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WWE and its fans are geared up for an exciting second half of 2021, with the year's final months possibly featuring the returning King of the Ring tournament.
According to WrestleVotes, it is among a few themed events that may be brought back later this year or early next year. While other concepts have been discussed, quite a buzz has surrounded the potential of a King of the Ring tournament this year.
King Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura are feuding over the former's crown, which he won in the 2019 King of the Ring tournament. This may be the first seed planted towards its return, although the prize should be different.
WWE could add some stakes to King of the Ring if it does return, instead of simply giving the winner a 'King' gimmick. Corbin is proof that it does not work anymore. Hopefully, the winner receives a WWE or Universal Championship match.
Anyway, with that in mind, here are five WWE Superstars who should enter and possibly win the King of the Ring tournament if it returns in 2021.
#5 Xavier Woods has been vocal to WWE in wanting to win King of the Ring
When speaking of a potential King of the Ring tournament in 2021, the very first name that should pop up is Xavier Woods. The New Day member has made it no secret how much he loves the King of the Ring tournament. In fact, it is his favorite thing in wrestling.
Woods is desperate to become King of the Ring and was bitterly disappointed when WWE did not include him in the 16-man field for the 2019 tournament. With all the talk of it returning, he has been pretty vocal recently about his desire to enter and win the (hopefully eventual) King of the Ring tournament.
WWE can tell a compelling story as Woods attempts to find his way to the final. His obsession with King of the Ring could allow the company to give him a substantial run as a singles star, even for a short period. The multi-time Tag Team Champion is too good an in-ring storyteller not to have one.
Xavier Woods' persistence with King of the Ring should pay off, whenever the next tournament is. Other than ensuring Kofi Kingston becomes WWE champion, winning King of the Ring has been his biggest goal in the company. This is his destiny.
#4 WWE could maintain Cesaro's push by making him King of the Ring
The King of the Ring tournament is a fantastic storytelling device and can help in building stars. Right now, Cesaro is among the top babyfaces in WWE. He is in a heated program with Seth Rollins, having recently taken Roman Reigns to his limit for the Universal Championship.
The company has to ensure Cesaro remains strong following his feuds against Rollins and Reigns. One way in doing so is having him go all the way in the returning King of the Ring tournament. A concept like that is perfect for the Swiss Superman.
Cesaro's in-ring skills are worthy of him being called King of the Ring. They would be put to the test over the course of this potential tournament as he would battle a host of names from SmackDown or RAW.
If King of the Ring is brought back as a one-night tournament, Cesaro's endurance would make him an instant favorite to go all the way. It would be a valiant effort from a tremendous babyface, while WWE could keep him near the top of the card for a potential world title push down the line.
#3 Kevin Owens would be a great King of the Ring winner on WWE SmackDown
Speaking of babyfaces WWE should look to keep strong, Kevin Owens is another potential King of the Ring winner. The former Universal Champion is phenomenal in the ring, and similarly to Cesaro, would be a great babyface option to go all the way in the tournament if it does happen.
KO is currently feuding with Sami Zayn, having spent some time around the Intercontinental Championship scene. WWE can definitely do more with him. However, a push towards world title contention may be out of the question.
Owens unsuccessfully challenged Universal Champion Roman Reigns thrice last winter. so he is better served just below the main event scene. Winning the King of the Ring tournament seems like a great way to utilize him, especially considering his recent lack of tangible accolades in WWE.
The 'King' gimmick may be lazy booking, but an elite performer like Kevin Owens could pull it off. With that being said, WWE can book KO as the King of the Ring winner in multiple different ways. One of them could see him gradually turn heel over the course of the tournament and completing the turn in the final.
#2 Finn Balor could mark his return to the WWE main roster by winning King of the Ring
If WWE brings back King of the Ring, the concept could also involve NXT. It would make things even more interesting, while the in-ring action is improved. But whether the black-and-gold brand is a part of the potential King of the Ring tournament or not, Finn Balor very well might be.
His days in NXT may be coming to an end, with a return to the main roster seemingly imminent. Hopefully, after a brilliant run in WWE's third brand, Balor could be treated like the star he is back on RAW and SmackDown. One way to showcase him as such would be to mark his return with a King of the Ring victory.
Balor's in-ring work in NXT was off the charts, which would make him an instant favorite for such a tournament. A run to the final would do well to remind the casual WWE audience just how good he is.
The former two-time NXT Champion deserves a fresh start as a main-eventer after his climb to the top of the card ended heartbreakingly. Winning the King of the Ring tournament may be the perfect gateway for Finn Balor to return to the world title scene in WWE. If it happens, could we see the Demon King again?
#1 Sami Zayn could rise above WWE's "conspiracy" and win King of the Ring
As one of the most entertaining parts across all of WWE, Sami Zayn as King of the Ring could be gold.
The former Intercontinental Champion has been going on about a "company-wide conspiracy" against him for close to a year now. His promos have been incredible, garnering every bit of heel heat from the WWE fans he can. Meanwhile, Zayn has also done pretty well in the ring.
The Great Liberator has had some fun matches recently, during and after his run with the IC Title. He did so while furthering his story at every possible turn. Losing makes his character grow stronger. But what if this time, he keeps on winning? Victory in the King of the Ring tournament would be very interesting for Sami Zayn.
He could start making excuses for every match before they've even happened, before finding a way to win and claiming how he rose above the "conspiracy" against him. Zayn would be brilliant in the role of the accidental victor who was just trying to further his agenda.
If the King of the Ring tournament does return, he must be among the favorites to win it. In fact, WWE should book the final to be between Sami Zayn and Xavier Woods. Either outcome would be great. Either Woods fulfills his destiny or we get a brand new layer to the most annoying man in WWE - King Sami.
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