WWE DVD Review: Money in the Bank 2013

WWE DVD Review: Money in the Bank 2013

The Money in the Bank matches first appeared  few years back and since then they have grown in stature and now even have their own pay-per-view as well. This years effort was a very well received one and here it is for us all to own.

This year we also got to see the WWE use the event to build up the hype for SummerSlam and reinvigorate a few storylines as well

MITB is a simple enough premise. There are two marquee matches on the card and in each the prize u for grabs is a metal birefcase that contains a contract for a shot at the Title (at any time). This leads to many interesting storylines and match-ups. The matches themselves are also multiple participant affairs and they pretty much always deliver on the action front.

Damien Sandow vs. Wade Barrett vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Fandango vs Jack Swagger vs. Antonio Cesaro

The opening encounter here was interestingly the MITB scrap for a World Heavyweight Championship shot.

This is a fun match that features a rather unique concept. That being the seven combatants were all heel characters, so the crowd had to decide who to root for themselves and the action was needed to keep our attention. The end sequence worked very well too.

Curtis Axel vs. The Miz

The Intercontinental Title has lost a lot of its prestige in recent years and whilst Miz and Mr Perfect's son (Axel Curtis) is a decent enough match, there was something lacking here. Axel is coming along nicely with this latest character and does his family proud by showing some true in-ring talent. Miz though in my opinion will inevitably always be a mid-carder. 

AJ Lee vs. Kaitlyn

The Divas division is one that I personally feel needs an overhaul. The WWE have some fine female grapplers and yet fail to utilise them to their best advantage. This was an average cat fight and saw the former best friends tackle each move with everything they had.

Ryback vs. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho (someone we have interview many times) is a part-timer now in the WWE and this match really did showcase that his time may well be over as a main eventer. Ryback was once the unstoppable 'Goldberg' type character and at this point in time he was jobbing to many as well. So in reality this should be a match where the pair took it upon themselves to show their worth.

Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler and Del Rio do it again this review should read. Why? well after thier hugely popular match at Extreme Rules, the duo did it once again here. They had already switched places in the heel/face divide and now we were presented with a smart long-term piece of booking by the WWE. 

This match deserves repeat viewing, hence the need to add this to your WWE DVD collection.

John Cena vs. Mark Henry

Now forgive me Cena fans, but I am not sold on him and never was if i am honest. But you cannot fault his appeal to the masses and the sheer volume of merchandise he shifts. The other reason why this match should not have worked for me was the fact that the barely mobile Mark henry was in the ring with him. However you know what this actually did work. Henry's Philadelphia fan base helped as well. The match itself was a strong man type thin and showed both men to be tough, strong guys. Henry especially came across as a real bad ass.

Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam vs. CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus vs. Christian

The main event MITB scrap for the WWE Championship was of course the big one and featured a lot more a-list WWE names. It also saw the return of Rob Van Dam to the fold. The combatants really went for it here and made this the match of the night. RVD provided some highlights, Daniel Bryan and CM Punk paid their dues as well. The only odd man out for me was Christian, who perhaps needs to upgrade his character.

MITB 2013 is available now from Freemantle Media and all good retailers.

On the extras front we also get: The pre-show match (The Shield versus The Uso's). 

Blu-Ray buyers will also get some matches (Kane/Christian, CM Punk/Randy Orton, Sheamus/Randy Orton) and some confrontations between some key wrestlers.

RRP £17.99 (DVD), £19.99 (Blu-ray

By Phil Allely

WWE DVD Review - Money in the Bank 2011

WWE DVD Review – Money In The Bank 2011


By Phil Allely

WWE’s Money In The Bank may be a relatively new WWE PPV event, but it does something that many of the more well-known monthly events do. This event usually delivers some very exciting and innovative matches/storylines. The premise of MITB being that both Raw and Smackdown have action packed ladder matches where the winner can grab a briefcase containing a world title shot. This case can be cashed in anytime they want and this concept has enabled some shock title changes and unbelievable WWE TV moments.

With the recent (at the time) high octane statements by CM Punk and the ensuing mayhem they created this event was a firecracker waiting to explode.

