Money In The Bank 2016: The Ultimate Cagematch Guide
What's up, wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most talked-about events in recent WWE history: Money in the Bank 2016. Specifically, we're going to break down the infamous Cagematch that had everyone on the edge of their seats. This wasn't just any ladder match; this was a brutal, high-stakes battle where careers were on the line, and the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase was up for grabs. We'll explore the participants, the insane spots, and the ultimate winner, plus why this particular match still resonates with fans today. Get ready, because we're reliving the chaos!
The Participants: A Roster of Champions in the Making
The Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch featured a stacked lineup of Superstars, each with a legitimate claim to the briefcase. You had AJ Styles, the phenomenal one, still relatively new to the WWE main roster but already making waves. Then there was Dean Ambrose, the lunatic fringe, always a crowd favorite and known for his unpredictable style. Kevin Owens, the Prizefighter, brought his unique blend of power and arrogance, a man who truly believed he deserved the main event spotlight. Sami Zayn, the Underdog from the Underground, was there to prove that heart and determination could overcome any obstacle. Chris Jericho, the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla, added a veteran presence, his experience and cunning always a threat. And finally, Cesaro, the Swiss Superman, showcased his incredible athleticism and strength, a powerhouse capable of reaching the top. The sheer star power in this match alone guaranteed an epic encounter. Each guy brought their own unique style and story, making the stakes feel even higher. The anticipation for this match was palpable, as fans knew they were about to witness something special, a true clash of titans vying for the ultimate prize.
The Build-Up: Seeds of Rivalry and Ambition
Leading up to the Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch, the storylines were simmering nicely. The most intense rivalry was arguably between AJ Styles and John Cena, a feud that brought a fresh dynamic to the main event scene. Styles' shocking heel turn and subsequent alliance with The Club only added fuel to the fire, creating a palpable tension whenever he was in the ring. Dean Ambrose, meanwhile, was on a roll, his popularity soaring, making him a genuine contender for the briefcase and a future WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Kevin Owens, ever the opportunist, saw the Money in the Bank match as his direct path back to the main event spotlight, a place he felt he belonged. Sami Zayn and Cesaro, while perhaps not having the same intense personal feuds, were driven by pure ambition, wanting to prove they belonged at the top tier of the WWE. Chris Jericho, the master manipulator, was always lurking, ready to insert himself into any major storyline and steal the show. The way the WWE creative team wove these individual narratives together, culminating in this multi-man ladder match, built incredible anticipation. Each Superstar had a reason to win, and the paths they took to get there were filled with drama, betrayal, and incredible in-ring action. This wasn't just about climbing a ladder; it was about cementing legacies and achieving dreams, and the build-up really hammered that home.
The Match Itself: A Symphony of High-Risk Maneuvers
When the bell rang for the Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch, it was pure pandemonium. This match was an absolute clinic in high-risk wrestling, with Superstars executing moves that defied gravity and logic. The early going saw a flurry of action, with alliances forming and breaking as quickly as they appeared. Kevin Owens and AJ Styles, despite their recent animosity, briefly teamed up, showcasing their individual brilliance before inevitably turning on each other. Dean Ambrose was his usual chaotic self, diving off ladders and connecting with his signature moves, much to the delight of the crowd. Sami Zayn and Cesaro engaged in some incredible displays of strength and agility, with Zayn's relentless offense meeting Cesaro's powerhouse slams. Chris Jericho, ever the veteran, used his wits and experience to stay in the thick of it, often playing the heel role to perfection, interfering when necessary and taking advantage of any opening. The sequence where AJ Styles hit a phenomenal springboard 450 splash onto a ladder bridged across the ring was simply breathtaking. Kevin Owens’ powerbomb onto Dean Ambrose from the top of a ladder was equally devastating. Cesaro’s incredible strength was on full display as he hoisted multiple opponents onto his shoulders. The drama escalated with near-falls, daring climbs, and spectacular saves. The sheer physical toll this match took on the Superstars was evident, with sweat pouring and bodies aching, but they pushed through, driven by the prize hanging above.
Iconic Moments: Spots That Made History
The Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch delivered a plethora of unforgettable moments that are still talked about today. One of the most jaw-dropping sequences involved AJ Styles executing a spectacular springboard moonsault onto a ladder that was set up as a bridge between another ladder and the ring. It was a death-defying stunt that showcased his incredible athleticism and willingness to put his body on the line. Another highlight was Kevin Owens' brutal powerbomb, launching Dean Ambrose from the top of a ladder onto another ladder positioned below. The impact was sickening, and it sent a clear message that Owens was playing for keeps. Sami Zayn, ever the underdog, had his moments of brilliance, including a desperate dive over the top rope onto a pile of competitors. Cesaro, the powerhouse, delivered a series of devastating slams and showed off his incredible strength by holding multiple opponents aloft. Chris Jericho, with his signature cunning, managed to avoid the worst of the carnage for a while, only to become a victim of the chaos later on. The visual of the Superstars scattered around the ring, battered and bruised, with the briefcase just out of reach, was a testament to their determination. Each near-climb was met with a desperate save, creating a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans. These moments weren't just spots; they were testament to the Superstars' courage and the unforgiving nature of the Money in the Bank ladder match.
The Climax: A Shocking Twist and a New Champion
As the Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch reached its fever pitch, the chaos and exhaustion were at an all-time high. Superstars were taking incredible risks, and the briefcase seemed tantalizingly close for several competitors. Dean Ambrose, fueled by the crowd's energy, was climbing, looking set to fulfill his destiny. Just as he was about to grasp the briefcase, the unthinkable happened. His rival, Seth Rollins, who had been sidelined with an injury, made a shocking return. Rollins, still a threat and a former Mr. Money in the Bank himself, interfered directly, costing Ambrose the match. He superkicked Ambrose, sending him crashing down. This interference paved the way for Dean Ambrose to seize the opportunity and climb the ladder himself. With Rollins watching on, Ambrose grabbed the Money in the Bank briefcase, officially becoming Mr. Money in the Bank. The ending was abrupt and surprising, leaving fans stunned. While Rollins' interference was a heel move, it also set up an interesting future storyline. Ambrose finally getting his hands on the briefcase, after so many near misses and attempts, was a moment that many fans had been waiting for. It was a bittersweet victory, tainted by Rollins' return, but ultimately, Dean Ambrose stood tall, holding the prize that guaranteed him a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The Aftermath: A Reign of Opportunity
The victory in the Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch immediately put Dean Ambrose in a prime position. Holding the briefcase meant he had the ultimate trump card: the guarantee of a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at any time, any place. The drama didn't end with the bell; it just shifted. The presence of Seth Rollins loomed large, adding a layer of unpredictability to Ambrose's future. Would Rollins try to take the briefcase? Would Ambrose cash in on Rollins himself, or on Roman Reigns, who was the current champion? The ambiguity was electrifying. Ambrose, known for his unpredictable nature, cashed in his contract later that very night on a weakened Roman Reigns, who had just defended his title against Rollins. In a shocking turn of events, Dean Ambrose defeated Reigns to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This rapid cash-in, mere hours after winning the briefcase, was a testament to his opportunistic character and the impact of winning the Money in the Bank match. It was a huge moment for Ambrose, capping off a spectacular night and solidifying his place at the top of the WWE. The Money in the Bank 2016 Cagematch wasn't just about the match itself; it was the catalyst for immediate, significant championship change, making it one of the most impactful Money in the Bank events in history.
