WWE Money in the Bank Cash-Ins: The Best and Worst Moments

Money in the Bank is less than two weeks away, and WWE superstars are punching their ticket to a match that could launch their careers. Former WWE star Chris Jericho is the mastermind behind this concept, but he never won. Both male and female competitors climb the ladder to retrieve a briefcase that guarantees them a title opportunity within a year. Now, let’s go down memory lane of the best and worst MITB cash-ins.

The Ultimate Opportunist Strikes First

Edge was the first MITB winner at WrestleMania 21. He didn’t want to compete in the match despite being booked to win, but said he’s glad to make history. Mr. Money in the Bank carried the briefcase with Lita by his side. At New’s Year’s Revolution, Edge cashed in on John Cena after an Elimination Chamber match. His first spear on the champ was the closest three-count in WWE history, but he won after a second attempt. The Rated-R Superstar set the tone for future MITB winners. He was also involved in the first five cash-ins, whether as the briefcase holder, champion, or getting involved in RVD’s match in 2006.

The Heist/Ruse of the Century

Seth Rollins was the fourth superstar to win the briefcase twice. He betrayed the SHIELD and aligned himself with the Authority before cashing in at WrestleMania. He pinned Roman Reigns in the main event and became the first MITB winner to cash in at WM. The second time around, he faked an injury (in storyline) and defeated CM Punk at SummerSlam. His wife, Becky Lynch, reacted backstage in a priceless way, as shown online.

Mella Means Money

Carmella is the first-ever women’s Money in the Bank winner, but not without controversy. James Ellsworth unhooked the briefcase and helped Carmella win. Road Dogg (aka Brian James) defended the decision, saying it got eyeballs on the product. The company redid the match on SmackDown, and Mella won again. When the IIconics made their debut months later and beat down Charlotte Flair, Carmella’s music hit. After shouting at the ref multiple times, she cashed in to win the belt. Carmella held the briefcase for the longest among females at 287 days.

The Authority is Born

SummerSlam 2013 was the beginning of the Yes Movement in full force. Daniel Bryan beat John Cena in the main event to become WWE Champion, only for Randy Orton to appear with his briefcase in hand. Suddenly, special guest referee Triple H hit Bryan with a Pedigree, and the Viper was your new WWE champ. The Authority was born and culminated in Bryan’s crowning moment at WM 30, where he got revenge.

You Be a Warrior, Because I’m Gonna Go Be a Mother

In 2020, the MITB match was held inside the HQ with bells and whistles. Otis walked out the winner on the men’s side before losing it to the Miz after Judge JBL made the decision. Meanwhile, Asuka didn’t cash in. Instead, Becky Lynch revealed to the world she was pregnant and handed the belt over to Asuka. This was the only time a superstar didn’t need to cash in their briefcase to get the title.

It’s all Just a Theory

There’s plenty of debate over who had the worst cash-in in WWE history. Six superstars have failed, but Austin Theory is in a league of his own. Theory cashed in on Seth Rollins instead of going after Roman Reigns, who held both the company's top prizes. To make matters worse, Bobby Lashley interfered and took Theory out. Rollins took advantage and retained his United States title.

WWE’s track record hasn’t been good in the last few years when it comes to MITB winners. The creative team has a chance to book the briefcase to a rising star rather than a veteran. Next week, we will take a deep dive into all participants in the match and preview the show.