Who Won the Money in the Bank Match?

The dust has settled, the ladders are put away (for now), and the future champions have emerged! To answer the burning question directly: Damian Priest and IYO SKY emerged victorious in the Men’s and Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Matches, respectively, at the 2023 Money in the Bank event held in London, England. Let’s delve deeper into their hard-fought victories and what it all means for the future of WWE.

The Ascent of Damian Priest: Señor Money in the Bank

Damian Priest’s win wasn’t just another notch on his belt; it was a statement. He clawed his way to the top, battling against a field of incredibly talented and determined competitors. The Men’s Money in the Bank match featured powerhouses like LA Knight, known for his explosive charisma and fan support; Logan Paul, the controversial internet sensation looking to make a splash; Ricochet, the high-flying daredevil; Shinsuke Nakamura, the King of Strong Style; Santos Escobar, the leader of Legado Del Fantasma; and Butch, the wild card of the Brawling Brutes.

The Grueling Path to Victory

Priest’s path to victory wasn’t easy. The match was a chaotic symphony of high spots, brutal brawls, and near misses. He had to overcome the athleticism of Ricochet, the unpredictable offense of Butch, and the sheer popularity of LA Knight, who arguably had the crowd firmly in his corner. Key moments included:

• The Logan Paul and Ricochet spot: An aerial spectacle that unfortunately resulted in both men being visibly hurt.
• LA Knight’s near win: The crowd went wild when LA Knight had his hands on the briefcase, but interference from others prevented him from securing the victory.
• Priest’s calculated aggression: Priest strategically capitalized on opportunities, using his size and strength to his advantage.

Ultimately, it was Priest’s relentless determination and calculated aggression that allowed him to climb the ladder and unhook the coveted briefcase. He’s now armed with a guaranteed opportunity to challenge for either the World Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Seth Rollins, or the WWE Universal Championship, currently held by Roman Reigns, at any time and any place of his choosing within the next year.

IYO SKY’s Calculated Triumph: A New Era for The Genius of the Sky

While Priest’s victory showcased brute force and calculated strategy, IYO SKY’s win was a testament to her cunning, athleticism, and the intricate web of alliances within Damage CTRL. The Women’s Money in the Bank match was equally as thrilling, featuring powerhouses like Becky Lynch, the Man; Trish Stratus, the WWE Hall of Famer; Zoey Stark, Trish’s protégé; Bayley, a fellow member of Damage CTRL; Zelina Vega, representing the LWO; and Lacey Evans, the Sassy Southern Belle.

Damage CTRL’s Master Plan

The dynamic within Damage CTRL played a significant role in SKY’s victory. The early stages of the match saw Bayley and SKY seemingly working together, but the undercurrent of tension was palpable. As the match progressed, Bayley’s frustration with IYO SKY grew, leading to a pivotal moment where IYO handcuffed Bayley to Becky Lynch, preventing either woman from interfering as she scaled the ladder to victory.

• Becky and Trish’s rivalry: This rivalry fueled much of the match’s action, with Zoey Stark often getting involved on Trish’s behalf.
• Zelina Vega’s valiant effort: Zelina, representing the LWO, brought her signature athleticism and heart to the match.
• IYO SKY’s strategic brilliance: Her understanding of her opponents and her own alliance allowed her to capitalize at the perfect moment.

IYO SKY’s win felt like a long time coming. Often overlooked despite her incredible talent, she now holds the power to challenge for either the WWE Raw Women’s Championship currently held by Asuka or the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship currently held by Charlotte Flair. This win could very well signal a shift in the women’s division and the rise of IYO SKY as a main event player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Money in the Bank

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the significance and implications of the Money in the Bank matches:

1. What is the Money in the Bank match?

The Money in the Bank match is a ladder match featuring multiple WWE superstars vying for a briefcase suspended above the ring. The briefcase contains a contract guaranteeing the winner a championship match for either a world title or a women’s title at any time and place of their choosing within one year.

2. How many people are usually in a Money in the Bank match?

Typically, Money in the Bank matches feature six to eight participants. The 2023 Men’s Money in the Bank match had seven participants, while the Women’s match featured six.

3. What are the rules of a Money in the Bank match?

The rules are simple: be the first person to climb a ladder, reach the briefcase, and detach it from its hook. There are no disqualifications, no count-outs, and no pinfalls needed. It’s a chaotic free-for-all where anything goes.

4. Can the Money in the Bank briefcase be stolen?

No, once a superstar has won the Money in the Bank briefcase, it cannot be stolen by another superstar. The contract is non-transferable.

5. What happens if the Money in the Bank winner gets injured?

If the Money in the Bank winner sustains an injury that prevents them from cashing in within the one-year timeframe, the opportunity is forfeited. There is no provision for a replacement.

6. Has anyone ever failed to successfully cash in their Money in the Bank contract?

Yes, several superstars have failed to successfully cash in their Money in the Bank contracts. Notable examples include John Cena (interference) and Baron Corbin (distraction). However, these instances are relatively rare, and most cash-ins result in a title change.

7. Can a Money in the Bank contract be cashed in on any champion?

Yes, the Men’s Money in the Bank contract can be cashed in on either the WWE World Heavyweight Champion or the WWE Universal Champion. Similarly, the Women’s Money in the Bank contract can be cashed in on either the WWE Raw Women’s Champion or the WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion.

8. How does the Money in the Bank cash-in usually happen?

Cash-ins are usually opportunistic, taking place when the champion is vulnerable – after a grueling match, or after being attacked by another superstar. The element of surprise is key.

9. What is the significance of winning Money in the Bank?

Winning Money in the Bank is a career-defining moment. It instantly elevates a superstar’s status and positions them as a credible threat to any champion. It’s a chance to rewrite their destiny and potentially reach the pinnacle of their career.

10. Has anyone ever won the Money in the Bank match more than once?

Yes, CM Punk and Edge are the only two superstars to have won the Money in the Bank match twice.

11. What are some of the most memorable Money in the Bank cash-ins in history?

Some of the most memorable cash-ins include:

• Edge cashing in on John Cena at New Year’s Revolution 2006.
• Rob Van Dam cashing in on John Cena at One Night Stand 2006.
• Dolph Ziggler cashing in on Alberto Del Rio on Raw after WrestleMania 29.
• Randy Orton cashing in on Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam 2013.

12. What can we expect from Damian Priest and IYO SKY as Money in the Bank winners?

We can expect both Priest and SKY to be constant threats to their respective champions. Priest will likely be looking for a moment of weakness to capitalize on Rollins or Reigns, while IYO SKY will be strategically plotting her cash-in, potentially capitalizing on the ongoing rivalries on Raw and Smackdown. Their journeys as Money in the Bank winners will undoubtedly be filled with intrigue, drama, and the ever-present possibility of a championship victory. The future of WWE is now firmly in their hands.