WWE SmackDown on **July 6, 2012**, delivered an intense showdown between **Christian** and **Cody Rhodes** in a high-stakes qualifying match for the **Money in the Bank World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match**. With both superstars eager to cement their legacy and earn a shot at the prestigious contract, the WWE Universe witnessed an electrifying contest filled with technical mastery, resilience, and jaw-dropping moments. Who emerged victorious? How did the match unfold? Let’s break down every crucial moment of this thrilling encounter.
### **The Road to Money in the Bank**
The **Money in the Bank Ladder Match** has always been a career-defining opportunity for WWE superstars. Holding the briefcase guarantees a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship anytime, anywhere. Both **Christian and Cody Rhodes** understood the importance of this match, and their rivalry leading up to this night added even more intensity to the contest.
🔥 **Christian**, a decorated veteran and former **World Heavyweight Champion**, was determined to reclaim championship gold. His experience in ladder matches gave him a significant edge, but he faced a tough challenge in Cody Rhodes.
🔥 **Cody Rhodes**, the rising star and former **Intercontinental Champion**, was hungry to prove himself. With his technical wrestling prowess and a newfound aggressive attitude, Cody was on a mission to solidify his status as a top contender.
As the bell rang, both superstars knew that only one of them could advance to **Money in the Bank 2012**.
### **The Match Begins: A Clash of Styles**
Right from the opening bell, Christian and Cody Rhodes wasted no time engaging in a fast-paced exchange.
🔥 **Christian used his veteran instincts** to control the early moments, countering Cody’s technical approach with quick arm drags and dropkicks. He maintained a steady pace, keeping Rhodes on the defensive.
🔥 **Cody Rhodes fought back fiercely**, targeting Christian’s surgically repaired shoulder. He locked in punishing submission holds and executed devastating knee strikes, trying to wear down the veteran. His methodical offense showcased his evolution as a future main-event player.
As the match progressed, the WWE Universe was on the edge of their seats, witnessing a battle of strategy and endurance.
### **Momentum Swings: High-Risk Offense and Near Falls**
🔥 **Christian countered Cody’s Beautiful Disaster kick with a mid-air dropkick**, shifting the momentum in his favor. He followed up with a diving European uppercut from the second rope, igniting the crowd.
🔥 **Cody refused to stay down**, delivering a brutal Alabama Slam that nearly secured him the victory. Frustration set in as he argued with the referee, giving Christian a moment to recover.
🔥 **In a breathtaking moment, Christian attempted a Killswitch, but Cody reversed it into a Cross Rhodes** The crowd erupted as Cody went for the pin, but Christian managed to kick out at **2.9 seconds**, leaving Rhodes in disbelief.
The back-and-forth action had fans wondering who would seize the opportunity to qualify for **Money in the Bank**.
### **The Final Moments: A Veteran’s Resilience vs. A Rising Star’s Determination**
With both superstars exhausted, the match reached its climax.
🔥 **Christian climbed to the top rope, attempting a Frog Splash**, but Cody dodged at the last second. Wasting no time, Rhodes hit a **disaster kick** to Christian’s jaw, sending him staggering into the ropes.
🔥 **Rhodes set up for another Cross Rhodes**, but Christian countered with a surprise **Killswitch** The impact was devastating, but Christian’s fatigue delayed the pin attempt. He crawled over and finally hooked the leg—**1…2… Cody kicked out**
The crowd erupted as both men struggled to their feet, knowing that one final move could decide their fate.
🔥 **In a last-ditch effort, Christian attempted a spear**, but Cody Rhodes dodged and rolled him up, using the ropes for leverage The referee, however, caught Cody’s illegal tactic and stopped the count. As Cody argued with the referee, Christian capitalized—**delivering a sudden Spear out of nowhere**
**1…2…3** The referee’s hand hit the mat, and Christian emerged victorious, securing his spot in the **Money in the Bank Ladder Match**.
### **Aftermath: What’s Next for Both Superstars?**
🔥 **Christian celebrated his hard-fought victory**, knowing that he had just punched his ticket to **Money in the Bank 2012**. His experience and resilience had once again proven why he remained a top-tier competitor in WWE.
🔥 **Cody Rhodes, despite the loss, left the ring furious but determined**. This setback wouldn’t deter him from his championship aspirations. If anything, it only fueled his hunger to prove himself further in the coming months.
### **Final Thoughts: A Match to Remember**
🔥 **Christian vs. Cody Rhodes on SmackDown (July 6, 2012)** was an instant classic, showcasing two elite competitors battling for a golden opportunity. The match had everything—technical excellence, near falls, high-impact maneuvers, and a dramatic finish.
🔥 **Christian’s victory added another layer of excitement to the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match**, as fans speculated whether his experience in ladder matches would give him the ultimate edge.
🔥 **For Cody Rhodes, this loss wasn’t the end—it was only the beginning.** His performance proved that he was ready for the main event scene, and bigger opportunities were waiting for him down the road.
**What do you think of this match? Did the right man win? Let us know in the comments below** 👇🔥