The materialization of Paul Heyman’s teased turn on CM Punk finally came at WWE Money in the Bank, and Randy Orton emerges as the biggest beneficiary.
As the action-packed “All Star” Money in the Bank match drew to a close on Sunday’s show, it was Daniel Bryan who appeared en route to claiming the briefcase. But Paul Heyman client Curtis Axel made his presence felt, flattening Bryan and assuring the “Yes” man would not score the contract.
Even though it technically opened the door for his win, Punk’s ongoing frustration with Axel’s involvement reached a boiling point, and Punk delivered the GTS on the Intercontinental Champion. Upon doing so, Paul Heyman raced to the ring to chastise Axel for potentially costing “his guy” the chance to win Money in the Bank.
Despite the distraction, Punk remained in optimal position to win the match, and he began making his way up the ladder with Paul Heyman as cheerleader. As Punk neared the top, Heyman entered the ring and attacked Punk with another ladder, letting the “best in the world”–and the loud Philadelphia crowd–know that the days of the Heyman-Punk alliance are over.
Rob Van Dam tried to capitalize on the attack, but after connecting with an RKO from off the ladder, it was Randy Orton who ended up grabbing the briefcase and guaranteeing himself a WWE Championship shot.
— Earlier in the night, Damien Sandow betrayed partner Cody Rhodes to win the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank match. John Cena retained the WWE Championship, while Alberto Del Rio kept his WHC gold. AJ Lee defeated Kaitlyn in an undercard Divas Championship bout. Complete WWE Money in the Bank Results here!