5 WWE stars who shouldn't be in the King of the Ring tournament

WWE is set to host the King and Queen of the Ring tournament starting from next week's episode of RAW. While the brackets have not been revealed yet, the news has stirred excitement among fans. It is set to be a huge opportunity for the entire roster as the winners of the men's and women's tournaments will earn a shot at the respective world titles of their brands at SummerSlam this year.

However, there are a few names whose participation in this tournament would make no sense. Some of them are already in the middle of a high-profile storyline, while others are already champions on their brand. Hence, adding these names would take spots from worthy contenders who could actually get a boost from this contest.

Here are five WWE stars who should not be in the King of the Ring tournament:

5. Damian Priest

Damian Priest is a former World Heavyweight Champion and one of the top stars on SmackDown. However, adding him to the King of the Ring tournament could backfire due to several reasons. The Archer of Infamy has been receiving negative reactions from fans since defeating Drew McIntyre in the Steel Cage match at Saturday Night's Main Event.

His involvement in the United States Title picture is also another reason why he should stay away from the contest. There is a perception among fans that Priest is being over-pushed on the roster. Many believe that WWE is giving him unnecessary limelight to make him look like a top star. If the company inserts him in the KOTR tournament, it could further validate that belief.

Such a move could deal a massive blow to his character and cause an uproar among the fans, especially when WWE is trying to build him as a top babyface.

4. Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu has been red-hot as the reigning United States Champion on SmackDown. It does not look like WWE has plans to make him a double champion at SummerSlam this year. Therefore, if the company adds him to the King of the Ring tournament, Fatu would have to take a loss.

A defeat at this point could affect his dominant run as a champion on the blue brand. Besides, The Samoan Werewolf has been entangled in a storyline with Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. This storyline is at an interesting stage on SmackDown at this point and the WWE Universe also seems to be heavily invested in this.

If the creative team puts him in a KOTR tournament and that too at a time when his rift with Sikoa is about to pay off, this storyline would take a massive hit. Well, it could also end up being a huge creative blunder.

3. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker has recently joined Seth Rollins' faction and is operating on a whole new level. The 27-year-old is currently being portrayed as the powerhouse of this group on RAW. Given the current dynamic of the faction, it is pretty clear that only Rollins among them is chasing the world title right now.

It also seems like WWE is not planning to make Breakker a world champion this soon, and they might take some more time to build him. So, putting him in the King of the Ring tournament would make absolutely no sense. It will only affect his momentum if he ends up losing the contest, regardless of how it happens.

So the safest option for the creative team is to keep Bron Breakker away from the contest. Triple H could rather book him to win the World Tag Team Championship at some point down the line.

2. Penta

Penta is currently one of the most popular superstars on Monday Night RAW, who has been entertaining fans with his performances. Ever since he arrived in WWE, he has been a huge attraction in the mid-card division. While he does deserve to get his hands on the world title, his current booking does not indicate that.

The luchador has been involved in a feud with El Grande Americano on WWE RAW lately. By no means is he prepared to jump into the world title picture right away. Hence, putting Penta in the King of the Ring tournament could be another random decision from Triple H that would make no sense.

Besides, he has taken enough pinfalls lately and another setback and that too at a high-stakes tournament would affect his credibility.

1. Former Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes

While it could be debatable, the biggest name that should not be in the King of the Ring tournament is Cody Rhodes. He is currently wrapped up in a heated feud with Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena. If Rhodes were to enter the contest, it would look quite bizarre since he is already one of the biggest stars on the roster.

With a potential title shot already in sight after Money in the Bank, he doesn’t need to earn his opportunity. If WWE puts The American Nightmare in the tournament, it would mean that he would win it as well. Instead, the creative team could use this opportunity to elevate some other star and their journey to the world title.

Cody Rhodes' participation in the King of the Ring might look redundant since he is already in the world title picture. It could even garner huge backlash, with people once again saying that The Prodigal Son is being overpushed.