6. Money In The Bank Ladder Match - WrestleMania XXIV
The Money in the Bank Ladder match was a staple of WrestleMania events from 2005 until 2011. Over the course of six years, fans were privy to some of the best, most jaw-dropping bouts in the long and illustrious history of the Showcase of the Immortals. More importantly, the contests ultimately resulted in title reigns for some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Edge, Rob Van Dam and Jack Swagger all experienced the sweet taste of championship gold thanks to their victories in the contest. Only one man, however, could claim to have won the match twice. Only one man would cash in the heavyweight title contract enclosed in the prized briefcase successfully, two years in a row. That man was CM Punk and at WrestleMania XXIV, he came from out of nowhere to win his first Money in the Bank match. Joined by Chris Jericho, John Morrison, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, MVP and Mr. Kennedy, the Straight Edge Superstar helped ensure that the 2008 edition of the popular gimmick match lived up the expectations set by its predecessors. Despite tremendous performances from the younger stars involved, and a great finish that saw Punk trap Jericho in the rungs of the ladder, the contest has become somewhat lost among the other ladder matches of the like. Instead of being overshadowed, it should be celebrated for the stories it told, the risks that were taken and the dedication of the competitors involved to deliver the finest match imaginable.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
