Introduction
Quick aside first, this list is going to be discussing the best non Money in the Bank ladder matches to take place at the titular PPV. If you’re after that list, I wrote it previously. Anyway, despite the ladder matches being the focal point of Money in the Bank there have still been some incredible matches that haven’t involved a briefcase and/or ladders. With Money in the Bank 2023 closing in, what better time to look back at them? Also spoilers a certain Seth Rollins may feature a lot on this list. Anyway with all being said and done here are the best Money in the Bank PPV Matches ranked.
Best Money in the Bank PPV Matches Ranked
10. Street Profits Vs Usos MITB 2022
Kicking off the best non Money in the Bank matches is the Street Profits Vs the Usos. While both teams have had better matches in their series, this is still a solid match. I mean the only thing that stops this match being higher is the finish that reminds you of how shallow the tag scene was at the time. Other than that, it’s very well polished with plenty of superkicks, Montez Ford having springs instead of legs and some great near falls. But yeah best to forget this led to a Summerslam rematch officiated by Jeff Jarrett (and no not entertaining AEW Jarrett).
9. New Day Vs Usos MITB 2017
If I had a pound for everyone a great Usos tag match at Money in the Bank ended really deflating then I’d have £2 which is weird that it’s happened twice. Anyway, this match just illustrates the insanely good chemistry between the two teams in their classic series of pay per view stunners in 2017. I could just list spots but if you’ve seen one Usos Vs New Day match you’ll know the formula. A lot of superkicks, splashes, spears off the apron, a few near falls and don’t forgot more superkicks. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel its still a solid match albeit with the deflating finish.
8. Christian Vs Randy Orton MITB 2012
What I’m going to say might seem like hypocrisy but the screwy finish really works in this match. Mostly because Christian is such a good villain. Seriously only this rivalry could have a stipulation that involved bad officiating and disqualification as a way to lose the title and still make it work. Also the fact the crowd are begging for Orton to finally get his hands on Christian after his relentless and funny promos about needing one more match to beat him. Just the sight of Christian taking the low blow while Orton realises what he’s done is a magnificent shot. Again like the prior entries there are definitely better matches in the series but the MITB match is still pretty great.
7. John Cena Vs Kevin Owens MITB 2015
2015: the year where John Cena told every you can’t wrestle chanter to sit down. Whether it was the US Title Open Challenge or his great series with Kevin Owens, Cena was putting on great matches on a weekly basis. Now yes, once again there are better matches in the series, like at Elimination Chamber. However, they still served up a great match with Cena’s usual big match moves like Avalanche AA’s and springboard stunners and Owens’s lunacy with Swanton bombs and avalanche fisherman busters. Oh and it also helps that both men have great chemistry.
6. Drew McIntyre vs Seth Rollins MITB 2020
Now before you all tell me that this is too low, we are in the position of anyone of the top 6 could be argued to be the best MITB match. However, unfortunately the only reason this ain’t closer to the top is it was during COVID wrestling. And my god if this match had a rabid crowd it would have been even better. Anyway, this match is typically excellent as you’d expect from the two men in the match as Seth gets the hell beaten out of him all while he’s trying to be cerebral and isolate McIntyre’s limbs. If this does turn out to be McIntyre’s only WWE title reign then matches like this will help it go down well in history. Oh also some of the Claymores were down right murderous which is the only benefit of the crowd less wrestling: everything sounded like cannon fire.
5. CM Punk Vs Daniel Bryan MITB 2012
Anyone for a AEW rematch? Ok probably not but my god Punk and Bryan had some quality matches. Like this stunner at Money in the Bank. While the AJ Lee guest referee spot wasn’t perfect the wrestling was phenomenal. I mean what else did you expect from these two? There’s spots aplenty like Punk powering out of a Lobell Lock, counters into GTS’s, Bryan trying to get weapons involved at every point and the clever work that tricks the audience into believing Punk was going to lose the WWE title. Overall, a great match which is definitely worthwhile seeking out.
4. Seth Rollins Vs Roman Reigns MITB 2016
Guess who’s back? Yep Seth Rollins having another stunning non Money in the Bank world title match. While the match is spoiled by it not being heel Reigns Vs Face Rollins, the in ring work is brilliant. Highlights include the obligatory spear into a Pedigree, Reigns driving Rollins over the announce table and the multiple spears that had everyone thinking the Reigns Face World Championship reign was continuing. Oh also props for this match setting up the Dean Ambrose cash in and Shield triple threat. But seriously have Rollins and Reigns ever really had a proper bad match?
3. Edge Vs Roman Reigns MITB 2021
Speaking of Roman Reigns, this match was one of the first WWE PPVs with a capacity crowd since the pandemic. And what a main event they got in the battle of the best spear in wrestling. Jokes aside, other than maybe Brock Lesnar there’s few better kick out artists than Roman Reigns. This was on full display as that spear which Reigns kicked out at 2.9999 all while Paul Heyman sells it like Romans survived a gunshot is phenomenal. Other top spots include spears through barricades, DDT counters to spears and oh the small matter of John Cena returning to a monster pop. Honestly it’s fun relieving a time where Reigns had a lot of challengers for the Universal Title. Definitely check this match out because it’s just brilliant.
2. Seth Rollins Vs AJ Styles MITB 2019
And so we come back to Seth Rollins once again for this Universal Title stunner with AJ Styles. Similarly to their recent World Heavyweight Title match, this is a top quality match. Whether it’s the Curb Stomp into a Styles Clash, the fluidity of the transitions or just that this is a legitimate dream match. And the finish is definitely great with Seth avoiding a Phenomenal Forearm into a Ripcord Knee, superkick and then a Stomp to retain. I mean what else would we expect from two of the very best to ever do it. And once again that Curb Stomp into the Styles Clash is phenomenal especially with the near fall.
1: CM Punk Vs John Cena MITB 2011
Now yes this the most obvious choice I could have picked but sometimes the most obvious match is the best match. Whatever you think of Punk now, there is no denying his talent especially in this match. While the in ring work is pretty decent there are two reasons this match is top. The first is the molten hot Chicago crowd who go berserk for anything Punk does. And the second is the amount of bells and whistles which just makes you believe WWE were going to start a riot. Seriously, the spot where Vince tries to recreate the Montreal Screw job only for Cena to stop him is fantastic and really plays on the audience’s heartstrings. Honestly there’s a reason why this was the main rosters first 5 star match in 24 years. Well worth a rewatch.
You can watch Money in the Bank 2023 both on Peacock and WWE Network. For more information, click here.
