Top 5: WWE Money In The Bank Cash-Ins

Modified Jul 11, 2021 19:51 GMT

#4. Randy Orton crushes Daniel Bryan's WWE dreams

You will notice a few common threads between every entry on this list, an emphasis on location, set-up before the cash-in itself, and the reaction from the WWE Universe. Hitting the mark on all three of these from both a storyline and execution perspective is vital. In this case, WWE hit every mark out of the park.

Randy Orton is widely regarded as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. The Viper has seemingly done it all. This includes winning MITB in 2013, ultimately winning the WWE Championship 35 days later. The unlucky victim this time was WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, who had only moments before defeated John Cena to win his first world title.

Prior to Randy Orton's insertion, it looked as though Daniel Bryan had finally reached the top of the mountain, despite opposition from WWE's top brass. Bryan broke through every conceivable barrier and defeated the face of the company, Cena himself. Fans around the world rejoiced when special guest referee Triple H counted "3", giving Daniel Bryan the biggest win of his professional career.

However, while some thought this was the great climax of Daniel Bryan's journey to the top, it turned out to be only the beginning of the Bearded One's long road ahead against The Authority.

WWE went out of its way to make fans feel that SummerSlam 2013 was about to have the happiest of endings. Bryan celebrated with an electric crowd as confetti fell from the sky, and Bryan looked to the camera to thank his family.

Suddenly, in an instant the moment was shattered, as Randy Orton's theme song came over the speakers, and the MITB holder made his way slowly to the ring. Bryan was shocked and but stood his ground, awaiting his assumed next challenger to enter.

A moment later, Triple H spun Daniel Bryan around and hit him with his signature pedigree finisher, then took the briefcase from Orton and demanded that the bell be rung. Orton had officially cashed-in. He would win the WWE World Championship instantly.

Within seconds, the WWE Universe went from having a feeling of extreme jubilation and vindication to profound anger and frustration. Their hero, who they had fought so hard to push to the top, was decimated and WWE's status quo was instantly restored.

This cash-in earns the #4. spot, because not only was the cash-in unexpected, but its use in WWE's larger storyline surrounding Daniel Bryan's quest to be perceived as more than just a "B+" was vital. WWE needed fans to feel betrayed and cheated by WWE. Thus, would channel it into making Bryan into even more of an underdog than he already was.

Overall, Orton's cash-in did everything it was supposed to do. Made him even more hated and Bryan even more loved, it shocked the crowd, and with the backdrop of SummerSlam? It's up there for sure.

Edited by Daniel Wood