With WWE Money In The Bank fast approaching, JCD takes a look back at what winning this match has meant and means.
For the most part, WWE Money in the Bank has been a launching pad to that next level, but in a select few cases, it has stalled careers as well. The year 2014 had a different meaning, as for the first time ever, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was on the line in one of the ladder matches.
Since it’s inception in 2005, many superstars have tried to win the guaranteed title shot, with only a few attaining greatness. Let’s take a look at some interesting stats:
Most appearances: (Tie) Kane & Christian 6 each.
Most losses: Christian 6
Most wins: CM Punk 2
Most times cashed in on: John Cena 3
Longest time before cash in: Edge 11 months
Shortest time before cash in: Kane same night
Only winner to lose case to another superstar: Mr. Kennedy to Edge 2007
First star to not win the title on a cash in: John Cena 2012 (defeated CM Punk by DQ)
First star to lose in his attempt to cash in: Damien Sandow vs. John Cena 2014
Rob Van Dam & John Cena have cashed in with an actual pre announced match.
Edge, Randy Orton, John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Daniel Bryan, & CM Punk have cashed in MITB and have had MITB cashed in on them.
Edge is the only man to cash in for both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships
Raw has seen 4 cash in attempts with 2 being successful. Smackdown has had 2 attempts which were both successful.
Only Superstar to ever cash in at Wrestlemania: Seth Rollins.
This year, the MITB match features Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens & Alberto Del Rio
Jericho & Del Rio are in the match for experience but that’s it. Neither one will factor in winning the match, but will be booked strong heading into the match. Del Rio fills the role of “former MITB winner”, while Jericho, who has been white hot in 2016 can play off the fact that he invented the match.
Cesaro & Sami Zayn will both make this match amazing. They are both on great rolls. Zayn could easily be the “spot” guy like Shelton Benjamin and Kofi Kingston before him. However neither one should factor in the decision as well.
There always seems to be a favorite heading into the match every year. However it seems more often than not, WWE throws a curveball with the winner. This year, that curveball could easily be Dean Ambrose. Ambrose has been on a quiet roll as well lately, but what makes him a viable option is the main event.
Former Shield members Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns are facing off for the WWE title. Adding the 3rd former Shield member to the mix with the case could add a very interesting dynamic to the title picture. Keep an eye on Ambrose during this match.
And with all this, there is one person left. That man to me has to be the hands down overwhelming favorite to win, and that man is Kevin Owens. KO is the perfect guy to carry MITB. He might be even more perfect for the gimmic than Edge. Picture KO just walking around teasing the champ with the cash in. His promos and mic work about holding the case would be gold.
Plus add in the drama of Sami Zayn trying to stop KO from cashing in, and you have the makings of a great story.
There you have it, some insight before the show. Thoughts? Comments?
John “JCD” Dimiceli
@ JCD1219NY
