This week in WWE history: Controversial Money in the Bank decision, The Shield do the unthinkable (June 17-June 23)
WWE had one of their best weeks ever in terms of quality programming with notable moments this week. Things started off hot with the surprise return of Seth Rollins on RAW along with the debut of the Wyatt Sicks.
Things continued being interesting with Frankie Kazarian and Joe Hendry debuting on NXT. SmackDown then went on to be a fantastic show with several big angles and the shocking debut of Jacob Fatu. Simply put: It was a fantastic week of programming on WWE TV.
World Wrestling Entertainment has been around for decades, however, dating back to the 1950's, albeit under different leadership and a different name. Over the 70 years or so that followed the formation of the promotion, numerous major matches, moments, and events were held that helped shape the industry fans know today.
This article will take a look at some key moments from the company's past that took place this week in history. This includes a major pay-per-view dating all the way back to 1996 up to and including a controversial decision made on a premium live event 21 years later in 2017. What went down this week in the promotion's past?
Below are major matches and moments from this week in WWE history.
#4. Carmella won the Women's Money in the Bank in controversial fashion on June 18th, 2017
The first entry on this week's list is WWE Money in the Bank. This premium live event was held on June 18th, 2017 and the show took place live from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Over 15,000 fans were in attendance for what was an exciting event.
There were six matches on the main card of the show, but the most memorable is the first-ever Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match in WWE history. The bout saw Becky Lynch, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Natalya, and Tamina go at it for around 13 minutes.
This edition of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match ended in controversial fashion, however. Carmella won the bout, but it was thanks to interference from James Ellsworth. Fans were outraged that a historic women's match had such focus on a male talent. As a result, the bout was ran back on SmackDown, but Carmella won once again.
#3. R-Truth main evented Capitol Punishment on June 19th, 2011
The next entry on this list is the first and only Capitol Punishment Pay-Per-View. WWE aired the show live from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. in front of over 9,000 fans on June 19th, 2011.
The main card of WWE Capitol Punishment featured eight matches. Notable names who competed includes the likes of Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, The Miz, Christian, and Big Show, among others.
In a move that was quite surprising, especially in retrospect, the main event of the show featured R-Truth. A newly turned Truth went one-on-one with John Cena. John ultimately won in under 15 minutes, but this was still a major milestone for the-then future 24/7 Champion.
#2. Each member of The Shield were the WWE Champion at Money in the Bank on June 19th, 2016
One of the most interesting shows in modern history took place eight years ago. WWE held Money in the Bank on June 19th, 2016 and the show took place live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Over 14,000 fans were in attendance for what became one of WWE's most memorable PLEs of the 2010's. It was particularly noteworthy as each member of The Shield held the world title the same night, thanks to a cleverly booked program.
Roman Reigns walked into the show with the world championship and battled Seth Rollins. The Visionary shockingly defeated The Big Dog to win the gold. From there, Dean Ambrose cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and quickly dethroned Rollins. This meant that all three members of the popular fashion were world champions just moments apart.
#1. Stone Cold Steve Austin became a star at the King of the Ring on June 23rd, 1996
The final entry on this week's list dates back 28 years ago. The-then WWF held the 1996 King of the Ring event on June 23rd. The show aired live from the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Less than 9,000 fans were at the event to witness WWE history. King of the Ring 1996 featured both the semi-finals and the final of the prestigious King of the Ring Tournament, which was ultimately won by Stone Cold Steve Austin who last defeated Jake Roberts.
Following his big victory over Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Austin would cut his infamous Austin 3:16 promo. That win, this specific promo, and the momentum he gained would help catapult the Texan to new heights and he soon became the face of WWE.