Retro Wednesday: Edge Wins And Cashes In The First Money In The Bank Briefcase

It all started in 2005. Chris Jericho announced an innovative concept to be added to WrestleMania 21 – Money in the Bank. This was explained to be a ladder match where a number of superstars would compete to determine the number one contender for the world championship. To give even more of an interesting twist the winner of this match would hold this briefcase for up to a year, cashing it in during any moment of their choosing.

The participants of the first Money in the Bank match were Raw-exclusive competitors Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Christian, Chris Benoit, Edge, and Kane. In a hard-fought match, Edge became victorious, being the first person to become "Mr. Money in the Bank."

For nearly nine months, Edge held the briefcase, waiting for the right moment to cash it in. He even successfully defended it against Matt Hardy.

Then – New Years Revolution. At the end of the Elimination Chamber match won by John Cena, Edge found that moment to be the best opportunity to cash in his briefcase. Due to the exhaustion of Cena, Edge was able to defeat Cena, and win his first WWE Championship.

This concept has grown to become one of the most anticipated pay-per-view events of the year. This is exactly what Edge needed to propel his career, seeing how he was in the midcard before this MITB victory and subsequent cash-in.

Since then, Edge has been a 11 time world champion, and was inducted in the 2012 Hall of Fame.

Classic build. Classic moment.

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