10 Great Wrestling Matches (That Ruined Everything)
6. Money In The Bank Ladder Match - WWE WrestleMania 21
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.