The opening match for the Smackdown MITB briefcase was a great way to kick things off. There were some amazing moments, ladder based chaos, set-pieces and sometimes overly booked in-ring action, all involving Sin Cara, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan,Wade Barrett, Kane, Cody Rhodes, Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.

Needing to slow things down after such a thrilling encounter the Diva Title was up for grabs next. Short and reasonably sweet the brawl between Challenger Kelly Kelly and champ Brie Bella serves its purpose.

Big Show versus Mark Henry was next and a bearable encounter that worked well with their storyline.

Raw’s MITB match fulfilled its lofty expectations as well. This match had it all, dangerous moves, spectacular spots and a return to form for the man who many thought was earmarked for championship gold at Wrestlemania Alberto Del Rio. He faced off against Kofi Kingston, Jack swagger, Evan Bourne, R Truth, Alex Riley, The Miz and Rey Mysterio in a brutal at times encounter.

The World Heavyweight Title match was an interesting one. Challenger Christian of course saw his title dreams shattered in mere days by current champ Randy Orton and he had come up short in encounters ever since. This time the stipulation was that if Orton was DQ’d the belt would change hands, Christian of course would do all he could to attempt to goad Orton into getting disqualified and reclaim his belt. Which is exactly what happened, the in-ring action, storytelling and performances here were spot on.

The hugely popular CM Punk’s challenge for John Cena’s WWE title was not only the main event it was perhaps the match that rejuvenated the company at the time. Recent months had seen fans bore of its matches, PPV viewership have dropped and of course due to injuries etc. many of the top names have been off TV. The WWE needed to do something and you know what this almost ‘shoot style’ scenario with CM Punk may just have done it.

The match itself was above average (considering Cena’s involvement) the brawling, in and out of ring activity and storytelling were superb throughout.

Money In The Bank was a great event all round for the WWE and since then their TV shows have been pretty much essential viewing.

WWE Money In The Bank 2011 is available now from ww.silvervision.co.uk and from all good retailers.

RRP £17.99

Running Time 2hrs 49mins

WWE Money In The Bank - PPV Review 2011

Money in the Bank 2011WWE: Money in the Bank 2011 [Blu-ray]WWE Pay-Per-View Review – Money In The Bank 2011


By Phil Allely

Money In The Bank may be a relatively new WWE PPV event, but it does something that many of the more well-known monthly events do. This event usually delivers some very exciting and innovative matches/storylines. The premise of MITB being that both Raw and Smackdown have action packed ladder matches where the winner can grab a briefcase containing a world title shot. This case can be cashed in anytime they want and this concept has enabled some shock title changes and unbelievable WWE TV moments.

With the recent high octane statements by CM Punk and the ensuing mayhem they created this event was a firecracker waiting to explode.

Opening match for the Smackdown MITB briefcase was a great way to kick things off. Amongst the chaos, set-pieces and sometimes overly booked in-ring action Sin Cara was wheeled off after a Sheamus powerbomb through a ladder. (a move needed to write Cara off TV until he serves his WWE Wellness Violation penalty) Daniel Bryan was the surprise winner after fending off the rest of the challengers Wade Barrett, Kane, Cody Rhodes, Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.

Needing to slow things down after such a thrilling encounter the Diva Title was up for grabs next. Short and reasonably sweet the brawl between Challenger Kelly Kelly and champ Brie Bella was okay, but served its purpose. Kelly coming out victorious after interference from Nikki Bella backfired on her sister.

Big Show versus Mark Henry was verging on bearable for most of its duration next. Whilst both big men are lumbering and often un-inspiring, they did give their all here and show some more enthusiasm than previous bouts together have shown. Henry even pulling off the win, after some hard-hitting power moves.

Raw’s MITB match was marginally better than the Smackdown effort and it fulfilled its lofty expectations as well. This match had it all, dangerous moves, spectacular spots and a return to fomr for the man who many thought was earmarked for championship gold at Wrestlemania Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio being the man who overcame the might of Kofi Kingston, Jack swagger, Evan Bourne, R Truth, Alex Riley, The Miz and Rey Mysterio to net himself a guaranteed shot at the Raw gold.

