4 stars who should not win WWE King of the Ring 2025

General Managers Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce revealed that the King of the Ring Tournament would be returning during SmackDown last week. The tournament then officially began the following Monday on RAW.

Sami Zayn was the first man to advance to the semi-final. On SmackDown tonight, there will be two Fatal 4-Way Matches to decide the next two stars to advance. A fourth contest will then take place on Monday Night RAW next week.

There are numerous great wrestlers in the tournament. Fans have been debating who could and should win. However, there are some names that WWE should not book to become this year's King of the Ring.

This article will take a look at four stars who shouldn't win the 2025 edition of the tournament. It includes a recent world champion, a star who has lost a lot of luster, and beyond.

Below are four stars who should not win the 2025 WWE King of the Ring Tournament.

#4. Jey Uso needs a break from the top of the WWE card

Jey Uso is an unbelievably popular WWE star. While he spent years as a tag team performer, he broke out as a singles wrestler over the past few years and even won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41.

Fan speculation had been going wild for days now. WWE RAW General Manager Adam Pearce revealed there was a mystery spot in the King of the Ring Tournament, and fans assumed it could be a returning Ilja Dragunov, Roman Reigns, or even El Grande Americano.

Instead, the mystery spot has gone to Jey Uso, which is quite disappointing. Uso has been in the main event picture a lot lately, especially with Gunther. He needs a rest. Being in the tournament isn't necessary, but winning it would be outright bad.

#3. Damian Priest should focus on the United States Title

Damian Priest has surpassed all expectations in WWE. In NXT, he captured the North American Championship. On the main roster, Priest has held the United States Title, tag team gold, and even the World Heavyweight Championship.

While Priest is likely best known for being part of The Judgment Day, he is on his own on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Now, his goal appears to be singles titles again, and one championship appears to be his primary focus.

Priest wants the United States Championship. Jacob Fatu currently holds the gold, and the two have had a few exciting battles in the past. The Archer of Infamy put The Samoan Werewolf on notice and made it clear they'll clash soon. Instead of winning the King of the Ring, Priest should instead focus on the United States Title. Let somebody else challenge for a world title.

#2. Shinsuke Nakamura would not be very interesting

Shinsuke Nakamura is a pro wrestling legend. Before joining WWE, Nakamura was one of the biggest stars in Japan. In the Stamford-based promotion, he has held the Intercontinental Title, the United States Title, and the NXT Championship, among other accomplishments.

Nakamura hasn't had many significant storylines over the past year. He and Cody Rhodes had a rivalry that was fun enough, and his brief feud with LA Knight was okay. Overall, though, the King of Strong Style tends to stay away from any important stories.

Truthfully, that's likely for the best. While Nakamura is a legend, he has been a bit dull in 2025. He doesn't move quite like he used to, and his character feels stale. Nakamura has a great legacy, but he shouldn't be King of the Ring.

#1. Randy Orton doesn't need the King of the Ring

Randy Orton is one of the best to ever do it. He is a 14-time world champion in WWE and will likely be a Hall of Famer before he even hangs up his boots. His career has been incredible to witness.

The Viper recently headlined Backlash in St. Louis. He took on his long-time rival, John Cena, for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The two put on a banger, but Orton failed to dethrone the champion.

While Orton is always great to see, the truth is, he doesn't need to win the King of the Ring Tournament. He can be in the main event picture whenever Triple H and World Wrestling Entertainment officials say so. He has a permanent connection with the crowd, and thus, he'd be a wasted winner.