By 2012, 11 superstars had grabbed the Money in the Bank briefcase. All of them successfully cashed in to win the title. John Cena—the most unbeatable, winningest champion in history—looked to extend that streak to 12, which was about as inevitable as The Undertaker notching a victory at WrestleMania. Except, things didn’t go as expected.
Cena challenged fellow babyface CM Punk on the 1,000th episode of Monday Night Raw, giving The Best in the World advance notice of his cash-in; an unusual tactic, but not surprising given Cena’s good guy persona.
As the match reached its climax, the Big Show stormed the ring to take out Cena, disqualifying Punk. A DQ finish meant the champion retained, cementing the first instance that a MITB winner was unsuccessful in their cash-in attempt. Punk’s actions afterwards made the moment even more stunning.
As Show attacked Cena, the champ slinked into the corner and watched, agonizing over whether he should help. Amid the hesitation, The Rock’s music hit, and he made the save. Before he could hit the People’s Elbow on Show, Punk clotheslined and then GTS’d The Great One.
Punk turned heel, something he hadn’t been since his infamous pipe bomb promo.