The World Heavyweight Title match was an interesting one. Challenger Christian of course saw his title dreams shattered in mere days by current champ Randy Orton and he had come up short in encounters ever since. This time the stipulation was that is Orton was DQ’d the belt would change hands, Christian of course would do all he could to attempt to goad Orton into getting disqualified and reclaim his belt. Which is exactly what happened, the in-ring action, storytelling and performances here were spot on. Orton’s ill-fated low blow to Christian saw his temper get the better of him and the challenger win the title. Orton’s post-match beat down and temper tantrum all give this feud great mileage.

The hugely popular CM Punk’s challenge for John Cena’s WWE title was not only the main event it was perhaps the match that will rejuvenate the company. Recent months have seen fans bore of its matches, PPV viewers have dropped and of course due to injuries etc. many of the top names have been off TV. The WWE needed to do something and you know what this almost ‘shoot style’ scenario with CM Punk may just have done it.

The match itself was above average (considering Cena’s involvement) the brawling, in and out of ring activity and storytelling were superb throughout. The involvement of Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitus et all just helped elevate proceedings and make us think that as promised Punk may just win the title and then leave the WWE with it in his grasp.

Punk did indeed win the strap (the interference/decision tampering attempts by McMahon and Laurinaitus all backfiring spectacularly). A MITB briefcase cash-in attempt by Del Rio (under orders from Vince) fell flat too and the celebrating new champ ran off through the crowd to a huge ovation.

Money In The Bank was a great event all round for the WWE and since then their TV shows have been pretty much essential viewing. Punk’s title win and his erratic action have made things highly interesting again. New champ Christian has got his hands full too as no doubt Orton will be trail for a re-match soon. Of course there are also the two MITB winners (Del Rio/Bryan) who both have a title shot waiting for them.

Sin Cara

The following comes from WWE's website:




STAMFORD, Conn. – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde (Sin Cara) for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s policy.



WWE did an injury angle with Cara at last night's Money in the Bank pay-per-view where he was stretchered out after Sheamus powerbombed him through a ladder.

WWE Money in the Bank DVD Review

WWE Money in the Bank DVD Review

By Phil Allely

WWE’s inaugural Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View was a monumental success for the company and will more than likely lead to the event becoming a part of the already busy schedule of annual event the WWE hold.

Growing out of the annual Wrestlemania match that see’s WWE superstars battle it out on ladders to grab a briefcase (containing a title match contract) from high above the ring, the PPV seemed like a natural way for the concept to go. The previous MITB bouts have all proved to be hugely entraining and highlight filled matches.

As we’ve already reviewed the PPV itself we’ll concentrate on the DVD release here. Apart form the matches there are a few extras on offer here too, Josh Matthews interviewing Kane and Nexus addressing the WWE Universe. Both do add to the events feel and are welcome additions.

Match wise there are some belters, John Cena’s rematch with Sheamus in a steel cage has a lot of drama and tension, the Unified Tag team match with The Hart Dynasty and the Uso’s has a great level of intensity and Rey Mysterio versus Jack Swagger has not only some energetic and innovative moments, but a finish we never saw coming.

However the Divas Championship between Alicia Fox and Eve, and the WWE Women’s Championship bout between Layla and Kelly Kelly are not only poorly accepted, but also poorly worked, the girls may look good and have their game plan drawn out, but the work ethic of the majority of male roster seems to be lacking unfortunately.

Luckily the Raw and Smackdown brand Money IN The Bank matches are superb bookends for the event, each proving to be not only memorable, but taking the match itself to a new level. Watch out for Big Show’s strengthened ladder (which helps that match greatly), some great moves by Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne and old Hand Matt Hardy. Look out for the as expected suicidal and career shortening moments from John Morrison and Christian amongst others too. The set-pieces are superb, the impact of each move is well dramatised and you really do have edge of the seat moment in each. Yes there are periods where the car crash resembling ladder based offence and multiple participants can appear messy, but they really are few and far between.

MITB 2010 was a very enjoyable event and now raises the bar for future ones, the DVD release will certainly whet your appetite for the next one.

WWE Money in the Bank 2010 is available from www.silvervision.co.uk and all good stockists from October 25th 2010.