On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, former WWE Superstar Nic Nemeth recalled when he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Alberto Del Rio to win the World Heavyweight Championship in 2013.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On cashing in briefcase on Alberto Del Rio: “Coolest thing ever. I had no idea [it was happening] because … I lose every night, I wasn’t talking too much, I got beat up. I tried to cash in like 400 times and was kicked in the face every time. … I got to a point where I go, ‘This may not happen, and if it does happen, maybe they’re gonna pull the rug out from underneath me, or maybe I lose it the next day.’”
On finding out it would happen: “That afternoon, they said, ‘Here’s what’s gonna happen.’ Del Rio’s gonna be hurt. Your music’s gonna hit. You’re gonna hit him with the briefcase five or six times in the ankle and you’re gonna pin him.’ That would’ve been so heartbreaking. That would’ve been so anti-climactic.”
On the fan reaction to the moment: “The reason everyone cheered so much is because they’re the reason I was there in the first place. That was a very special thing that I wasn’t prepared for. It hit me like 500 bee stings as I walked out on that ramp. And I go, ‘Oh man, when they see the rest of this, they’re gonna lose their minds.’ And they did. And I will never be prouder of something.”
In 2013, former WWE Superstar Nic Nemeth, better known by his ring name Dolph Ziggler, had a career-defining moment when he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Alberto Del Rio to win the World Heavyweight Championship. This unexpected turn of events took place on an episode of WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw.
During a recent interview on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Ziggler shared his experience and emotions surrounding this memorable cash-in. He revealed that he had no prior knowledge of the cash-in and was pleasantly surprised when it happened. As a wrestler who often lost matches and wasn’t given much prominence on the roster, Ziggler had doubts about whether he would ever get the opportunity to cash in his briefcase.
Ziggler explained that he had attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank contract multiple times before but was unsuccessful each time. He even joked about being kicked in the face whenever he tried. These repeated failures made him question whether the cash-in would ever happen or if it did, whether it would be short-lived.
However, fate had something else in store for Ziggler. On that fateful day, he received the news that Del Rio would be injured during the show, and Ziggler’s music would hit, signaling his entrance into the match. He was instructed to attack Del Rio’s ankle with the briefcase several times before pinning him for the victory. Ziggler admitted that if the cash-in had gone as planned, it would have been heartbreaking and anticlimactic.
What made this moment even more special for Ziggler was the overwhelming fan reaction. As he made his way to the ring, he felt an outpouring of support from the audience. Ziggler acknowledged that the fans played a significant role in his journey to that point, and their cheers meant the world to him. He was taken aback by the intensity of their response and realized that they were just as invested in the outcome as he was. Ziggler felt a surge of pride and knew that he had accomplished something truly remarkable.
The video footage of Ziggler’s cash-in has since become iconic in WWE history. It captures the electrifying atmosphere in the arena as the crowd erupts with excitement. Ziggler’s victory was a culmination of his hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his fans.
This moment not only solidified Ziggler’s place in WWE history but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. It showcased the power of storytelling and how a well-executed surprise can create lasting memories for both the performers and the audience.
Dolph Ziggler’s cash-in on Alberto Del Rio in 2013 remains one of the most memorable moments in WWE history. It exemplifies the thrill and excitement that can be found within the world of professional wrestling, where anything can happen, and dreams can come true in an instant.