The unique concept that is the Money in the Bank ladder match was originally conceived shortly after WWE's return to television in late 2005. The on-screen brainchild of highflying Mr Showtime, the original Money in the Bank match was scheduled for the forthcoming WrestleMania 21.

The concept was the same four years ago as it is today, a multi-person ladder match with the objective simply to pull down the briefcase suspended high above the ring, the winner.. would receive a World title shot within one year.

Money in the Bank I was a mixed affair, with lesser known superstars mixing it up with youngsters and legends - Showtime, Ryan Simmons, Kane, Shawn Michaels, Blizzard and Mankind all took part with many calling both Showtime and Michaels as the favorites, memories of those two men's legendary ladder match in 2003 coming to mind as well as Shawn's match with Razor Ramon at WrestleMania 10. Sure enough in the end it was Showtime who took the victory and he successfully cashed in the briefcase at the 2006 Royal Rumble, defeating Nightmare to become WWE Champion.

Money in the Bank II was, debatably, a younger mans match, more gifted athletes than Mick Foley and Blizzard taking part (no disrespect to either of those individuals). Held at SummerSlam 2007, John Cena defeated John Morrison, Michael Shane, Hunter, Doomsday and Mr Kennedy to become the second ever Mr Money in the Bank. Michael Shane however did not take his loss laying down and, seemingly personally insulted by Cena's win, he challenged the Doctor of Thuganomics to a match at No Mercy 2007 for the case. After an epic match that many called a contender for match of the year, Shane triumphed and took the case, becoming the third ever Mr Money in the Bank... for all of 30 seconds as Cena revealed that he'd had a stipulation added to the contest... he could call his rematch any time, any place.. just like with the MITB. Cena instantly upended Shane with the FU'd, pinned him to the canvas and regained his case. John Cena would announce prior to WrestleMania XXIV he'd be cashing in the shot at the event against Randy Orton.. and so he did, defeating the Legednkiller for the WWE Championship.

With Cena having already announced his intentions, it was decided that Money in the Bank III would be he'd at the same event Cena was to cash it in at - WrestleMania XXIV. this time the MITB match would see the first returning stars to the match. Mr Showtime from MITB I and Hunter from MITB II were joined by The Rock, CM Punk, Triple H and Nightmare in the most star studded match of them all. Nightmare picked up the victory, adding "Mr Money in the Bank" to his list of accolades... an eighth World Title also added when he cashed in the MITB case a few months later at Cyber Sunday 2008, defeating John Cena (who of course had won the belt in the same way), Nightmares joy would be short lived however as the WWE fans voted John Cena a rematch and Cena defeated Nightmare in the main event that same evening to regain the title he still holds today.

Of all the "official" champions, those being Mr Showtime, John Cena and Nightmare, all have gone on to win the WWE Championship after cashing in the case. So what fortunes await whoever wins the Money in the Bank IV at WrestleMania XXV?

Now expanded to eight participants, CM Punk is the only returnee. However, what this years contest lacks in experience it more than makes up for in athleticism, ladder match favorites Edge and Christian surely amongst the favorites to win the thing alongside Matt Hardy and the former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam. But maybe its the dark horses that are the element of real interest here.. William Regal is well known for his technical prowess, can he translate that into something he can use in a violent match of this nature? and what of Santino Marella? his luck certainly seems to have been in in recent weeks, memorably standing tall after a face off with his fellow combatants, will his luck hold on the grandest stage? and finally, what about Sergio Griffon? Randy Orton has seen a budding talent in the young star, bringing him into Legacy... will that talent shine at WrestleMania?

No matter what, whoever wins the Money in the Bank looks certain to be in with the greatest opportunity of his life, with a 100 percent success rate, many are starting to see the Money in the Bank as the path to stardom and the WWE Championship. For one lucky individual, that path could begin this Sunday at WrestleMania.