WWE: Top 10 Money In The Bank Pay-Per-View Moments
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5. Daniel Bryan Wins Money In The Bank: July 17, 2011
The most unexpected rise to superstardom in WWE history should be considered the rise of Daniel Bryan. Once as a workhorse type of performer that would never reach the big time, Bryan defied the odds and became the hottest superstar in pro wrestling.
One could make the argument that his slow rise really began at Money In The Bank 2011 when he competed in the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match alongside Cody Rhodes, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Sin Cara, Sheamus, and Wade Barrett. Bryan seemed like a long shot to win this match, but you can never count out The Yes Man.
After an incredible ladder match, Bryan emerged victorious after he fended off Barrett and grabbed the briefcase hanging high above. It was a huge moment and about five months later, Bryan cashed in on The Big Show and became the World Heavyweight Champion. It was his first taste of major success and it led to the rise of the Yes Movement.
Without this win, who’s to say Bryan would have had the entertaining and successful tag team with Kane? Who’s to say he would have feuded with The Authority for months? And who’s to say he would have won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 30?
Bryan’s win at Money In The Bank 2011 is a win to remember forever and ranks among the greatest moments in the pay-per-view’s history.