As briefcase holder after briefcase holder successfully cashed in their Money in the Bank contracts, the WWE Universe’s attention began to turn to the inevitable: Who would be the first Money in the Bank winner to fail with their cash-in? In a moment of circularity, John Cena (of all people) became the first Money in the Bank winner to fail with their cash-in in 2012.
He was also the first champion to be cashed in on, with Edge using his opportunity to defeat an exhausted Cena at 2006’s New Year’s Revolution. And just like Rob Van Dam before him (who also successfully cashed in on Cena), Cena announced his cash-in against the champion, CM Punk, a week before their championship match.
The announcement would prove costly for Cena, with his match ending in disqualification thanks to an intervention from Big Show. It was another first for the 17-time world champion, but not one that he would’ve wanted.
For the women’s roster, the upcoming Money in the Bank match will be their ninth year of the popular concept match. But in contrast to the men, the women’s winners have yet to fail with their respective cash-ins. It was seven years before a men’s winner failed, suggesting that the women are overdue for a failed cash-in of their own.
Women’s Money in the Bank Numbers and 2025 Meaning
Historically, the women’s Money in the Bank winners haven’t waited long at all to cash in their contracts. Of the eight winners, five have either cashed in on the same night they won or the day after.
In fact, only two female superstars have gone over the 100-day mark are the first winner, Carmella (287 days), and the last, Tiffany Stratton (181 days). Elsewhere, Iyo Sky cashed in successfully in 2023 after holding her briefcase for a relatively short 35 days.
Optimal Window for a Money in the Bank Cash-In?
According to the women’s roster, no – there is no optimal window for a cash-in. The 100% success rate is a testament to that. However, looking at the six failed men’s cash-ins, a pattern does emerge.
First of all, announcing the cash-in rather than taking advantage of the element of surprise. John Cena and Braun Strowman gave CM Punk and Roman Reigns the chance to prepare for their title defenses, ultimately decreasing the chances of a title change.
Another oversight of the failed cash-ins is the failure to incapacitate everyone – not just the champion. Baron Corbin, Austin Theory, and the most recent men’s winner, Drew McIntyre, were all undone by superstars who weren’t even the champion. So it definitely pays to tie up all the loose ends before cashing in on a hopefully depleted champion.
However, unless a supremely favorable scenario presents itself (e.g. Damian Priest at WrestleMania XL), it seems that the longer the women’s Money in the Bank winners have held the briefcase, the greater that jeopardy becomes.
Both Carmella and Stratton’s lengthy Money in the Bank runs included several teased and aborted cash-in attempts. As the year-long window starts to close and the cancelled cash-ins start to pile up, the world champions become more mindful of where a cash-in could occur.
While it may have seemed a little impulsive at the time, maybe the five women who cashed in on day one were onto something.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on WWE Money in the Bank, and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
You can check out WWE programming on Netflix (Raw), USA Network (SmackDown), The CW (NXT), Tubi (WWE Evolve), A&E (WWE Superstar Sunday – Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments) and Peacock (WWE Main Event as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on YouTube, and catch fast-paced action on X (WWE Speed).
