Dolph Ziggler won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a World Championship Contract

PHOENIX – In one of the most fast-paced and brutal showdowns that the WWE Universe has witnessed in some time, the incomparable Dolph Ziggler reigned supreme over seven other Superstars to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and capture the extremely valuable World Heavyweight Championship contract. ( MATCH PHOTOS)

The Showoff won his chance at greatness in one of WWE’s most unique opportunities, where an exceptional field of competitors was pitted against each other in an all-out free-for-all. Surrounding the ring was an assortment of ladders for the Superstars to utilize to reach the prize that dangled 15 feet in the air: a contract that guarantees a title opportunity at the time and place of the winning Superstar’s choosing. So far, everyone who cashed in his contract has come away from the challenge as a new champion.

With such high stakes on the line, the struggle was intense from the word “go,” as every one of the eight grapplers attempted to assert themselves early in the hopes of being the one to reach the top of the ladder - including Santino, who was so energized, he tried to jump his way to the contract without the benefit of the rungs.

The ruthless Tensai struck first, viciously attacking Tyson Kidd as payback for an upset victory by the high-flyer prior to the pay-per-view. But before Tensai could capitalize, Christian and Kidd teamed up to take down the massive force of nature.

Santino, Christian and Kidd climbed the ladder at the same time, only to have the rungs taken out from under them by the treacherous, yet fast-thinking, Damien Sandow.

Ziggler and Cody Rhodes soon pushed their way into the center of the action, only to be thrown for a loop by the gravity-defying Sin Cara. This eventually led to a dangerous fall from the top rope by both Ziggler and the masked Superstar.

Moments later, an excruciating fall by Christian made it look like he could have broken a rib, but that didn’t stop the uncontrollable melee for a second.

Sandow and Christian proceeded with a brutal exchange, literally climbing over each other on the rungs of the ladder — time-and-time again — trying feverishly to grab the contract. But, when Sandow propped up Christian to try and take him out of the action, Captain Charisma ended up spearing him into the unforgiving steel. 

Rhodes and Ziggler teamed up to drop Christian to the canvas in his attempt to climb to glory, only to be taken down by Tensai. The massive Superstar then took himself within reaching distance of the contract, hurling back the challenges of both Kidd and Sin Cara by slamming their heads into the top of the ladder, before being taken down a peg himself.

From the bedlam, Santino pulled out the Cobra and looked ready to grab the briefcase. But, a fear of heights slowed him down, allowing Rhodes to drop him in both athletic and painful fashion.

When Rhodes was distracted by Vickie — who shocked all by climbing the rungs herself — an unseen Ziggler hit him with an earth-shattering Zig Zag off the ladder.

When Ziggler tried to battle Christian at the top of the ladder, Kidd suddenly swooped in with a second climbing implement of destruction, pulling Ziggler from his high position and sending him flipping down to the canvas in absolutely epic fashion. This caused the WWE Universe to erupt into a complete and utter frenzy.

Meanwhile, outside the ring, Tensai was busy carrying out his own brand of destruction, powerbombing Sin Cara into a ladder and hurling Ziggler over the announce table. After Rhodes ultimately took out Tensai, Christian speared him off the top of the ladder.

Then, in the height of the turmoil, it appeared as if Christian would be the one to rise above the rest to claim the prize. But at the last second, Ziggler dropped him from the ladder and claimed the glorious World Heavyweight Championship contract in his third-ever Money the Bank Ladder Match!

An already gifted athlete, Dolph Ziggler has been on a fierce mission to prove his elite status. This desire ultimately would prove to be the difference at Money in the Bank. However, his victory was even more impressive because of the diverse mix of styles he overcame.

While enlightened, Damien Sandow quickly proved himself a vicious battler. The high-flying Tyson Kidd stood as the last graduate of the famed Hart Family Dungeon. Experienced Intercontinental Champion Christian was an innovator of both the Ladder Match and the Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. The heart and success of United States Champion Santino Marella guaranteed he would be a strong competitor in any contest.

The fearsome Tensai brought mass, power and just plain relentlessness into the match. Cody Rhodes had both the legendary genes of his WWE Hall of Fame father Dusty Rhodes and an established ability to win at any cost. Lastly, the high-flying Sin Cara also had something to prove, having been put through a ladder at the 2011 Money in the Bank event — which forced him to be taken out of the bout and miss several months of competition.

Despite the individual threats each grappler brought to the match, it was the bleached blond Superstar who would rise above the pack in the end.

Now that he has captured the illustrious contract for a World Heavyweight Title opportunity, Dolph Ziggler can cash-in any time he wants. It’s an opportunity that gives him an incredible chance to reclaim the prestigious prize and assert his place in history. The only question that remains is just when will The Showoff cash in?