Come, let us embark on an odyssey, a meticulous exploration of these heart-wrenching junctures, where fortune slipped like grains of sand through the grasp of these impassioned contenders, leaving them yearning for what could have been.
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The much-anticipated and enigmatic Money in the Bank ladder match has etched its indelible mark in the realm of professional wrestling. Throughout the annals of time, a myriad of extraordinary Superstars has ascended the lofty rungs of that metallic structure, clutching tightly to the coveted briefcase that conceals within it a contract, a ticket to a championship opportunity that can be seized at their discretion, regardless of time or place.
Yet, as the wheel of fate spins relentlessly, not every moment of cash-in splendor has been consummated with triumph and the coronation of a new champion. Indeed, within the grand tapestry of WWE lore, there exist several indelible instances, brimming with astonishment and leaving devotees of the squared circle awestruck and disenchanted.
These sublime spectacles, encapsulating the essence of failure, form a quintet of faltered dreams— so, here are the top 5 failed Money in the Bank cash-ins that have woven unforgettable strands into the fabric of WWE’s storied past. Come, let us embark on an odyssey, a meticulous exploration of these heart-wrenching junctures, where fortune slipped like grains of sand through the grasp of these impassioned contenders, leaving them yearning for what could have been.
Cena’s history with unsuccessful money-in-the-bank cash-ins does not stop there, as he also became the first person in history to beat Mr. Money in the Bank during the title match in 2013. Damien Sandow won the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match in 2013 after turning on his tag partner Cody Rhodes in the closing minutes.
While fans were plainly rooting for Rhodes at the moment, WWE’s decision to hand the briefcase to Sandow was an odd one. This was made extra stranger by the fact that Sandow would lose 11 of 12 televised fights despite being Mr. Money in the Bank. On the October 28, 2013, edition of Raw, he would cash in his contract on an ailing Cena, but Cena would win by pinfall to retain his World Heavyweight Championship.
Despite a brief and disastrous initial stint on the main roster during the peak days of the epidemic in 2020, things began to look up for the budding star when he re-debuted on Raw after getting picked in the 2021 WWE Draught. Theory was now paired on-screen with Vince McMahon, the company’s then-CEO and Chairman, who served as a mentor to Theory. Theory even won the 2022 men’s Money in the Bank bag despite being a last-minute addition to the fight.
However, with the change of regime in WWE and Triple H taking over as creative director, it became clear that Theory was no longer seen as the promotion’s future World Champion. Theory might even return on NXT after a lengthy losing run to tease cashing in on NXT Champion Bron Breakker. On the November 7, 2022, episode of Raw, he would cash in his Money in the Bank contract on an injured United States Champion Seth Rollins, but he would lose that match as well due to interference from Bobby Lashley.
READ MORE: Looking back at the past 10 Money in the Bank winners
In terms of Theory, the young star undoubtedly followed in the footsteps of his wrestling idol John Cena by failing to pay in his Money in the Bank contract. In fact, the 16-time World Champion is the first individual in the prize’s history to accomplish so.
After winning the Raw Money in the Bank ladder match in 2011, Cena announced the next night that, rather than surprise the champion, he would like to challenge the then-WWE Champion CM Punk for his title on the following week’s Raw, which also marked the 1000th episode of WWE’s flagship show. Big Show intervened and assaulted Cena throughout their bout, resulting in a DQ. While the Cenation’s leader was proclaimed the winner, championships can not change hands in the event of a disqualification finish, therefore Punk kept his title.
Baron Corbin had the most unsuccessful stint as Mr. Money in the Bank. Following his dominant debut at WrestleMania 32, the then-WWE “lone wolf” felt like the next great star. After a year in the mid-card, Corbin received the ultimate main event push when he won the 2017 men’s Money in the Bank contract.
However, in less than two months later, Corbin was unsuccessful in cashing in his money in the bank contract against WWE Champion Jinder Mahal on the August 15, 2017, edition of SmackDown. Corbin was distracted by John Cena just as the bell rang, only to be pinned by Jinder with a roll-up to face a humiliating defeat.
The cause for this was Corbin discussing a concussion lawsuit he had filed against the NFL in a backstage meeting, which he had kept WWE’s management in the dark about. Corbin has been pushed to the mid-card since the loss, performing gimmicks such as Constable Corbin, King Corbin, and Happy Corbin.
Braun Strowman defeated Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, The Miz, Kevin Owens, Rusev, Samoa Joe, and Kofi Kingston to win the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match at the 2018 Money in the Bank PPV. To successfully protect his briefcase, he would go on to defeat Kevin Owens at that year’s SummerSlam.
Strowman declared that he will cash in his contract and challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at that year’s Hell in the Cell PPV after numerous failed efforts. However, intervention from Brock Lesnar in the encounter resulted in a no-contest, and The Monster Among Men joined the list of those unfortunate individuals who could not win the championship while carrying the historically fortunate briefcase.
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