Ladder matches are a thrilling part of professional wrestling, blending drama with high-risk stunts. From their roots in Canada’s Stampede Wrestling to becoming a global spectacle, these matches evolved into fan favorites.
WWE popularized ladder matches with legendary battles like Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon. Today, ladder matches remain a staple in promotions worldwide, offering unforgettable moments that display the grit and skill of the wrestlers who climb to victory.
Ladder Match: How It All Started
The ladder match began in 1972 in Canada’s Stampede Wrestling. Dan Kroffat introduced the idea of suspending a prize above the ring, which wrestlers would climb a ladder to retrieve. The concept captivated fans with its blend of suspense and athleticism.
After its success in Stampede Wrestling, the idea spread to other promotions. By the 1980s, ladder matches were held in the AWA and other territories, adding more drama to wrestling events.
WWE adopted the format in 1992 after Bret Hart, who was familiar with the match from Stampede Wrestling, suggested it. The first WWE ladder match featured Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. It gained wider recognition at WrestleMania X in 1994 when Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon delivered a thrilling bout.
This iconic match brought the ladder match into the spotlight, making it a staple of wrestling events worldwide. Its unique blend of storytelling and high-risk action remains popular today.
How Ladder Matches Evolved and Gained Motion on the International Stage
Ladder matches started as a niche concept but quickly grew in popularity and spread across the world. From its humble beginnings in Stampede Wrestling to becoming a major attraction in WWE and other international promotions, the ladder match evolved significantly, gaining global attention. Let’s explore how ladder matches evolved and gained motion in international wrestling.
WWE’s Adoption and Innovation
While ladder matches were gaining popularity in other promotions, WWE (then WWF) took notice in the early 1990s. Bret Hart, who had seen the ladder match in Stampede, pitched the idea to Vince McMahon. After testing the concept in a non-televised match, the first WWE ladder match happened in 1992, featuring Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.
- 1992: WWE’s First Ladder Match – This match was an important step in ladder match history. It proved successful enough for WWE to introduce the concept to a larger audience.
- 1994: WrestleMania X – Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon had an unforgettable ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship. This match was a game-changer. It became a classic and set the stage for more ladder matches in WWE. The match was one of the first to show the emotional storytelling, high-risk moves, and dramatic moments that would become hallmarks of ladder matches in the years to come.
Rise of Multi-Person Ladder Matches and TLC
In the late 1990s, WWE introduced more complex forms of the ladder match. This included multi-person matches and the creation of the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match. The rise of the Attitude Era added to the chaotic appeal of ladder matches, leading to even more dramatic moments.
- 1998: SummerSlam – Triple H vs. The Rock – The rivalry between Triple H and The Rock brought ladder matches to new heights. Their SummerSlam 1998 match became a defining moment in both of their careers, showing how the ladder match could elevate talent.
- Tag Team Ladder Matches – The ladder match wasn’t just for singles competition. Tag teams like The Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian, and The Dudley Boyz made ladder matches their own. The three-team ladder match at WrestleMania 16 (2000) is one of the best examples of this evolution. The match’s chaos and high spots made it one of the greatest tag-team matches in WWE history.
Introduction of Money in the Bank
In 2005, WWE introduced the Money in the Bank ladder match, a new twist that would change the future of ladder matches. Six WWE Superstars competed in this match for a briefcase that contained a contract for a future World Championship match. Edge won the first Money in the Bank match at WrestleMania 21, and the idea quickly became a staple of WWE’s programming.
- 2005: Money in the Bank – The first match included Edge, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, and Christian. It introduced the element of a contract, making the ladder match more than just a contest for a physical prize. The match added drama and uncertainty, as Superstars could cash in their briefcase at any time.
- 2010: Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View – Due to its success, WWE made Money in the Bank its annual event, starting in 2010. The match format continued to evolve with more competitors, higher stakes, and greater chaos.
Global Expansion of the Ladder Match Concept
While WWE’s ladder matches became iconic, the concept spread to other wrestling promotions, both in North America and internationally.
- Japan – The ladder match was slow to catch on in Japan. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the idea was introduced to Japanese wrestling, with IWA Japan hosting a ladder match in 1995 between Shoji Nakamaki and Crypt Keeper. New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) also had its first ladder match in 2007.
- AEW and Beyond – In more recent years, AEW has embraced the ladder match format with their versions, including the Casino Ladder Match. AEW has added unique twists, such as the use of casino chips and multiple wrestlers, keeping the ladder match fresh and exciting for fans worldwide.
The Ladder Match Today
Today, the ladder match remains one of the most exciting and high-stakes contests in wrestling. It has evolved into various forms, such as the Money in the Bank ladder match, the Casino Ladder Match in AEW, and multi-team TLC matches.
The ladder match has moved beyond WWE, becoming a popular format in promotions around the world. Its international appeal continues to grow, and it remains a staple of modern wrestling, loved for its high-flying, high-impact action, and dramatic moments.
