A match where the prize (usually a title belt or briefcase) hangs above the ring and the only way to win is to climb a ladder and retrieve it. No pinfalls, no submissions — just ladders, creativity, and the willingness to fall off high things. The Hardys, Edge & Christian, and the Dudleys turned ladder matches into an art form between 1999-2002. Ladders are also weapons — getting hit with a folded ladder is one of the worst bumps in wrestling.
"He's climbing! His opponent tips the ladder! He just fell fifteen feet to the mat. And he's getting back up because this is a ladder match and there's no other way to win."