5 World Title changes at WWE Money in the Bank events

#1 CM Punk - WWE Money in the Bank 2011

CM Punk defeated John Cena to win the WWE Championship in one of the most iconic matches in modern WWE history

WWE Money in the Bank 2011 is arguably the most famous and greatest Money in the Bank pay-per-view of all time.

The event emanated from the All State Arena in Chicago, Illinois and centered around John Cena defending the WWE Championship against CM Punk.

#OTD: 9⃣ years ago, @CMPunk defeated @JohnCena for the @WWE Championship at Money In The Bank in Chicago! pic.twitter.com/VfNSx9oFc5

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) July 17, 2020

After becoming the number one contender for the WWE Championship, CM Punk announced on RAW that his WWE contract was set to expire on July 17, 2011. It just so happened that this was the date of the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.

The following week on Monday Night RAW saw CM Punk cut the infamous "pipe bomb" promo after costing John Cena a tables match. Punk delivered a promo in which he declared himself "the best in the world." He'd go onto break the fourth wall by mentioning Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, Triple H, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor.

The next several weeks saw WWE continue to blur the line between fiction and reality as Punk's contract legitimately began to expire.

I did a thing nine years ago. Couldn’t have done it without @JohnCena, @WWEArmstrong and most importantly the fans. That crowd, that atmosphere is something I’ll never forget. Thank you all. #MITB

— player/coach (@CMPunk) July 17, 2020

With Money in the Bank 2011 emanating from CM Punk's hometown of Chicago, Illinois, the All State Arena was defeaning in its support of the hometown hero. Punk and Cena delivered an over 30 minute classic that is widely regarded as one of the greatest WWE matches and moments in modern history.

The closing moments of the match saw Mr. McMahon and John Laurinaitis attempt to "screw" CM Punk out of the WWE Championship in a similar vein to Bret Hart at Survivor Series 1997.

Not wanting a tainted victory, John Cena prevented Laurinaitis from ringing the bell and attacked the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations. As John Cena entered the ring, CM Punk hit the Go To Sleep on Cena to successfully win the WWE Championship.

CM Punk eventually escaped with the WWE Championship through the Chicago crowd as his WWE contract expired, blowing a kiss to the furious WWE Chairman.