The WWE Money in the Bank event at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles brought together top contenders and champions, including Cody Rhodes, John Cena, and rising superstars, for a night of high-stakes ladder matches and title clashes. With the
“Cody Rhodes vs John Cena WWE Money in the Bank”
matchup drawing intense focus, fans witnessed dramatic twists, intense competition, and new implications for future title pictures in WWE.
Main Card Overview and Event Kickoff
This year’s WWE Money in the Bank card centered around two major ladder matches, granting the victors the right to challenge for championships at any moment over the coming year. The men’s ladder match featured Seth Rollins, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Penta, Andrade, and El Grande Americano, each hoping to secure a game-changing opportunity with a contract win. On the women’s side, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Naomi, and Stephanie Vaquer competed for the coveted women’s briefcase in a dynamic mix of established stars and breakout talent.
Another highlight saw WWE Champion John Cena teaming up with Logan Paul against Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso. This bout marked Cody Rhodes’ return to high-profile action after his notable title loss to Cena at WrestleMania 41. Additionally, Lyra Valkyria faced off with Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, a rematch laced with personal rivalry and career-impacting stipulations: Valkyria would have to recognize Lynch as her equal if defeated, while a loss for Lynch would bar her from challenging for the belt again.
The pre-show began at 5:30 PM Eastern ahead of the main card’s 7:00 PM start, with fan anticipation building as the arena filled.
Countdown and Pre-Show Highlights
WWE expedited the Money in the Bank Kickoff Show, launching it earlier than expected to ramp up excitement. Hosting duties fell to a panel of Micheal Cole, Pat McAfee, Big E, and Wade Barrett, who provided analysis and predictions with their trademark flair. During the pre-show, Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton revisited the previous year’s Women’s Money in the Bank Match, leading into lively discussions and debates from Sam Roberts, Megan Morant, and the rest of the team on the outcomes for the night’s major tag team contest.
A sit-down interview with Lyra Valkyria delved into her feud with Becky Lynch, addressing the emotional toll of losing a valued friendship and the critical stipulations of their impending match. The pre-show crowd underscored fan engagement when a “We Want Truth!” chant broke out during Barrett’s conversation about Lynch and Valkyria.
Community involvement was also featured, as LA Knight presented a WWE Championship Belt to the Dream Center, an LA-based charity, adding a personal and local touch to the proceedings. The pre-show panel rotated, with Vic Joseph and Peter Rosenberg joining the coverage, and predictions poured in from attendees, notably children highlighting Rhea Ripley as their favorite for the women’s ladder match and Penta or LA Knight on the men’s side. The sight of the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase suspended over the ring set the stage for an action-packed opening.
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Naomi Secures the Case
The opening match spotlighted six fierce competitors: Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer, Roxanne Perez, Naomi, Giulia, and Alexa Bliss. Each brought unique credentials: Ripley, a ladder match novice; Vaquer, dual NXT champion; Perez, the reigning NXT Female Superstar of the Year; Naomi, known for her striking creativity as a blacklight artist and her championship pedigree; Giulia, famed for her signature Bianca submission; and Bliss, a longtime fan favorite.
After the initial face-off, chaos erupted as alliances and rivalries quickly developed. Ripley wielded ladders as both weapon and shield, targeting multiple opponents. Giulia’s technical prowess and Perez’s aerial maneuvers thrilled the audience, while Vaquer’s aggressive counterattacks added additional unpredictability. Bliss, ever opportunistic, took calculated risks, joining in on complex ladder bridge sequences alongside Naomi and the rest.
The match escalated with repeated ladder collisions and inventive team-ups, such as Giulia and Perez temporarily joining forces against Ripley, only for temporary alliances to fracture as the case drew nearer. Vaquer’s near-victory was halted by Perez, increasing crowd suspense, while a surge of energy from Ripley and a brutal series of moves from Bliss and Naomi kept contenders cycling in and out of contention atop the ladders.
In the dramatic closing moments, Naomi capitalized on the confusion, knocking over a ladder and climbing it unopposed to unhook the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase. This victory crowned Naomi as the 2025 “Miss Money in the Bank,” positioning her with a contract for a championship opportunity at any time. Matches like these elevate new stars such as Giulia, Vaquer, and Perez, while veterans like Bliss and Ripley maintained high-energy intensity throughout.
Speed and High Stakes: Dominik Mysterio vs. Octagon Jr. for the Intercontinental Title
A last-minute addition brought AAA’s Octagon Jr. to challenge Dominik Mysterio, WWE’s reigning Intercontinental Champion. Octagon Jr., celebrated for his Lucha Libre heritage and athleticism, made his Money in the Bank debut amid high expectations. The contest quickly showcased impressive speed and agility, with both competitors exchanging momentum until Mysterio gained control by tying Octagon’s mask to the ropes to deliver uninterrupted offense.
Octagon Jr. responded with fast-paced maneuvers, including a corkscrew armdrag and a swinging neckbreaker that nearly shifted the momentum. However, outside distraction by Liv Morgan aided Mysterio, who landed the signature 619 followed by a frog splash, successfully securing the pinfall and retaining his title. While Mysterio’s victory reinforced his position as “Dirty” champion, Octagon Jr.’s resilience and performance received acclaim from fans and observers.
Spotlight on the Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Valkyria and Lynch Square Off
The latest chapter in the ongoing Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch rivalry played out with intensified emotions and steep consequences. Their interconnected history – moving from friends and championship partners to fierce adversaries – gave the bout an added edge. If Lynch failed to win, she would be prevented from challenging Valkyria for the Women’s Intercontinental Title again; if victorious, Valkyria would have to acknowledge her as the superior competitor. The stipulations added layers of drama to an already heated storyline, cementing the match as a defining moment for both superstars.
Significance and Future Implications After WWE Money in the Bank
The 2025 edition of WWE Money in the Bank delivered high drama, athletic displays, and changes that will write the next chapters for several storylines. Cody Rhodes’ participation alongside Jey Uso against John Cena and Logan Paul marked a major step in his rebuilding since WrestleMania 41, and set the stage for possible future clashes around the WWE Championship. Naomi’s ascent as Miss Money in the Bank positions her as a new threat for the women’s division’s top title, while Dominik Mysterio’s successful defense keeps him prominent in the Intercontinental scene.
Matches like the women’s ladder contest introduced new stars to a broader audience, setting up emerging rivalries and alliances for months to come. The involvement of established names such as Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria, alongside entertaining inter-promotional matchups, ensures that WWE’s landscape remains fluid and unpredictable, promising significant developments as storylines and rivalries unfold in the wake of a pivotal night in Los Angeles.
