. Her eventual cash-in on Charlotte Flair solidified her as the SmackDown Women’s Champion, marking a significant career milestone despite mixed reviews of her title reign.
4. The Miz
Love him or hate him, The Miz’s journey from undercard talent to main event player was punctuated by his 2010 Money in the Bank win. Holding both the United States Championship and the briefcase simultaneously, The Miz was a fixture on Raw, engaging in high-profile feuds with the likes of Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton. His successful cash-in on a vulnerable Randy Orton elevated him to the WWE Championship, though his subsequent reign faced scrutiny, The Miz’s briefcase victory remains a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.
3. Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler’s ascent to the main event scene culminated in his 2012 Money in the Bank victory. Despite ups and downs in his journey, Ziggler’s perseverance paid off with notable wins over Chris Jericho and John Cena, showcasing his readiness for championship contention. His cash-in on Alberto Del Rio the night after WrestleMania 29 remains one of the most memorable in Money in the Bank history, marking Ziggler’s long-awaited World Heavyweight Championship triumph.
2. Seth Rollins
In 2014, Seth Rollins broke away from The Shield to pursue singles glory and secured the Money in the Bank contract. His betrayal of his Shield brethren and alignment with The Authority set the stage for a tumultuous yet successful tenure as Mr. Money in the Bank. Rollins engaged in heated rivalries with Dean Ambrose, John Cena, and Brock Lesnar, culminating in a daring cash-in at WrestleMania 31. Stealing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the main event solidified Rollins as a top-tier performer and launched his memorable title reign.
1. Edge
Edge’s groundbreaking victory at WrestleMania 21 as the inaugural Money in the Bank winner established a template for future success. Already a seasoned competitor, Edge’s time with the briefcase saw him embroiled in intense rivalries with Chris Benoit and Kane, further solidifying his status as a main event attraction. His calculated cash-in on John Cena catapulted him to the WWE Championship, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. Edge’s mastery of the opportunistic cash-in and subsequent title reign set a standard for excellence, making him the definitive top performer with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
As WWE continues to evolve, the Money in the Bank briefcase remains a cornerstone of opportunity for emerging and established talents alike. Each winner’s journey with the briefcase has contributed to the rich tapestry of WWE history, showcasing the transformative power of a well-timed cash-in. With new contenders vying for their chance to secure a future championship opportunity, the legacy of Money in the Bank continues to shape the landscape of professional wrestling.
