WWE Excluded Stars From Money in the Bank Video

The wrestling organization omitted several major former champions from a recent retrospective video package.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Wrestling

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WWE excluded several former champions from a recent retrospective video package honoring the historic July 2011 Money in the Bank event. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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WWE aired a Money in the Bank retrospective video on October 10, 2026, that noticeably excluded Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage, and Alberto Del Rio. These wrestlers were key figures at the original July 2011 event.

Why it matters

The omission has drawn attention because the excluded wrestlers were winners at the 2011 event, which is considered a landmark show in company history. WWE has not provided a public explanation for why these specific athletes were left out of the footage.

Bryan Danielson, who won the 2011 SmackDown ladder match, is a 5-time WWE World Champion. Meanwhile, Christian Cage and Alberto Del Rio secured significant victories at the same 2011 event, yet neither appeared in the recent package.

The players

WWE

The organization is a global professional wrestling promotion that produces weekly television programs and premium live events.

Bryan Danielson

He is a decorated professional wrestler who previously won five WWE World Championships and the 2011 SmackDown ladder match.

Christian Cage

He is a veteran wrestler who won the World Heavyweight Championship at the 2011 Money in the Bank event.

Alberto Del Rio

He is a former wrestler who won the Raw Money in the Bank ladder match during the 2011 event.

The details

The retrospective video focused on the July 2011 Money in the Bank event but limited its highlights to John Cena, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, and Randy Orton. Although Bryan Danielson successfully won his ladder match and later cashed in his contract in December 2011, he was not shown.

Timeline

  1. July 2011: The original Money in the Bank event occurred.

  2. December 2011: Bryan Danielson cashed in his contract.

  3. October 10, 2026: The retrospective video aired during a live event.

Season Trajectory

The selective editing of historical footage impacts how the legacy of the July 2011 Money in the Bank event is curated for modern audiences. This decision alters the established narrative of past championship seasons by minimizing the roles played by specific winners.

Viewers watching the retrospective missed historical context regarding the 2011 ladder match winners. This editorial choice influences how current fans perceive the championship history of the organization.

The takeaway

The exclusion of prominent former champions from retrospectives demonstrates how organizations can curate historical narratives to suit current goals. Viewers should be aware that official highlight packages may not always provide a comprehensive record of past events.

Further reading

Explore more historical analysis on the Wrestling section of our website.

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Should entertainment companies maintain complete historical records of all past performers?