The King of the Ring tournament is one of WWE's most storied and beloved traditions, known for elevating the careers of many wrestlers who participated in and won the event. Introduced in 1985, the tournament has a rich history characterized by memorable matches, legendary winners, and pivotal moments that have shaped professional wrestling.
Origins and Early Years (1985-1989)
The King of the Ring tournament was first held on July 8, 1985, at the Sullivan Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Unlike many WWE events of the era, the inaugural King of the Ring was not broadcast on television, making it a unique attraction for live audiences. Don Muraco won the first tournament, establishing the format as a single-elimination competition where wrestlers battled through multiple rounds in one night.
Over the next few years, the tournament continued as a non-televised event. Notable early winners included Harley Race (1986), who adopted the moniker "King" Harley Race, and Randy Savage (1987), who later became the iconic "Macho King" after winning the crown. The tournament gained popularity due to its ability to elevate mid-card wrestlers to main event status.
Television Era and the Rise of the King (1993-2002)
In 1993, WWE decided to elevate the status of the King of the Ring by making it an annual pay-per-view event. The inaugural pay-per-view took place on June 13, 1993, in Dayton, Ohio, and was won by Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Hart’s victory showcased his technical prowess and storytelling ability, setting a high standard for future tournaments.
The 1996 tournament is particularly significant due to the birth of the "Stone Cold" Steve Austin era. After winning the tournament by defeating Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Austin delivered his now-iconic "Austin 3:16" promo, which catalyzed his rise to superstardom and helped usher in the Attitude Era.
During this period, the King of the Ring became a platform for launching new stars. Triple H won the 1997 tournament, further solidifying his path to becoming one of the top figures in WWE history. Similarly, Kurt Angle’s victory in 2000 helped establish his character as a dominant force in the company.
Decline and Revival (2006-2015)
After the 2002 tournament, WWE discontinued the annual pay-per-view event, opting to feature the tournament sporadically. The King of the Ring was revived as a special tournament held on episodes of Raw and SmackDown. Booker T’s victory in 2006 is memorable for his transformation into the over-the-top character King Booker, complete with a British accent and a royal court.
The tournament continued to be an occasional event, with notable winners including William Regal in 2008 and Sheamus in 2010. These victories were instrumental in showcasing their in-ring abilities and character work, although the prestige of the tournament had waned compared to its peak years.
Modern Era and Recent Tournaments (2019-Present)
In recent years, WWE has sought to restore the prestige of the King of the Ring. The 2019 tournament saw Baron Corbin emerge victorious, embracing his role as King Corbin with a mix of arrogance and brutality that suited his character. The most recent tournament, held in 2021, crowned Xavier Woods as the winner. Woods, a lifelong fan of the tournament, brought a renewed sense of passion and excitement to the event.
Legacy and Impact.
The King of the Ring tournament has played a crucial role in WWE’s history, serving as a springboard for many of the company’s biggest stars. From "Stone Cold" Steve Austin’s rise to the emergence of characters like King Booker, the tournament has consistently been a platform for showcasing talent and developing new storylines.
Despite periods of inactivity, the King of the Ring remains a beloved tradition in WWE, with each tournament carrying the potential to create the next breakout star. As WWE continues to evolve, the King of the Ring stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of competition and the crowning of new kings in the world of professional wrestling.