10 Best WWE Money in the Bank Cash-Ins

When WWE introduced the Money in the Bank ladder match in 2005, it instantly became a game-changer. Holding that briefcase means you’re a ticking time bomb, ready to strike when your opponent’s weakest — or least expecting it. The best cash-ins aren’t just about winning a title; they’re about storytelling, timing, and leaving the audience gasping. Here are the 10 best.
Honourable Mentions
Carmella (2018): Carmella’s MITB win was controversial, thanks to interference and shenanigans that screamed heel move from the start. She held onto the briefcase for months, waiting for the perfect moment — which came when Charlotte was battered after an IIconics attack. Carmella’s sneaky, surprise cash-in was classic WWE heel booking, turning her into a major villain and sparking big heat. It was less about surprise, more about payoff.
Kane (2010): Kane’s cash-in on Rey Mysterio was the first ever on the same night as winning the briefcase. Rey had just fought a grueling battle with Jack Swagger and was completely spent. Kane swooped in, capitalized, and shocked the crowd by becoming World Heavyweight Champion. It wasn’t flashy or overly dramatic but was historic and effective.
Bayley (2019): Bayley’s same-night cash-in was a feel-good moment after a years-long rise from underdog to champ. After winning the briefcase earlier in the night, Bayley capitalized on a fatigued Charlotte Flair. The crowd erupted as Bayley finally grabbed her spot at the top.
10. Alexa Bliss (Money in the Bank 2018)
On the very same night Alexa Bliss shocked everyone by winning the MITB contract, she pulled off a ruthless cash-in that made her one of WWE’s top heels. During the Raw Women’s Championship match between Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey, Bliss attacked both women, delivering a sneaky briefcase shot to Rousey before forcing Nia to submit. This was masterful heel booking: quick, opportunistic, and ruthless. Bliss turned the women’s division on its head in an instant.
9. Dean Ambrose (Money in the Bank 2016)
2016’s MITB was insane. After Seth Rollins defeated Roman Reigns to win the WWE Championship, Dean Ambrose — who had just won the briefcase earlier that night — blindsided Rollins with a steel briefcase shot. Ambrose cashed in immediately, hitting a Dirty Deeds finisher to become champion. The storyline payoff was immense: all three Shield members held the title in one night, creating a surreal, fan-pleasing moment packed with chaos and unpredictability. It underscored the “anything can happen” excitement MITB promises.
8. Big E (Raw 2021)
Big E’s cash-in was one of the rare times a WWE star announced in advance exactly when and where he’d use the briefcase. After months of near-misses, Big E chose the perfect moment on Raw to capitalize: Bobby Lashley was exhausted after a brutal match with Randy Orton. Big E ran in, nailed the Big Ending, and clinched his first WWE Championship. This wasn’t just a title win; it was a feel-good, underdog story come to life. The crowd erupted, New Day celebrated like kings, and it marked a rare moment of pure, genuine joy in WWE.
7. Rob Van Dam (ECW One Night Stand 2006)
In a unique twist, RVD’s cash-in was pre-announced — breaking the MITB “surprise” tradition but nailing the crowd reaction nonetheless. At the ECW One Night Stand pay-per-view, RVD challenged WWE Champion John Cena in an ECW-style environment. Cena was the villain to the ECW faithful, and RVD’s victory (helped by interference and classic ECW chaos) sent the crowd into a frenzy. The moment was rebellious, and perfectly fit the ECW vibe. It showed MITB’s flexibility as a storytelling tool.
6. The Miz (Raw 2010)
Miz’s cash-in was the payoff of years of heel heat and underdog positioning. After the Nexus faction brutalized WWE Champion Randy Orton, Miz stepped in to cash in his contract. The match was tense, with Orton nearly pulling out a victory, but Miz ultimately triumphed, claiming the WWE Title and shocking the crowd. This moment solidified Miz as a major player and showed the cash-in can deliver a big star-making moment.
5. Randy Orton (SummerSlam 2013)
Daniel Bryan’s hard-fought victory over John Cena was a WWE fairy tale come true… but it was short-lived. Just moments later, Triple H shockingly turned heel, attacked Bryan with a Pedigree, and Randy Orton cashed in his MITB contract. Orton’s opportunistic win crushed Bryan’s moment and started a legendary feud between the corporate Authority and the rebellious underdog Bryan. The cash-in was cold, brutal, and storytelling gold — turning Orton into the perfect corporate villain.
4. CM Punk (Extreme Rules 2009)
Jeff Hardy had just survived a punishing ladder match to win the World Heavyweight Title from Edge. Exhausted and vulnerable, Hardy barely stood as CM Punk’s music hit. Punk capitalized with a sudden attack and quickly cashed in the contract. This cash-in helped launch one of Punk’s best title reigns.
3. Dolph Ziggler (Raw after WrestleMania 29, 2013)
Ziggler’s cash-in is one of the most forgotten cash-ins in recent history. Alberto Del Rio was injured and limping after a tough match. Suddenly, Ziggler’s music hit — and the arena erupted. The crowd was so loud it felt like the roof might blow off. After a tense back-and-forth and a failed first attempt to hit the Zig Zag, Ziggler finally landed the move and secured the World Heavyweight Championship.
2. Edge (New Year’s Revolution 2006)
The granddaddy of them all. John Cena had survived the grueling Elimination Chamber and was battered beyond belief. Out came Vince McMahon with the announcement — Edge was cashing in the very first MITB briefcase. Two Spears later, and Edge was WWE Champion. The moment stunned fans worldwide and launched Edge’s incredible main event career. It was innovative, shocking, and set the gold standard for every MITB cash-in to come.
1. Seth Rollins (WrestleMania 31, 2015)
The ultimate MITB cash-in. Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns were locked in a brutal, hard-hitting WrestleMania main event. Just when it looked like the match would end with Lesnar’s victory, Seth Rollins’ music hit. Rollins didn’t just cash in; he turned the match into a triple threat. With a perfectly timed Curb Stomp, Rollins pinned Reigns and walked out with the WWE Championship.

PPV + PLE Content. Northern Adelaide suburbs resident with a lifelong passion for professional wrestling since the age of 14. What drew Rhys to wrestling was the antics of Eddie Guerrero and the freestyles of John Cena, and has been hooked ever since. Currently, Rhys watches WWE and AEW programing. This passion for wrestling has led to Rhys writing for PW Down Under, where he has become the resident PPV guy.