WWE Money in the Bank 2025: Seth Rollins, Naomi, and R-Truth Steal the Show in Los Angeles (6-7-25)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: WWE 

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, WWE delivered one of its most electrifying Premium Live Events of the year with Money in the Bank 2025, held at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The 16th annual iteration of this fan-favorite event lived up to its reputation as a career-defining spectacle, featuring high-stakes ladder matches, a blockbuster tag team main event, and a shocking return that sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy. 

A Night of Career-Defining Moments

Money in the Bank is widely regarded as one of WWE’s “Big Five” events, alongside WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. Its signature ladder matches, where six competitors battle to retrieve a briefcase containing a contract for a championship match of their choosing within the next year, have produced iconic moments since the match’s inception in 2005. The 2025 edition was no exception, delivering chaos, athleticism, and narrative twists that will shape WWE storylines for months. 

The event featured four high-profile matches, including the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches, a Women’s Intercontinental Championship bout, and a star-studded tag team main event. Additionally, a late addition saw Dominik Mysterio defend his Intercontinental Championship against AAA’s Octagon Jr., a nod to WWE’s recent acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Seth Rollins Reclaims the Briefcase

The men’s Money in the Bank ladder match pitted Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Penta Andrade, and El Grande Americano against one another in a 33-minute chaotic masterpiece. The match was a showcase of high-flying maneuvers, brutal ladder spots, and outside interference that kept the Intuit Dome crowd on edge. Notable moments included Penta’s daring dives and LA Knight’s signature aggression. Still, the match’s turning point came when Jacob Fatu, a member of Solo Sikoa’s faction, turned on his leader, allowing Rollins to capitalize and secure the briefcase for the second time in his career. 

Rollins’ victory was a strategic booking decision, positioning “The Visionary” as a central figure on WWE Raw with a clear path to a potential World Heavyweight Championship match against Jey Uso or Gunther at SummerSlam. However, the loss was a setback for LA Knight, who fell short in his third consecutive Money in the Bank ladder match, raising questions about his trajectory despite his undeniable popularity. The interference from Jacob Fatu, JC Mateo, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker undiscovered WWE’s reliance on faction-based storytelling, though some critics argue this risks overshadowing the in-ring competitors. 

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Naomi Shines Bright

The women’s ladder match was equally thrilling, featuring a star-studded field of Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Naomi, and Roxanne Perez. The inclusion of NXT call-ups Giulia, Vaquer, and Perez highlighted WWE’s commitment to elevating new talent, while veterans like Ripley and Bliss brought intensity and experience. Naomi emerged victorious, climbing the ladder to claim the briefcase in a moment that solidified her as a top contender in the women’s division. 

Naomi’s win was a feel-good moment, rewarding her consistency and fan support. The match showcased the division’s depth, with Giulia and Perez proving they can hang with the main roster’s elite. The women’s match was a testament to WWE’s evolving women’s division, blending established stars with rising prospects in a way that felt fresh and unpredictable. 

Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria: A Heel Turn Pays Off

In a highly anticipated rematch, Becky Lynch challenged Lyra Valkyria for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a Last Chance match. The stipulation added drama: if Lynch lost, she could no longer challenge for the title as long as Valkyria held it; if Lynch won, Valkyria would have to raise her hand in acknowledgment. Lynch, embracing her heel persona, used underhanded tactics to secure the victory with a victory roll and a handful of tights, becoming the new champion in a match described as an “instant classic.” Post-match, Lynch demanded Valkyria to raise her hand for all four sides of the audience and place the title around her waist, only for Valkyria to retaliate with a German suplex and her Nightwing finisher, leaving the feud open for a potential trilogy match. 

Lynch’s heel turn has reinvigorated her character, and her victory sets the stage for a compelling summer storyline. Valkyria, despite the loss, emerged stronger, her resilience and post-match defiance earning her respect. This rivalry continues to showcase the depth of WWE’s women’s division, though some critics argue the heel tactics risk alienating Lynch’s long-time fanbase. 

Main Event: R-Truth’s Shocking Return Steals the Show

The main event saw Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena team with Logan Paul against World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes in a blockbuster tag team match. The storyline, rooted in Cena’s heel turn at WrestleMania 41 and Rhodes’ return from a sabbatical, delivered drama and high spots, including Paul’s moonsault through the announce table. The match’s defining moment came when R-Truth, previously reported to have been released by WWE, made a surprise return, attacking Cena and enabling Rhodes to hit his finisher for the victory.

R-Truth’s return was the night’s biggest talking point, with fans on X erupting over the reveal. WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque clarified in the post-show press conference that Truth’s “release” was a storyline ploy, a masterstroke that amplified the emotional payoff. 

Dominik Mysterio vs. Octagon Jr.: A Cross-Promotional Showcase

A late addition to the card saw Dominik Mysterio defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against AAA’s Octagon Jr., following a confrontation at the Worlds Collide event earlier that day. Mysterio retained with a 619 and Frog Splash in a short but action-packed bout. The match highlighted WWE’s integration of AAA talent post-acquisition, though some fans felt the brevity of the match underserved Octagon Jr.’s potential. Mysterio’s growing popularity as a heel-turned-face suggests a potential character shift in the coming months. 

Money in the Bank 2025 was a resounding success, blending high-octane action with narrative developments that set the stage for SummerSlam and beyond. Seth Rollins and Naomi’s briefcase wins ensure fresh championship pursuits, while R-Truth’s return and Jacob Fatu’s betrayal of Solo Sikoa open new storytelling avenues. The event also highlighted WWE’s ongoing challenge of balancing established stars like Cena and Rollins with emerging talents like Giulia and Perez. While the card is delivered, the absence of a clear path for LA Knight and the underutilization of Jey Uso in the main event narrative suggest areas for improvement in WWE’s booking.

Looking ahead, Rollins’ briefcase looms large over Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship, with a potential cash-in on Raw against Gunther. Naomi’s win positions her as a threat to the women’s champions, while the Rhodes-Cena rivalry is far from over. With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, Money in the Bank 2025 has set the stage for a dramatic second half of the year.