Discover the Top 5 Banks Raking in WWE Money!

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As Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy once said, “I got money from the bank, what did you drink?” This phrase captures the essence of WWE Superstars as they ascend the ladder to seize the highly coveted Money in the Bank briefcase, granting them an opportunity to challenge one of WWE’s top champions at any point in the following year.

The upcoming Money in the Bank Premium Live event in 2025 marks a special milestone as it commemorates the 15-year anniversary of the show, though the actual match has been a part of WWE for two decades. Debuting in 2005 at WrestleMania 21, the Money in the Bank Ladder Match quickly became a fixture in the WWE schedule, leading to the creation of the event named after it, which is now one of WWE’s premier offerings outside of the “Big Four.”

Once the adrenaline-fueled ladder match concludes, fans eagerly anticipate the moment the winner cashes in their contract. Speculations run rampant about when and where this will occur, and whether the winner will succeed in claiming a championship. Since its inception, there have been 32 cash-in attempts, with 26 resulting in new champions, marking a 100% success rate for those who successfully cashed in. But which cash-in truly stands out among the rest?

So sit back, relax, and prepare for a chronological look at the five most memorable Money in the Bank cash-ins (not in any particular order). Watch your step as we climb the ladder of history.

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Edge (New Year’s Revolution 2006)

While it may seem cliché to highlight a “first” in a list like this, no discussion of the best cash-ins can begin without mentioning Edge’s historic moment.

In 2006, John Cena had established himself as the top star in WWE, defeating every major competitor on the roster. However, lurking in the shadows was Edge, the holder of the first Money in the Bank briefcase. After battling various opponents throughout the year, Edge found the perfect opportunity at New Year’s Revolution 2006, after Cena emerged battered from a brutal elimination chamber match.

As Vince McMahon suddenly announced that Edge would cash in his briefcase, the audience was taken aback. In a surprising twist, Edge quickly defeated Cena with two Spears, claiming his first World Championship. Although his reign was brief—lasting only until the Royal Rumble later that month—it featured memorable moments like the infamous “Live Sex Celebration.”

Rob Van Dam (ECW One Night Stand 2006)

Jumping back to 2006 for another iconic cash-in.

After spending almost a year on the sidelines due to injury, Rob Van Dam made his return at the Royal Rumble and was welcomed back with enthusiasm from fans. Known for his unique style, RVD had yet to win the WWE Championship, but fans were optimistic that this would soon change. Van Dam captured the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 22, ensuring his shot at the title.

In June, he became the first superstar to cash in his briefcase when he announced his match against John Cena for ECW One Night Stand, a scenario that played to his favor. The match has since been regarded as one of the best WWE main events of the 2000s, with the crowd at Hammerstein Ballroom creating an electric atmosphere. Ultimately, Van Dam left the venue as the WWE Champion, marking a historic moment.

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Dolph Ziggler (WWE RAW April 8, 2013)

By the time Dolph Ziggler captured the Money in the Bank briefcase in July 2012, he had already established himself as a reliable wrestler in WWE, leaving behind his days as a Spirit Squad member. He had held both the Intercontinental and US Championships and was well on his way to solidifying his legacy.

After nine months of feuds with major WWE stars, Ziggler finally made his move during the April 8, 2013 episode of WWE Raw. The audience was charged with excitement as he wasted no time cashing in against the injured Alberto Del Rio. With a quick Zig-Zag, Ziggler clinched the victory and won his first World Heavyweight Championship. Though his title reign was brief, Ziggler’s cash-in remains a memorable moment in WWE history.

Seth Rollins (WrestleMania 31)

If this list were ranked by the most iconic cash-ins, Seth Rollins’ moment at WrestleMania 31 would certainly top it for several reasons.

Fans had mixed feelings about the main event featuring Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, as many feared one of them would leave with the championship. As reports swirled about Lesnar’s potential departure from WWE, the suspense heightened. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Rollins, who had held the briefcase since summer 2014, made a game-changing decision.

In a surprise twist, Rollins rushed into the ring during the ongoing match to cash in his contract, making WWE history. His triumphant moment holding the championship at the end of WrestleMania 31 remains an iconic image in wrestling history.

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Iyo Sky (SummerSlam 2023)

Historically, the WWE women’s division hasn’t had much success with money in the bank cash-ins. Many early winners failed to secure championships soon after their victories. However, everything changed when Iyo Sky won the contract in July 2023.

Under the creative direction of Triple H, excitement surged as Sky chose to wait rather than cash in immediately. Highly regarded as one of the best wrestlers, she found herself in a prime position at the SummerSlam event. Facing Bianca Bel Air, who had just gone through an intense match, Sky seized the moment, defeating Bel Air in a mere 10 seconds to become the new champion. This victory marked a significant shift for the WWE Women’s Division.

### Fan Take:
This retrospective on the Money in the Bank cash-ins resonates deeply with wrestling fans as it highlights both memorable moments and pivotal shifts in the sport’s history. These cash-ins not only create unforgettable matches but also pave the way for new stars to emerge, ensuring the legacy of WWE continues to evolve.

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