The 2024 edition of WWE Money in the Bank is coming up soon, and I figured it’d be fun to go back and rank my top five Money in the Bank cash-ins in WWE history.
This was not an easy exercise, given the numerous cash-ins throughout the years. All the way back to the very first one in 2006, it was a challenge to narrow it down to five and even harder to rank those.
Let’s be clear: my top three are pretty much interchangeable. I could put any of those three in the number one spot. Ultimately, I had to choose one ahead of the other two.
Let’s dive into my list and talk about the top five Money in the Bank cash-ins of all time.
5. Rob Van Dam Cashing In on John Cena at One Night Stand 2006
At number five is Rob Van Dam cashing in on John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006.
This may be viewed as a non-traditional Money in the Bank cash-in by some, and you might ask why it belongs in the top five. Unlike the more spontaneous cash-ins, RVD announced ahead of time that he would challenge Cena on his home turf.
What made this special for me was the unique environment and the historical significance. John Cena in the ECW universe in 2006 was a sight to behold. The atmosphere was electric, and you had Cena interacting with the ECW crowd, which culminated in a career-defining victory for RVD.
This unconventional cash-in stood out because of the intense build-up and memorable setting, earning its spot on the list.
4. Dean Ambrose Cashing In at Money in the Bank 2016
Dean Ambrose’s cash-in at Money in the Bank 2016 takes the number four spot.
This event featured the “Shield trifecta,” where all three Shield members held the title on the same night. Roman Reigns was the champion at the start. Seth Rollins defeated Reigns to win the title, and Ambrose, who had won the briefcase earlier in the show, cashed in on Rollins to capture the championship.
This cash-in was effective due to its presentation—Ambrose’s unexpected entrance, the echo of The Shield’s betrayal history, and the immediate turn of events where he won the championship.
It was a brilliant culmination of a long-running storyline, cementing its place as one of the top cash-ins.
3. Edge Cashing In at New Year’s Revolution 2006
Edge’s cash-in on John Cena at New Year’s Revolution 2006 was the very first in WWE history and, subjectively, one of my favorites.
After Cena had endured a grueling Elimination Chamber match, Vince McMahon announced Edge’s cash-in. Despite the exhaustion, Cena faced a fresh Edge, who seized the opportunity to win the title in a shocking twist.
This cash-in set the standard for all future Money in the Bank winners.
Edge’s opportunistic approach, combined with the unexpectedness and audience reaction, makes it an unforgettable moment that still resonates more than a decade later.
2. Dolph Ziggler Cashing In on Alberto Del Rio (Raw 2013)
One of the most iconic moments in WWE history, Dolph Ziggler’s cash-in on Alberto Del Rio the night after WrestleMania 29 comes in at number two.
The pop from the crowd when Ziggler’s music hit was deafening and a testament to how eagerly fans awaited his rise to the top.
Ziggler’s cash-in was intense, as it wasn’t an immediate victory. Del Rio fought back, even locking in a submission hold at one point to create a suspenseful sequence. When Ziggler finally secured the win with the Zig Zag, the arena erupted.
This moment epitomized everything a Money in the Bank cash-in should be: dramatic, unexpected, and wildly satisfying.
1. Seth Rollins Cashing In at WrestleMania 31
Topping the list is Seth Rollins’ cash-in during the main event of WrestleMania 31—a moment dubbed “The Heist of the Century.”
As Roman Reigns battled Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, Rollins seized the perfect moment to insert himself into the match and secure the title by pinning Reigns.
What sets this cash-in apart is its uniqueness and magnitude. It was the only time to that point that a Money in the Bank contract was cashed in during a WrestleMania main event, amplifying the drama and significance.
Rollins’ victory amid two of WWE’s biggest superstars, with iconic commentary from Michael Cole and JBL, created an unforgettable spectacle.
How Would You Rank Them?
How would you rank the top Money in the Bank cash-ins in WWE history?
Let me know your top picks in the comments below!
Watch the video below for my FULL thoughts on the top five Money in the Bank cash-ins in WWE history!
For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!