In a Ladder Match, an object is hung high above the center of the ring on a hook attached to a cable that extends from the arena’s ceiling. The only way to win the match is to retrieve the object by using a ladder to reach it.
Since the match can only be won by retrieving the object, no pinfalls or submissions are required. There are also no count-outs or disqualifications, allowing ladders (besides being used to reach the prize) to be employed as weapons, surfaces to crash opponents onto, launching pads for aerial maneuvers, or used in any other creative way. All other types of weapons are also permitted.
This stipulation is typically used when there is something tangible at stake, such as a championship belt, a contract, or a title shot. The prize is the object that is hung on the hook and must be taken to win the match.
A Ladder Match can be contested in various formats, including singles, tag team, triple threat, fatal four-way, and others.
Shawn Michaels and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff & Matt Hardy) are particularly known for their contributions to popularizing this stipulation and making it a specialty.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
One famous variant is the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, a staple of WWE. Since 2010, WWE has also hosted a dedicated pay-per-view event for this match type. In this match, a variable number of wrestlers (initially 6, but now ranging from 5 to 10 participants) compete under the standard rules of a Ladder Match.
The winner is the first to retrieve a briefcase suspended above the ring. The unique feature of this match is the contract inside the briefcase, which grants the winner a title shot at any time of their choosing (see Money In The Bank).
Casino Ladder Match
The Casino Ladder match, introduced by All Elite Wrestling, is a twist on the Casino Battle Royale. In this match, a poker chip is suspended above the ring, with a ladder available for use as a weapon. It begins with two wrestlers, and a new competitor joins every two minutes.
The winner is the first wrestler to retrieve the poker chip, earning a future AEW World Championship match at their discretion. The match can be won before all participants have entered.
TLC Match
The TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) match is a variation of the Ladder match that also incorporates Tables and Chairs. In this stipulation, in addition to ladders, tables and chairs are legal weapons and can be used to inflict damage on opponents or to set up spots within the match.
The objective remains the same: to retrieve the object hanging above the ring using a ladder, but the added elements make the match even more chaotic and dangerous.
Ladder Match: Info
- Date Established October 5, 1972
- Match Category Weapon-Based
- Variant of Singles Match Tag Team Match Multi-Competitor Match (3-Way / 4-Way / 5-Way / 6-Way) Tornado Tag Team Match
- N. of Competitors 2 - 8
Ladder Match: Main Variants
Ladder Match: Stipulation Variants
Below you find the possible stipulations that can be put on the line in a Ladder Match:
