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WWE: The top five King of the Ring tournament winners so far

By Philip Lindsey

Randy 'Macho Man' Savage attending the N.A.T.P.E. Convention in Las Vegas. (Photo by Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty Images)
Randy 'Macho Man' Savage attending the N.A.T.P.E. Convention in Las Vegas. (Photo by Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Honorable Mention: William Regal

First, let’s give a nod to a personal favorite winner and a man who fit the mantle perfectly—William Regal. In 2008, the current NXT General Manager became the first English participant to win King of the Ring tournament on a special episode of Raw.

Regal had the presence, the character, and pedigree as a 30-year veteran to make a great King of the Ring. In addition, he was the acting General Manager of Raw, granting him more power than any other winner.

That image of him sitting on the throne with the robe and crown draped over it is emblematic of everything the title should mean. It could’ve been one of the highlights of his career.

Unfortunately, he was writing off WWE programming a few weeks later due to a second Wellness Policy violation. Regal was suspended for 60 days, and by the time he returned that summer the storyline was dropped.

Eventually, Regal got hold of his struggles with addiction, but it took its toll on his career. When he won King of the Ring, he was the hottest heel on the brand, and many speculated he could’ve been in line for a run as the World Heavyweight Champion.

Instead, he was part of a forgettable feud with Mr. Kennedy, before losing a Loser Gets Fired match. “The British Brawler” was never utilized as well again and his stalled run in 2008 remains a big what-if moment for many fans.

Still, he can’t be considered one of the best winners because he didn’t get a chance to do anything with the title.

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