10 Great Wrestling Matches (That Ruined Everything)

6. Money In The Bank Ladder Match - WWE WrestleMania 21

Cringe Undertaker Thumb
WWE.com

The first Money In The Bank ladder match was an absolutely superb multi-man gimmick attraction worked perfectly for its stakes.

It was held to determine the next contender for either World title, on a unique basis, and it unfolded as a violent, reckless exhibition of both athletic endeavour and intent to win. Each element of the match worked in rare, immersive harmony. It was an instant classic of a match that also served, infamously, as an inspired shortcut through which Edge emerged as a megastar.

But Edge was only able to become a made man on the platform because he was worthy of the spot. Just like the worker makes the belt, and not the other 'way round, the man made the briefcase. Vince McMahon misinterpreted Edge's coronation as a device, as opposed to a moment, and replicated it to the detriment of so much.

The very notion of a title match or victory meant little. Babyfaces looked like cowardly, undeserving dorks; heels barely had to cheat or act nefariously. Yes, the act of winning the ladder match in itself was impressive, but, in parallel, WWE normalised the living sh*t out of the stipulation to such an extent that winning such a match barely scanned as some gruelling, career-shortening triumph.

The title of the article is probably hyperbolic elsewhere, but the MITB match really did infect so much of WWE's programming.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!