10 Best King Of The Ring Winners
Sebastian Wright
Published Mar 28, 2026
One of the most iconic tournaments in professional wrestling — with the potential to catapult superstars to the apex of the industry — is the King of the Ring. The coronation of the winner offers a platform to captivate audiences and create timeless moments.
The kingdom belongs to whoever can endure the most punishment while scratching and clawing their way to the top. The winner not only gets the prestigious title and crown, but the almost immediate shift in momentum to become the top dog in the company.
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Although Baron Corbin is arguably one of the better heels of this era, his run as King of the Ring pales in comparison to the many who have taken the throne and left a legacy for the ages. Here are the 10 best King of the Ring winners.
10 William Regal
In the 2008 tournament that uniquely featured competitors from all three brands (Raw, Smackdown, and ECW), Regal dispatched of CM Punk by means of submission. He was the first wrestler to accomplish this feat.
On the following Raw, the former Lord Steven Regal refused to relinquish his position as GM and was attacked by Mr. Kennedy. Unfortunately, this feud and his reign were cut short that same night as a result of failing a drug test. Regardless, the unmistakable northern English accent, air of superiority, and well... regality made William Regal one of the most memorable King of the Ring winners.
9 Kurt Angle
A monstrous top rope belly to belly suplex to the 424 lb Rikishi not only showcased Kurt Angle’s amazing athleticism but got him the win at the 2000 King of the Ring tournament.
The victory was followed by a classic dorky backstage celebration where Angle tossed milk everywhere and in the process damaged Undertaker’s motorcycle. Luckily the American hero got out of there before suffering any repercussions from the Deadman.
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Angle’s victory propelled him into the main event scene with Triple H and The Rock. Later that year at No Mercy, Angle would use his intelligence, intensity, and integrity to win his first WWF Championship.
8 Edge
Edge won the 2001 King of The Ring tournament by defeating Kurt Angle, setting the stage for the “Rated-R Superstar's” superstardom as a singles star. His win was honored by the Stanley Cup-influenced trophy, much to the delight of hockey fans.
Edge opened Summerslam 2001 by winning the Intercontinental Championship causing a jealous Christian to turn on his best friend in their hometown of Toronto. Breaking up the classic tag team E&C, would result in success for not only Edge but also Christian.
7 Brock Lesnar
Lesnar entered the 2002 King of The Ring tournament where he was matched up against Steve Austin on the infamous Raw quarter-final match. Austin legitimately walked out of the WWE for eight months due to his frustration with creative, and the perception that the match would harm his character.
After a dominating performance at King of the Ring, The Beast went on to defeat The Rock for the title. He had unforgettable main event feuds with The Undertaker and Kurt Angle, all within 12 months of winning KOTR. He may not have worn a cape and crown but Brock was a fighting king and made the WWE his kingdom, and suplex city the capital.
6 Owen Hart
With the help of his brother-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Owen defeated Razor Ramon to become The King of Hart’s.
Seated in his throne and holding the scepter, Owen re-ignited his simmering sibling rivalry with Bret Hart. This feud would see the involvement of other members of the Hart dynasty trying to shift the balance between the two brothers.
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The rivalry led to a thrilling WWF Championship cage match between Owen and Bret at Summerslam 1994. Ultimately, Owen will be remembered as one of the greatest King of the Ring victors, and one of the best wrestlers in WWE history.
5 Bret Hart
Bret Hart stole the 1993 pay-per-view show by putting on stellar matches with each of his competitors. Bret used his technical prowess to defeat Bam Bam Bigelow in the finals with a victory roll. As "Mean" Gene Okerlund crowned the new king, The Hitman’s coronation was spoiled by Jerry Lawler, who proclaimed Hart a fraud.
Bret defiantly started the chant “burger king” and was struck down by Jerry Lawler's scepter. Bret would rise from this moment to continue his reign as a top player in the WWF until his departure to World Championship Wrestling after the infamous Montreal Screwjob.
4 Stone Cold Steve Austin
"Talk about your psalms, talk about John 3:16 — Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!"
This legendary post-match interview was the breakthrough moment for Stone Cold Steve Austin and laid the foundation for the attitude era. By pushing boundaries, and becoming the Texas Rattlesnake, Austin 3:16 became a household brand. The phrase would be synonymous with beer-drinking, stomping mudholes, and middle fingers.
RELATED: 10 Backstage Stories About Steve Austin We Can't Believe
This moment was a catalyst to the legendary career of Stone Cold, that saw him beat up the boss, win championships and become a main event star worldwide. Not to mention the creation of wrestling's most purchased T-shirt.
3 King Booker
"ALL HAIL KING BOOKER" was the incessant royal announcement familiar to every Smackdown fan in 2006, made by the five-time WCW champion and his wife, Queen Sharmell.
After a four year hiatus, the King of the Ring Tournament was revived in 2006 and saw Booker T win the crown against a popular, young Bobby Lashley.
RELATED: 10 Best Booker T Matches Of All Time
Booker T reigned over Smackdown with his crown, undeniably fake British accent, and pinky finger high in the air. He solidified his reign by winning his 6th World Heavyweight title from Rey Mysterio at the 2006 Great American Bash.
2 Harley Race
The legendary wrestler and promoter Harley Race had the moniker of "King" bestowed upon him shortly after entering the WWF in 1986. Harley came into the World Wrestling Federation from the NWA, having won eight World Championships.
Race won six matches, defeating Pedro Morales in the finals to become the 1986 King of the Ring. At Wrestlemania 3, he defeated Junkyard Dog in a Loser Must Bow match at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Harley Race would go on have an amazing career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. Sadly The King passed away on August 1, 2019, due to lung cancer.
1 The Macho King Randy Savage
The Macho Man entered the WWF in 1985 and in 1987 he won the King of The Ring tournament. But his true reign as king wouldn't come for another two years.
After defeating Jim Duggan in 1989, Macho Man took the title of “King” which originally belonged to Harley Race. The Macho King— managed by Queen Sherri — was born.
The duo donned crowns and were transported to the ring on a platform carried by servants. "Pomp and Circumstance" blared through the arena speakers. Despite being between championships during this period, the Macho King gimmick boosted Savage’s popularity with fans and helped maintain his credibility as a top performer.
