The King of the Ring had been a long concept within the WWE Company. Starting in 1985, we have seen numerous wrestlers become King of the Ring. In 2024, WWE will hold a special premium live event named King and Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia. The last time we saw this tournament was in 2021. But who will be the best WWE King of the Ring Winner?
The tournament has lost its prestige since the PG Era started in WWE. Although the tournament has occurred from time to time, it didn’t prove to be beneficial for the winners. This year’s tournament will be held under Triple H. The way things are going down, they have a special plan for whoever wins the tournament and becomes the King of the Ring. But before that, let’s look at every WWE King of the Ring winner.
Every WWE King of the Ring Winner
Winner | Year |
Don Muraco | 1985 |
Harley Race | 1986 |
Randy Savage | 1987 |
Ted DiBiase | 1988 |
Tito Santana | 1989 |
Bret Hart | 1991 |
Bret Hart | 1993 |
Owen Hart | 1994 |
Mable | 1995 |
Stone Cold “Steve Austin” | 1996 |
Triple H | 1997 |
Ken Shamrock | 1998 |
Billy Gun | 1999 |
Kurt Angle | 2000 |
Edge | 2001 |
Brock Lesnar | 2002 |
Booker T | 2006 |
William Regal | 2008 |
Sheamus | 2010 |
Bad News Barrett | 2015 |
Baron Corbin | 2019 |
Xavier Woods | 2021 |
Best WWE King of the Ring Winner
Booker T
Booker T had a decorated run as the King of the Ring. Booker won the crown at Judgment Day PPV in 2006. After the coronation, he became King Booker and adopted the gimmick quickly. He had his own King’s Court featuring Queen Sharmell, William Regal, and Finlay. Booker made his way into the main event scene with this win. He defeated Rey Mysterio and captured the World Heavyweight Championship. Some of the segments at the time featuring Booker T were comedic and fun to watch, especially the ones featuring The Boogeyman.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar won the 2002 King of the Ring three months after his WWE debut. It was an achievement in itself. But Lesnar didn’t stop. He earned a title shot and defeated The Rock at SummerSlam for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Brock became the youngest World Champion in WWE history at 25. The King of the Ring victory initially pushed Lesnar to new heights. He won the Royal Rumble in 2003 and had a famous feud with Kurt Angle. Thanks to that King of the Ring victory, Brock Lesnar became a household name just months after he arrived at the WWE Ring.
Triple H
Triple H became the King of the Ring in 1997. The victory meant so much in The Game’s career. He defeated Owen Hart at WrestleMania 14 for the European Title. Triple H made the DX faction after this win. The faction involved Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and Rick Rude. He was portrayed as their leader. He found his groove in that short stint as the King of the Ring and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever.
Bret Hart
Bret Hart won the King of the Ring crown twice, consecutively in 1991 and 1993. 1991, he rose in the cards and was elevated to the Intercontinental Championship. With the second KOTR win, he became a certified main eventer. The Hitman captured five World Titles during his time in WWE. Many consider him the best in professional wrestling.
Stone Cold “Steve Austin”
Stone Cold “Steve Austin” won the King of the Ring 1996. Austin 3:16 was born that day. Stone Cold cut his iconic 3:16 promo after his King of the Ring win against Jake “The Snake” Roberts. The day turned Austin’s career, and he became the biggest star ever in the wrestling business. The Texas Rattlesnake went on to win numerous accolades within WWE, but that wouldn’t happen if there hadn’t been a King of the Ring tournament in 1996. He also entered the list of Top 5 Wrestlers with Most Eliminations.
Honorable Mention: Harley Race
Harley Race won the 1986 King of the Ring. To mention him here is necessary because he did some of the most heelish acts as the King. Legendary Bobby Heenan was the manager of Harley Race at the time. After winning a match, Race would force his opponent to bow down to him. In addition, Heenan would even make them kiss the King’s feet after a match.
That’s all, folks. Are you excited for WWE King and Queen of the Ring 2024? Who is the Best WWE King of the Ring Winner?