The Money in the Bank ladder match at WWE Money in the Bank 2012 was one of the most intense and star-studded contests in the history of the stipulation. Unlike previous years, this match was exclusive to former WWE Champions, making the stakes even higher. The winner would earn a guaranteed WWE Championship opportunity at any time, making this an opportunity that could redefine a career.
The Competitors
The match featured some of WWE’s biggest names: John Cena, Chris Jericho, The Big Show, Kane, and The Miz (who made a shocking return as the final entrant). With so much star power, the crowd was electric from the moment the bell rang.
Early Chaos
The match began with each competitor trying to establish dominance. Kane and Big Show used their raw power, clearing the ring early on. However, the more agile superstars—Jericho, Miz, and Cena—quickly introduced ladders, leading to the first high-impact spots of the match.
Big Show attempted to climb early, but it took multiple superstars working together to take him down, including a brutal moment where Kane chokeslammed him through the announcers’ table. With the giant temporarily out of the equation, the pace quickened as Jericho and Cena fought atop the ladder, exchanging blows while reaching for the briefcase.
The Big Show’s Destruction
After recovering, Big Show re-entered the match and made a statement. Instead of using a standard ladder, he introduced a custom-built reinforced steel ladder—the only one strong enough to support his weight. He cleared the ring with thunderous knockout punches and chokeslams, seemingly making his victory inevitable.
Cena’s Triumphant Moment
However, just as Big Show began his climb, John Cena made his heroic comeback. He countered a knockout punch attempt and delivered a massive Attitude Adjustment to Big Show, sending him crashing through a ladder outside the ring. Seizing the opportunity, Cena climbed the reinforced ladder while Jericho desperately tried to stop him. In the final moments, Cena used his sheer strength to rip the briefcase off the hook—literally breaking it in the process—to claim victory.
Aftermath
With this win, John Cena became the 2012 Money in the Bank winner and had a golden ticket to challenge for the WWE Championship at any moment. His victory was historic, marking the first time a competitor won the briefcase and announced his cash-in in advance, leading to his match against CM Punk at Raw 1000.
