While it went on to be one of the most important matches of his career, there was a possibility that Adam Copeland would have missed it entirely.
2025 marks 20 years since the first Money in the Bank ladder match, which took place at WrestleMania 21. Guaranteeing the winner a World Championship match at any time, the match has been the catalyst for many stars to receive their first title reign and transform them from mid-card to main event level.
For Copeland, The Rated R Superstar won the first match and cashed in the briefcase the following year on John Cena. Going on to win the title 11 times in his career, the Hall of Famer recently admitted that at one point he did not want to be a part of it.
Speaking with Kenny McIntosh for Inside The Ropes Magazine, the AEW star explained why he was reluctant to be in the inaugural match:
“I said, “I don’t want to be in it.” That the ladder thing felt like a crutch, and it definitely for me, like, you don’t have anything for me, so just chuck me in a ladder match. I feel like Christian was put in that. I feel like after the Money in the Bank, Shelton got put into that role, and it’s not a bad role. But at a certain point, you go, okay, I gotta move past this. I got to get past these to get to where I want to get to, which is the main event.”
Copeland also spoke about how the match was his springboard to the main event scene:
“I didn’t realise that Money in the Bank would be the springboard to that. So I had to be talked into it. I’m glad I was [laughs]. And truth be told I just got sick of bumping off of ladders too, because it hurts. [laughs] There’s no good way to do it.”
Adam Copeland Opens Up About How Much Time Is Left In The Ring
Returning from a career-ending injury at the 2020 Royal Rumble, Copeland was given the opportunity to retire on his own terms. In a recent interview, Adam Copeland spoke about how much time he believes is left in the ring.
Featured image: AEW
