Adam Copeland Reflects On Career-Altering WWE MITB Cash-In On Its 20th Anniversary

Twenty years ago, Adam Copeland, i.e., WWE’s Edge, scripted history as he became the first-ever WWE Superstar to cash in the Money in the Bank contract and become World Champion.

On January 8, 2026, at WWE New Year’s Evolution, John Cena survived five other competitors in a brutal Elimination Chamber Match to retain the WWE Championship. However, little did Cena know that his night was far from over. Immediately after his victory, Vince McMahon came out to announce that Edge would be cashing in his MITB contract. And just like that, the Rated-R Superstar claimed his first WWE World Championship, marking a turning point in his career.

Adam Copeland reflected on the career-turning moment on its 20th anniversary with a post on his official Instagram handle. The current AEW star shared a picture of the “beat-up” briefcase and termed it as a moment that changed the trajectory of his career.

“It was 20 years ago today…. I used this beat-up briefcase that I’d carried for almost an entire year to win my first World Championship. A day I’ll never forget. MITB changed the entire trajectory of my career and made this kids dream come true. Never stop dreamin,” he wrote.

Check out Adam Copeland’s post below:

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A post shared by Adam Copeland (@ratedrcope)

MITB cash-ins have since become a staple of WWE programming. Last year, we saw Seth Rollins and Naomi successfully cash in their respective contracts to become World Champions.

You can check out Adam Copeland’s MITB cash-in below: