WWE Money in the Bank 2013 Review

Match 1: World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank - Fandango vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Antonio Cesaro vs. Jack Swagger vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Damien Sandow vs. Wade Barrett
I say it every time, this match must be the toughest for the competitors. Coming up with new stuff for a Ladder match is always a challenge. I love the idea of this match, every person has never held the World Heavyweight Championship. Jack Swagger's 2010 reign doesn't count. Also, there are two tag teams which should make for interesting battles. The guys came out with new tricks from the bag, Ambrose standing atop a horizontal ladder being carried by The Real Americans was awesome, The Real Americans using each other instead of a ladder to climb for the briefcase, and Cody Rhodes came to steal the show. Rhodes cleaned house in the last few minutes of the match and the Philadelphia crowd exploded for him. He was about to reach the briefcase until Reigns & Rollins from The Shield came to Ambrose's side. However, The Usos joined and took out The Shield. Ambrose sneakingly climbs the ladder but Rhodes pushes him off onto all the guys at ringside. Rhodes climbs before his partner in Sandow pushes him off and grabs the briefcase. Seems like a missed opportunity to have Rhodes win but it gives Sandow an even bigger one in a way. Great opening match that already puts the show on notice.
Winner: Damien Sandow
Rating: ****

Match 2: Intercontinental Championship - Curtis Axel (c) vs. The Miz
After Curtis Axel captured the championship at the Payback PPV, he defends it here against The Miz. The Philadelphia crowd is more into Paul Heyman rather than the babyface in The Miz. Miz works hard and I can't help but give him credit, he was definitely into the action and he was working the crowd by trying to get them fired up. Miz even pulls an Eddie Guerrero as he slaps himself when the back of the referee was turned. Once the ref looked back, he kicked out Heyman to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Axel still manages to get the win over The Miz. Okay match that continues to elevate Axel.
Winner: Curtis Axel
Rating: *1/2

Match 3: Divas Championship - AJ Lee (c) vs. Kaitlyn
A rematch from the Payback PPV as AJ once again has Big E Langston in her corner. Just another decent Divas match where Kaitlyn injures her shoulder from hitting a Spear in which AJ Lee follows it up with a Black Widow for the win. Nothing really to say here, just about what you would expect.
Winner: AJ Lee
Rating: 1/2*

Match 4: Chris Jericho vs. Ryback
Ryback has completely lost his steam from the past year and maybe a match against Jericho could help him pick it up. Match was a bit slow for the most part but that seems to be the case with most Ryback matches. They often feel rehashed and this one wasn't really any different until the latter moments but it felt as if Jericho was leading the charge. Jericho landed a Codebreaker on Ryback who was leaned inward towards the ring on the second rope and Jericho reversed a Shellshock into a DDT which were both pretty cool. But Ryback needs to look like a beast and this match just didn't really do it, it felt even. As much as the commentators tried to build up Ryback, it's hard to believe that this guy is going to be in the main event anytime soon. Plus, he won by rolling up Jericho. This guy is supposed to be a beast yet he wins by rolling up Jericho and sliding out of the ring as if he was Edge.
Winner: Ryback
Rating: **1/2

Match 5: World Heavyweight Championship - Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
Crowd is absolutely hot for the challenger, Ziggler is making the most out of his recent turn. After their past encounters, they needed to do something a bit different here and separate their last matches from each other. Safe to say that this was my favorite match between the two, beautifully working the crowd and never a dull moment. Del Rio wrestles much better as a heel and the same can be said for Ziggler who I feel wrestles better as a face. The way they interact with the crowd is so great and every single pin felt meaningful. They recalled to their last match where Del Rio landed a sharp kick to Ziggler's head but this time around, Ziggler kicks out! Del Rio exposes his knee brace but AJ Lee interferes and nails Del Rio with her Divas Championship. Ziggler was one second away from hitting his finisher. The referee calls for the bell as Del Rio wins via disqualification. Interesting ending but it makes sense, Ziggler is too hot right now to eat a pin and this gave them the perfect out. Also makes Del Rio look like a bigger heel as he once again weasels himself another win.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Rating: ***3/4

Match 6: WWE Championship - John Cena (c) vs. Mark Henry
After Mark Henry faked his retirement in an amazing promo on Monday Night Raw, he now challenges John Cena for his first WWE Championship. For those who follow my reviews, you know that I'm a big fan of Henry and he showed why tonight. He's such a vicious heel and he picked apart Cena here. Henry was in control of the match for the most part which is now surprise, but it worked. Henry is built as a destroyer while Cena is still being built as the underdog. Crowd was much into the action which saw Henry kick out of an Attitude Adjustment and Cena kick out of a World's Strongest Slam. The finishing sequence saw Henry rip off both turnbuckle coverings to get a cheap advantage but it ended up backfiring. Cena was able to put Henry in the STF to win the contest and retain. Good WWE Championship match and loved seeing Henry being placed in this position.
Winner: John Cena
Rating: ***

Match 7: WWE Championship Contract Money in the Bank - Rob Van Dam vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. CM Punk vs. Christian vs. Daniel Bryan
This is Rob Van Dam's first WWE appearance since 2009 and the Philly crowd is in love with him! It should also be noted that Kane was scheduled to be apart of the match until The Wyatt Family took care of him. The match starts off with all the competitors staring each other down before ganging up on RVD. They then take out Sheamus before it's just Bryan and Punk left alone. Fun way to start the match with two of arguably the best wrestlers in the game. Trying to differentiate between Ladder matches is hard, especially when there is two in one night. But this one had just as many cool spots as the first one. Bryan ripping everybody apart before driving Sheamus through a ladder that was placed outside was awesome, Paul Heyman rushing out to turn on CM Punk when he was so close to winning came out of nowhere, and Orton's RKO on RVD off a ladder before grabbing the briefcase was the perfect ending. Lots of questions heading out as things head into Summerslam with Heyman's turn and Orton's win. Satisfying end to a pretty damn good PPV offering from the WWE.
Winner: Randy Orton
Rating: ****

Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
The two Ladder matches delivered and the two championship matches did, as well. It's really hard to ask for much more as this PPV acts as a nice bridge for the road to Summerslam. One of WWE's best PPV offerings of the year!
Rating: 8/10